More iCal 1.5 and iSync 1.2 Details

[MacRumors]

From the most recent Panther builds, Apple's Help files offer these features for the upcoming revisions of iSync and iCal.


With iSync 1.2, you can synchronize calendar information on your Symbian mobile phones with the calendar information on your computers and other devices.



With iCal 1.5, you can do the following:

- More easily edit your calendars, events, and To Do items in the Info drawer.
- Customize your calendar colors. Choose from a list of colors or create your own unique tint.
Publish or subscribe to calendars on servers that are located behind a firewall (or that require you to use a proxy server).
- Use the new keyboard shortcuts to do more tasks more easily. For example, you can use your keyboard to select and edit multiple events at the same time, change the main calendar view, move events to another time or day, and more.
- "Snooze" your event alarms, so if you're in the middle of something you need to finish you can get a second reminder.
- Add alarms to your To Do items.
- Have an alarm that opens an application, document, or other item on your hard disk. For example, you can have iCal open an AppleScript that plays the songs in your iTunes library..
- Use shortcut menus to more easily create and change events.
- Choose a time zone for each event, or choose to see all your events in a different time zone. By default, events you create appear on your calendar based on your computer's time zone. When time zone support is turned on, you can change the time zone for a specific event and see it appear on your calendar adjusted for the selected time zone. You can also choose to see all events in the main calendar view appear in a different time zone; any new events you create appear in the main calendar view's time zone.

[VegetaPunk]

Does the alarm work now if you shut down or put your computer to sleep??? This should be fixed before they add any more bells and whisles to it... imo

[J@ffa]

Come on Apple... hurry up with the releases of these 2 already!

[Freg3000]

Tuesday anyone? Maybe. I need something to tie me over until Panther ships.

[xjohn]

does anyone know if it's possible to have notes attached to to-do items in the new iCal?

the lack of this keeps me from using iCal for to-dos.

(or am i missing something?)

[boobers]

after you've created something on the calander then double click on the item and you get a whole bunch extra stuff.

[MarksEvilTwin]

Removed

[xjohn]

it's got notes for events, but not for to-do's, which seems strange.

i often want to keep notes for a task i'm working on, but rarely for an event.

but i suppose (and hope) I'm probably still missing something...:)

[akac]

My Panther iCal 1.5 has a note field for the tasks.

[xjohn]

Great! Looking forward to Panther!

Mark, I like your idea, and I think I'd use it too, but I imagine that Apple would consider it too advanced for iCal.

On the other hand, I'm pretty sure that 1.5 will allow duplication of event, and that, in combination with repeated events, would provide at least an approximation of what you're looking for.

[cnladd]

Originally posted by VegetaPunk
Does the alarm work now if you shut down or put your computer to sleep??? This should be fixed before they add any more bells and whisles to it... imo

I doubt many programs will work after you shut down your computer. :)

I agree, though, that it would be nice if it woke from sleep. I know that Panther incororporates this feature, but I can't remember if it was available for use from other apps. I'm sure iCal would take advantage of it, though. (I'd test, but I wiped my Panther install some time ago due to app incompatibility.)

[mnkeybsness]

here's a preview from 7B68, running iCal v1.5.1

[mnkeybsness]

and another with the version number

[VegetaPunk]

I doubt many programs will work after you shut down your computer.

I agree, though, that it would be nice if it woke from sleep. I know that Panther incororporates this feature, but I can't remember if it was available for use from other apps. I'm sure iCal would take advantage of it, though. (I'd test, but I wiped my Panther install some time ago due to app incompatibility.)

entourage worked when shut down, what I mean is that after you start up it warns you of any events that were to go off when you were shut down (this also applies to being asleep).... otherwise theres no point to the iCal alarms because I never let my computer run all day long its shuts down or goes to sleep.

[elo]

Hopefully, this has my favorite feature from Palm Desktop (which, sadly, doesn't work on the current iCal or any version of Palm Desktop for Windows): It should be possible to create different categories (or calendars in iCal) and have those sync to different categories on the Palm. This is especially useful if you are running DateBk5 on the Palm, which lets me keep category colors consistent between my Palm and my Mac.

