ICal Limitations

Question

So I've recently decided to switch away from Microsoft Lookout in favor of Apple's Mail, iCal, etc. apps. As I begin to look at how to do this migration, it seems there are some very significant limitations to iCal. Note that I'm willing to stop using Exchange server entirely if it makes sense to do so.
* No ability to mark an appointment as "Tentative" (seems like a huge, glaring oversight unless I'm missing something...??)
* No ability to synchronize multiple calendars to categories on an Exchange server. And for that matter, iCal has no real concept of a category other than to create a separate calendar for each category you want.
* No ability to drag-and-drop an iCal entry to copy (make a duplicate) to another date you drop it onto--must manually duplicate the entry, open it, and change its date.
* Cannot have multiple time zones per event...if I have an event that starts in the Pacific time zone and ends in another (say, a flight takeoff and arrival time), I can't do this.
Is this correct, or am I missing something as to where to find these features? Also, what about plugins -- any plugins for iCal that folks recommend to improve on its functionality?
Dan

Answer 1

Hi dantrimble,
"No ability to mark an appointment as "Tentative" (seems like a huge, glaring oversight unless I'm missing something...??)"
Well, you can't mark an appointment as "Tentative" no, but you could simply put appointments that fit that category in a separate "Uncertain" calendar (To add a new calendar, click the "+" icon in the lower left corner of the window and type a name for the calendar).
"No ability to synchronize multiple calendars to categories on an Exchange server."
Well, if you require full synchronization with Microsoft's Exchange server, it might be best not to use iCal.
"No ability to drag-and-drop an iCal entry to copy (make a duplicate) to another date you drop it onto--must manually duplicate the entry, open it, and change its date.
To duplicate an event on a different date, simply hold down the option key (⌥) whilst you drag. You may also use the repeat options for the event if it occurs at the same time each week for example.
"Cannot have multiple time zones per event...if I have an event that starts in the Pacific time zone and ends in another (say, a flight takeoff and arrival time), I can't do this."
Yep, I think you're right… you cannot do this.
"Also, what about plugins…"
There are some plugins available, mostly to enable synchronization with third parties but there may be others.
Hope this helps, but I think if the features you mention are important to you, you might want to stick with Microsoft's offerings. However, it could just be a case of getting used to working in a simpler way…
Cheers
Sam
Message was edited by: Samtherocker