This is some great information. With regards to number 1, I've often considered setting up my own Exchange server to handle synchronization between desktop/lapt

This is some great information. With regards to number 1, I've often considered setting up my own Exchange server to handle synchronization between desktop/laptop and phone. However while I do prefer Google for email, I've often found their calendar and tasks lacking due to the limited offline support. I find myself in many situations (classrooms, especially) where I am possibly without internet access and therefore cannot enter in appointments or tasks.