If iCal 1.5 has this, I'll switch.

elo

[cnladd]

Originally posted by VegetaPunk
entourage worked when shut down, what I mean is that after you start up it warns you of any events that were to go off when you were shut down (this also applies to being asleep).... otherwise theres no point to the iCal alarms because I never let my computer run all day long its shuts down or goes to sleep.

Not the same as "working when [the computer] is shut down", but I see what you mean. ("the computer" added for context, as the original post talked about having the application work while the computer was shut down or asleep.)

That's a feature of Outlook and other personal "productivity" applications that I've always hated. I don't need to waste my time closing alert windows that are warning me that a meeting happened four hours ago. I care more about learning what's coming up, and want an application that will help me focus on and plan for that.

There's one feature that I wish iCal would provide: a nice textual summary or agenda. It should include options for an entire day, week, or all future events (with a variable range.) iCal's calendar printouts are gorgeous but the textual list of upcoming events would be better suited for my needs.

(This also touches on the need for more printing options. One particular annoyance is having to go into the preferences and switch to the five-day-per-week view before printing my calendar for work, then switch back to the seven-day-per-week view. I prefer to view the entire week on screen, but use a work-week view on the printout. I leave the print out on my desk, in the open, and "advertising" my weekend schedule isn't wholly appropriate.)

[zach]

Hunh, this sounds pretty cool. I don't really have a use for iSync other than what is already implemented, but the iCal update sounds real nice.

I am wondering, like elo, whether or not it can sync calendars to different Palm categories. Anyone with Panther iCal 1.5 wanna check?

::gets down on knees and begs::

[GregGomer]

I hope they improve printing. So that it prints out the calendar full page, wihtout all the extras they add that take up margins.

As well, it would be way way way cool if it added some printing options. I.e. print as a Wall Calendar, changing font size to make wall calendar prints readable, or format to fit as a Franklin Planner insert etc etc. Probably won't happen, but would be cool if it did!

[appleguru1]

I just checked iCal 1.5.1 out....

I am wondering, like elo, whether or not it can sync calendars to different Palm categories. Anyone with Panther iCal 1.5 wanna check?

It doesn't appear so. At least from iCal. The new iSync may have this abilty, but I've yet to check it out.

Currently, my biggest gripe with iCal is the inabilty to make stuff repeat, say, every 7 days EXCLUDING WEEKENDS. This makes using my school calendar nearly impossible, as it is designed in such a way that we never have the same classes on the same days of the week (7 day schedule, 5 day week).

[inkswamp]

All I want from iCal is the ability to publish my to do list or calendar locally instead of using .Mac. If it still lacks that, then it's still pretty much useless to me. I'd love to use iCal for more than I use it now, but where I work, I use multiple machines throughout my night, and I'd love to be able to have my primary machine automatically publish my to do list to my machine's web site so I can view it from other machines. I understand that iCal is one of the apps that Apple is using to drive people to .Mac subscriptions, but it would be good if they offered some alternative.

[JW Pepper]

I think that it is a shame that I still can't book an appointment for say 9-10am Monday to Friday. I have to make five separate appointments.

[leenoble]

I requested a 'System' calendar which you could use to schedule tasks when the first version came out.
Now with Applescript you can effectively set cron jobs with iCal.

I know Backup actually sets a cron task for scheduled backups as I can see it when I open Cronnix but iCal doesn't seem to do it like that at present. Has this changed?

Seeing as Panther supports automatic startup, and user scripts can be run by multiple users without logging in, then presumably if you could set startup times using AppleScript it SHOULD be possible to schedule just about anything you like whether the computer is on or not, just using iCal.

[mvc]

Originally posted by leenoble
Seeing as Panther supports automatic startup, and user scripts can be run by multiple users without logging in, then presumably if you could set startup times using AppleScript it SHOULD be possible to schedule just about anything you like whether the computer is on or not, just using iCal.

