Windows/Mac/Linux: The OpenOffice.org2GoogleDocs extension imports documents from Google Docs and Spreadsheets to OpenOffice.org and exports from OO.org to GDocs so you can work with your docs both online and off as you see fit. Whether you're primarily a Google Docs or OO.org fan, this desktop-to-web integration seems like an excellent way to take your docs with you whether you're online or off, and if nothing else is a quick and simple way to backup your local documents to the internet. The OpenOffice.org2GoogleDocs extension is free, works anywhere you've installed OpenOffice.org (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Web site DocSyncer is looking to do similar things for your Microsoft Office docs, but right now it's in an invite-only beta. OO.org2GDocs is here right now.

Windows only: Monitor any folder on your PC and automatically add new music to iTunes with freeware application iTunes Folder Watch. Just point it to the folder you'd like to watch for new music and let it work its magic. iTunes Folder Watch monitors the folder (or folders) for new music (i.e., music that doesn't already exist in iTunes) and can add music either automatically or queue it for you to selectively choose songs you'd like to add to iTunes. I once described a command line method for the same thing, but iTunes Folder Watch is a much simpler and full-featured solution. iTunes Folder Watch is freeware, Windows only, requires .NET; it's currently in beta, so expect a few bugs. Thanks Galley!

With a new generation of iPods on the market this holiday season, your reliable old iPod may not seem as shiny as it once did. But with the help of third party applications and utilities, you can unlock tonnes of useful functionality you never knew was there and revive that aging iPod so it doesn't look quite so bad next to its successors. Whether new or old, the following 20 iPod utilities can help you get the most from your iPod.

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Windows only: Synchronise the contents of two folders, either across your home network or on the same PC with a free utility from Microsoft, SyncToy. The 2.0 beta's been released and gotten smarter since the first time we pointed out SyncToy, adding smart drive letter detection (for when your USB drive gets assigned a different drive letter when you plug it in) and a more robust mechanism to include or exclude files from the synchronise action. Great for sync'ing files from your desktop to a USB drive or between two different computers on your home network, Adam uses it to sync his iTunes library between PC's. The SyncToy 2.0 beta is a free download for Windows only.

Mac OS X only: Sync Your Windows Mobile Device and your Mac with freeware application SyncMate. In addition to syncing (which includes Address Book, iCal, bookmarks, notes, music, and photos), SyncMate boasts application installing, SMS management, and video and image conversion when copying to the device. Previously the go-to software for a Windows-Mobile-to-Mac sync was an application called Missing Sync, and despite its great features and interface, it costs a hefty $39.95. SyncMate—though still in beta—promises most of the same features but won't cost you a dime. I don't have a Windows Mobile device on hand to test this out, so if you give it a try let's hear how it worked in the comments.

All platforms: The Opera web browser's new Link function synchronises users' bookmarks, "Speed Dials" sites and customises toolbars across desktop and mobile browsers. The del.icio.us-like function is built into the just-released betas of Opera 9.5 for the desktop and Opera Mini 4, but users of the non-Java Opera Mobile—or any browser, for that matter—can head to link.opera.com to store their favorites. Opera Link requires a free sign-up, while the new Opera betas are a free download for Windows, Mac, Linux and cell phones.

The CyberNet weblog details how to seamlessly share a Firefox profile between a dual boot Ubuntu Linux and Windows installation by sharing the same profile folder in both OSes. It's a very simple trick that involves the Firefox Profile Manager, and it only takes a few steps to complete. On the other hand, if your goal is to share profiles between different computers, we've got you covered there, too.

If you've set up Gmail IMAP using Google's instructions, you may have noticed a couple of snags—namely that your Sent Mail, Drafts, and Deleted Mail aren't necessarily matching up as you'd expect between your email client and Gmail. To remedy this, you'll have to tweak a few advanced configuration settings in your client, and weblog 5ThirtyOne has the details. On the iPhone, for example:

1. Open 'Settings' > 'Mail' > [Your Gmail IMAP account] > 'Advanced'
2. Select 'Drafts Mailbox' > 'On the Server' > '[Gmail] Drafts'. Return to the 'Advanced' view.
3. Select 'Sent Mailbox' > 'On the Server' > '[Gmail] Sent Mail'. Return to the 'Advanced' view.
4. Select 'Deleted Mailbox' > 'On the Server' > '[Gmail] Trash'. Return to the 'Advanced' view.

Rather than mapping your Trash folder to Gmail's Trash, you'll want to select the "All Mail" mailbox—effectively removing the email from your inbox but not deleting it from your Gmail account altogether.

Also, in order to apply multiple labels to a message from your email client, you'll need to copy the message to every folder corresponding to the Gmail label you want. The post details the improved methods for setting up Gmail IMAP on both Mail.app and the iPhone, but these same basic steps should work with any desktop email client of your choosing. That said, Google still hasn't enabled our IMAP access, so if you give this a try, let us know how it works for you in the comments.

As reported late last night, some Gmail users are seeing IMAP support appear in the settings area of their account. This morning Google confirmed: IMAP just launched, and if you're not seeing it yet (like we're not, boo-hoo!) you will soon, as they are "rolling it out to everyone in the next few days." What does IMAP mean and what's the implication for you iPhone users? Image by News Blog.

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