Newbie converting from a Palm to iPod touch - calendar, contacts, etc.

Question

I'm a brand new iPod Touch (and Apple) user, and have the iPT 4G. I've a Palm Tx I'd like to convert data from, AND continue using the Palm Desktop unless there is something similar that will let me sync and see (on a PC) my To Dos, Memos, Calendar, and Contacts. I have searched and seen lots of postings on the Apple Discussions and the web in general about this...but they are all old and not specific to the 4G, and I'm not sure what might have changed.
Suggestions? I think I will need Outlook (no problem), but not sure what else? And can't figure out what Mobile Me is, and if I need that too?
And what app will replace my Memos???? I've hundreds of them, and they are one of the most important and used data sets for me.
Thanks for your suggestions!

Answer 1

I am considering purchasing the new touch, but am slightly different in that I've been using the original iphone for years. After much deliberation and evaluating how much use I really have on the device, in addition to shopping around for OTHER phones/devices, I realized that the games, music, camera, maps, contacts, calendar and apps are really the ones I use most. Now, I am a big texter, emailer, and live online, but realized that I hardly ever "MUST have" the 3G capability. And, when I do, I become so frustrated with the internet speed that I end up turning it off and waiting until I can hit a wi-fi. So being completely honest, it's more about the entertainment--and it's not so bad being "unavailable" a little more in my life today.
So similar question, but perhaps some more details please.....
I can tell you from the experience on my phone, you really need to have Outlook OR Windows mail in order for it to work well. You can sync with a variety of other programs, but other that Outlook or Windows you are going to have to employ some third party stuff or learn to go through multiple steps to sync. And, from my experience, it's still kind of "buggy" with itunes as is. Perhaps I'm just picky, but I can't seem to like all of the functions offered in one place...(i.e. calendar, contacts, mail) as I really like Thunderbird for mail and contacts, but really like Outlook's new 2010 calendar and multiple sharing options. I can't seem to get satisfied all in one place?
Apple would have you purchase +Mobile Me+. Tried it too--it works great, but it costs $99 minimum per year. Not bad if you will be using it a lot and at multiple locations (cuz that's the real purpose--to sync with work, phone, home, etc.), but I was not, so I dropped it.
I'm an old Old school outlook user, but trying to get unhooked from the office programs so I checked out Windows Mail (which comes with my windows 7 stuff), and with Windows 7 and Itunes 10 it works great! Outlook 2010 and the other office programs this year (I thought) were a bit too "overkill" for what I need anymore (now that I'm "right-sized") so after looking at basic options, I would say Windows Live (mail) or Outlook to be the best. Also, Windows Mail just launched their beta platform for hotmail and provides you with the basic same features that Apple does, but instead of $99 for Mobile Me, Live is free...it syncs with your away computers and home stuff and all of the 2010 office programs if you still find you want that.
Hope that help you albiea...perhaps someone else can provide a review of the down side to touch when moving from the 3G. Advice?
Thanks!