Seems like a strange juxtaposition, using a candy coloured Aqua app to schedule deeply geeky command line operations. I like it! ;)

[coolfactor]

Originally posted by inkswamp
All I want from iCal is the ability to publish my to do list or calendar locally instead of using .Mac.

Take another look at the Publish options. You can publish to *any* WebDAV server, so there you go.

Smile and be happy.

[coolfactor]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
I think that it is a shame that I still can't book an appointment for say 9-10am Monday to Friday. I have to make five separate appointments.

If I'm reading this correctly, you're missing something. iCal offers an easy way to setup repeat events in dozens of different combinations. Take a closer look, and you'll see you can do exactly what you want.

Repeat Weekly, then turn on the days to repeat. Works great.

[Blaaze]

Originally posted by appleguru1
Currently, my biggest gripe with iCal is the inabilty to make stuff repeat, say, every 7 days EXCLUDING WEEKENDS. This makes using my school calendar nearly impossible, as it is designed in such a way that we never have the same classes on the same days of the week (7 day schedule, 5 day week).

I ran into the same problems at the start of the school year. So I asked some fellows in the MR chat, and they told me to mess around with the duplication settings. Not very descriptive at the time, but it worked out.

[appleguru1]

"I ran into the same problems at the start of the school year. So I asked some fellows in the MR chat, and they told me to mess around with the duplication settings. Not very descriptive at the time, but it worked out."

Doesn't really help me: My events don't ever occur on the same days. I want to be able to repeat every seven days, but not on the weekends (So really every nine days, but excluding weekends, and on all weekdays)

[arad]

That's a feature of Outlook and other personal "productivity" applications that I've always hated. I don't need to waste my time closing alert windows that are warning me that a meeting happened four hours ago. I care more about learning what's coming up, and want an application that will help me focus on and plan for that.

I think you are missing the point. I sometimes set alarms to go off one day in advance. Then I'll snoze them for 8 hours at a time. If my computer is not on exactly one day in advance I will not receive the alarm even though it is still prior to the actual event. I too would like expired alarms to go off the next time I wake my computer. This is how Palm and Entourage work.

[Macmaniac]

I am really looking forward to multiple colors since we ran out of event colors so some catogories have the same color.
1.5 will be downloaded right away!

[akac]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
I think that it is a shame that I still can't book an appointment for say 9-10am Monday to Friday. I have to make five separate appointments.

Why can't you do that? Create one appointment. Set it to repeat weekly and choose M, T, W, Th, F.

That'll do it.

[displaced]

At present, I think the iCal Helper background task runs every so often, and schedules any reminders for up-coming events...

What'd be cool would be if when you put the machine to sleep, the Helper looked for when the next alarm is due to go off, and programmed the auto-wakeup for a min or so beforehand so the machine can display the reminder.

Heck, even if this isn't incorporated into iCal, I betcha it's possible to rustle something up in AppleScript :)

I currently use RessurXtion (link (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/19830&vid=108023&mode=info)) to schedule power-ons in Jaguar. If it were scriptable (I've not investigated), I'm sure an enterprising soul could hook it all up!

[crees!]

Since alot of you have gripes, how about you go to Apple's site and send them an email about what you want changed? Telling Apple what you want sounds more productive than complaining on a rumor board. I haven't heard anyone yet mention that you should contact them about fixes and new features. There's wishing then there's telling them exactly what you want.

[mnkeybsness]

Originally posted by cnladd

(This also touches on the need for more printing options. One particular annoyance is having to go into the preferences and switch to the five-day-per-week view before printing my calendar for work, then switch back to the seven-day-per-week view. I prefer to view the entire week on screen, but use a work-week view on the printout. I leave the print out on my desk, in the open, and "advertising" my weekend schedule isn't wholly appropriate.)

this has been fixed in 1.5 ...when you go to print, choose iCal from the drop down menu and you are able to select the days to print and what time periods.

