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The Missing Sync from Mark/Space delivers a level of compatibility between handhelds and Macs not delivered by mobile device vendors and Apple itself. A beta of a new version of the software designed to bridge the gap between the Palm OS and Mac OS 10.5 (also known as Leopard) is now available.

You can download the beta (v6.0.2 b4), which also adds support for the new Palm Centro smartphone, here, where you'll also find links to a list of known problems, release notes and a discussion forum.

Mark/Space expects to make the final version available as a free update early next year.

The Missing Sync, which goes for $39.95 for new users, started out with support for the Palm OS, so it's fitting that the first edition with Leopard compatibility should come first. There are also versions for Windows Mobile, RIM BlackBerry and Sony PSP (Playstation Portable), all of which should gain Leopard compatibility at some point.

Because The Missing Sync replaces the Palm HotSync Manager, there's no need to install the Palm Desktop. USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi syncing are supported.

The Missing Sync provides Address Book and iCal synchronization; syncs with Microsoft Entourage 2004 using either Sync Services or the existing Palm conduit included with Entourage; syncs notes with Mark/Space's included Notebook applications, Bare Bones Software's Yojimbo or Entourage; and includes iPhoto and iTunes conduits to download photo albums and playlists containing music and podcasts.

The Missing Sync also keeps files, such as Word docs and Excel spreadsheets, in sync between a Mac and a Palm OS device. And it works with existing Palm conduits, including FileMaker Mobile, Life Balance, PocketQuicken, and SplashID, for example.

A single The Missing Sync license supports two Macs and any number of handhelds.