Question about iTouches syncing and security

[Paula Sims]

OK, looks like my husband's & my Palm Zire 71's are on their last legs and we'll probably need to upgrade to an iTouch since I'm running Windoze 7. That said, I have a question about syncing & security.

Although our current PDAs are password protected, I understand the syncing is done in the cloud. That gives me the willies since I know that means it's not secure at all (I don't care what the other sites "promise"). We want/need something that'll keep our addresses, med information, cc information "safe". I don't care if they get our to do list, but not the personal info. Right now I just sync with my computer (we don't use bluetooth or anything like that) and the info is on our system. If we use most other apps, from what I can tell, the info is synced with someone else's server.

So can anyone recommend any apps that sync with the desktops without remote party having their hands on it? Also, where can I get info about iTouch security and such -- something easy that a dinosaur like me can understand. We don't care about the wifi, don't want a cell phone, just want a basic, quality, PDA.

Thanks

Paula

On Edit: We'd also like something that we can enter data from the desktop and have it sync with the iTouch.

[gmoney]

1. not sure I'd keep medical and CC information on the PDA

iTouch has an option for 4-digit passcode to use the device after a timeout period, and can be set to erase all data if 10 failed attempts are made.

[NYC Liberal]

2. By default, syncing with the iPod touch is done directly

through USB when you're connected to the computer, and it syncs your info (for Windows) from the standard Windows applications (Windows Address Book/Outlook Express, Windows Contacts or Microsoft Outlook 2003/2007 for contacts, Outlook 2003/07 for calendars and email accounts).

You can sync your Google info (contacts, calendars, email) over the air as well, but that's completely optional.

The only thing you need is iTunes which is a free download.

As for security:

You can set a 4-digit passcode (there is a way to set a longer alphanumeric password but you need to download another program to your computer to set some more advanced settings), choose how long before the passcode is required (immediately, or 5 min, 10 min, etc), and then you can also have it automatically wipe your iPod if the wrong passcode is entered 10 times.

Running out right now but let me know if there's anything you have questions on and I'll answer anything! :hi:

[Paula Sims]

3. Thanks so much -- any must have apps. . .

Both in terms of security and productivity (ie outliners, listmakers)?