[mnkeybsness]

Originally posted by inkswamp
All I want from iCal is the ability to publish my to do list or calendar locally instead of using .Mac. If it still lacks that, then it's still pretty much useless to me. I'd love to use iCal for more than I use it now, but where I work, I use multiple machines throughout my night, and I'd love to be able to have my primary machine automatically publish my to do list to my machine's web site so I can view it from other machines. I understand that iCal is one of the apps that Apple is using to drive people to .Mac subscriptions, but it would be good if they offered some alternative.

you just need to make sure you internet sharing is on. i was doing this for a while. but then again...at the time i was running 10.2 server, so i'm not completely sure if you can publish locally or not with 10.2 user or 10.3 user.

[mnkeybsness]

Originally posted by Macmaniac
I am really looking forward to multiple colors since we ran out of event colors so some catogories have the same color.
1.5 will be downloaded right away!

you can now use the color picker to select ANY color you want!

[lmalave]

Originally posted by VegetaPunk
entourage worked when shut down, what I mean is that after you start up it warns you of any events that were to go off when you were shut down (this also applies to being asleep).... otherwise theres no point to the iCal alarms because I never let my computer run all day long its shuts down or goes to sleep.

Well, I'd be happy just to have iCal sync with .Mac, and then have .Mac send SMS notification to my Phone. This works great with the Yahoo! Calendar. So even if your phone can't sync with your computer, if it's SMS-enabled at least you can receive alarms for events and to-dos. iCal can also send alarms to my phone, but as you mentioned right now this feature is useless because I always put my iBook to sleep when I'm not home

[appleguru1]

Since alot of you have gripes, how about you go to Apple's site and send them an email about what you want changed? Telling Apple what you want sounds more productive than complaining on a rumor board. I haven't heard anyone yet mention that you should contact them about fixes and new features. There's wishing then there's telling them exactly what you want.

Already did (3 days ago) ;)

http://www.apple.com/feedback/ical.html

[coolfactor]

Originally posted by appleguru1
Doesn't really help me: My events don't ever occur on the same days. I want to be able to repeat every seven days, but not on the weekends (So really every nine days, but excluding weekends, and on all weekdays)

It may be a little extra work, but I suggest setting the repeat as suggested, then going back and deleting those events that fall onto weekends. There, it is possible, albeit not exactly what you want.

[appleguru1]

It may be a little extra work, but I suggest setting the repeat as suggested, then going back and deleting those events that fall onto weekends. There, it is possible, albeit not exactly what you want.

I wish it were that easy. Unfortunatly, by deleting the events on the weekends, they wont be moved up to the next non-weekend day. My schedule has 7 days. Every weekday, the "School 'Day'" Advances one. So, if thursday is day 2, friday is day 3, and monday is day 4. Saturday and sunday don't count. On Apple's part, this is really just a one liner...

[Pseudo Code]

excludeday1= 6;
excludeday2=7;
while (day==6 && day==7)
{
day++;
}

[/Pseduo Code]

Of course, that code wouldn't actually work, but its just an example to show how easy this really is to code, but how hard it is do do by hand.

[BWhaler]

Originally posted by appleguru1
I wish it were that easy. Unfortunatly, by deleting the events on the weekends, they wont be moved up to the next non-weekend day. My schedule has 7 days. Every weekday, the "School 'Day'" Advances one. So, if thursday is day 2, friday is day 3, and monday is day 4. Saturday and sunday don't count. On Apple's part, this is really just a one liner...

[Pseudo Code]

excludeday1= 6;
excludeday2=7;
while (day==6 && day==7)
{
day++;
}

[/Pseduo Code]

Of course, that code wouldn't actually work, but its just an example to show how easy this really is to code, but how hard it is do do by hand.

I think you should check out the previous post which explains how to do this. This is easily possible in iCal now. Just deselect the weekends on the repeat and your all set.

[evolu]

Originally posted by GregGomer
I hope they improve printing. So that it prints out the calendar full page, wihtout all the extras they add that take up margins.

You can do this in the current version. Select "Print", then click the "Copies and Pages" list pop-up and choose "iCal". From there you can choose what is printed and what is not...

