First, the sync speed for WIN CE devices is finally approaching sanity. On my Micron 333Mhz desktop, syncing to a Casio C-105 was never faster, and certainly a lot easier. The first thing users will notice is a much quicker initial connection; previous editions of Active Sync seemed to take an eternity to even find the CE device when you docked it, let alone actually sync the contents in reasonable time. Next, the actual synchronization seems to be well speeded up as well-- updates to all the CE apps as well as installation of new apps is definitely faster, simpler and much improved in the latest version-- in other words, something that should have been standard in earlier versions is finally fixed.

Conversion settings, database imports, contention resolution and backup and restore features are also greatly expanded and have much-needed improvements in the user interface.

So what's to gripe about? First, there are still no options for loading or unloading Active Sync on demand. With too many apps running on desktops as it is, presuming that Active Sync should always be available is just plain hubris-- like many sophisticated sync software packages, the user should have a choice.

Along the same lines, I like have mobile applications loaded that sync with the net-- like AvantGo-- but hate to put up with automatic syncs just because Sync Now syncs everything-- or nothing. Syncing app by app would be great.

And finally, why does docking my CE device automatically assume I want to connect? Again, make that an option I can control.

Should you upgrade to Active Sync 3.0? Of course, it's free! And the benefits outweigh any possible risks. Is it a great application now? Let's just call it "much improved," and politely leave it at that.