>something else pops up asking if I wish to connect under
>Activesync (not installed on my PC as I've simply given
>up on that garbage),

ActiveSync used to cause me a fair amount of heartburn but for the past 6
months, with Vista and Bluetooth on my computers, it's a breeze, and problem
free: no cables and not a single misstep. I sit down at my desk in the
morning, select ActiveSync and Connect using Bluetooth on the phone (and
which computer, if they're both in range), and I'm in continuous sync mode
all day, plus I can drag and drop files (including nPOPuk files, as needed)
from one to the effortlessly. All of which is to say you might want to
revisit it at some point.

My work laptop has built-in Bluetooth. My home PC uses a USB thumbnail
sized, always available, Bluetooth adapter that plugs in the back and I
completely forget about. It's just there when I need it. It cost me 7
bucks, I think, either on eBay or from Tiger Direct.