Google Apps and Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 - don't hold your breath!

Okay we're all thinking, "GREAT - OUTLOOK on the Mac, SURELY we'd be able to get to Google Apps with it using the same procerss in Premier paid accounts as the PCs do."

umm. sadly.. no.

Because Google uses ActiveSync to allow connection from a smartphone to access their services it's very specific to smartphones. On the PCs, they use another connector to get Outlook into Google's services.

There is no current ETA for a connector for the Mac to goto Google Apps.

IMAP supposedly on the original Outlook 2011 release is still a little lacking, and syncing contacts from Outlook 2011 into Google.. we are waiting for a sync from outlook to addressbook. Then, from there you can sync addressbook into a google account.

So.. Why bother at all with Google Apps and the Mac? Personally I use Apple's Mail/iCal for my IMAP and calendaring. Contacts (I could sync via addressbook), but see no need as I have MobileMe running syncing for the phone (for contacts).

So - are you hanging out for Microsoft and Google to simplify your world?