[flyfish29]

Originally posted by GregGomer
I hope they improve printing. So that it prints out the calendar full page, wihtout all the extras they add that take up margins.

As well, it would be way way way cool if it added some printing options. I.e. print as a Wall Calendar, changing font size to make wall calendar prints readable, or format to fit as a Franklin Planner insert etc etc. Probably won't happen, but would be cool if it did!
Apple has a feedback button on the iCal web page on Apple.com as they request things you would like to see in iCal next revision. Please post there to improve it even more!

[cnladd]

With Mail.app's better Exchange support I've been hoping that they've improved support with iCal. Does anyone with the new iCal know whether this has been done yet?

Even if they don't support full Exchange syncing, I'd at least love to have the ability to accept or send meeting requests to Outlook/Exchange users using Mail and iCal.

[eduo]

Originally posted by cnladd
There's one feature that I wish iCal would provide: a nice textual summary or agenda. It should include options for an entire day, week, or all future events (with a variable range.) iCal's calendar printouts are gorgeous but the textual list of upcoming events would be better suited for my needs.

It doesn't cover all your needs, but you can see a list of all future events easily, by clicking in the little button that seems a bulleted list (or sideways exclamation marks, whatever) in the lower right section of the window of iCal, between the (i)nfo button and the Person (Address) button.

You can't print this list, tho' (I believe)

Eduo
--
Sony Clie UX50 Impressions
Hits, Misses and Wishlist:
http://www.eduo.info/archives/000039.html

[appleguru1]

I think you should check out the previous post which explains how to do this. This is easily possible in iCal now. Just deselect the weekends on the repeat and your all set.

It is possible that I am missing something, but by deslelecting the weekends, and telling it to repeat weekly, it repeats EVERY DAY except for the weekends. This is, needless to say, NOT what I want.

Attached is a scrrenshot in hopes of clarifying this. This is my schedule (7 different days, each class set to repeat every 9 days to get the 1st week right... What you see on saturady, in the second window, is supposed to be on monday.):

[ribos]

What insane school can make that sort of scheduling???

No surprise iCal does not support that sort of repeating events...

[Blaaze]

yeah man, that is some weird scheduling...

[leenoble]

By my reckoning your timetable should actually repeat itself every 5 weeks.
You would have to manually set up 5 weeks of your timetable (sorry, no help there) and then set every event to repeat every 5 weeks.
Of course by then you've probably had holidays and breaks which may or may not throw your repeats off kilter anyway.

Explain to your principal about the Gregorian calendar and how everybody else has been using it for centuries, well except one country in Africa where it's still 1987 or something.

[appleguru1]

Heh, ya, its crazy. But the point of it is to prevent having the same classes on the same days. (Which basically means that memorizing your schedule is... very hard).

[gujamin]

Originally posted by appleguru1
Heh, ya, its crazy. But the point of it is to prevent having the same classes on the same days. (Which basically means that memorizing your schedule is... very hard).

Why would having the same classes on the same days be a bad thing? If they're concerned about holidays and such, just make sure the holidays are spaced out over all the days!

[gujamin]

Originally posted by appleguru1
Heh, ya, its crazy. But the point of it is to prevent having the same classes on the same days. (Which basically means that memorizing your schedule is... very hard).

Why would having the same classes on the same days be a bad thing? If they're concerned about holidays and such, just make sure the holidays are spaced out over all the days!

BTW: Why aren't iCal and iSync released yet?!

[sparky76]

Don't rush it - look at 10.2.8!

[ianstanley]

Originally posted by appleguru1
I just checked iCal 1.5.1 out....

....


Currently, my biggest gripe with iCal is the inabilty to make stuff repeat, say, every 7 days EXCLUDING WEEKENDS. This makes using my school calendar nearly impossible, as it is designed in such a way that we never have the same classes on the same days of the week (7 day schedule, 5 day week).


Have you tried a custom repeat repeating daily every NINE days - works fine for me