If you are using the Outlook Hotmail Connector in Outlook 2010, then you can configure the sync interval in your Send/Receive settings (CTRL+ALT+S) to sync more frequently. However, this last trick only works in Outlook 2010 and not in Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007. Instead, it syncs on its own schedule (once around every 30 minutes) or when you manually initiate a Send/Receive as you’ve discovered.
Unlike the web interface and the Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) protocol, which is being used to connect with your mobile phone, the Outlook Hotmail Connector doesn't use “push technology” to inform Outlook about new messages so mail delivery isn't instant. However, for my account, it takes ages before the email finally shows up and I usually press the Send/Receive button to force the emails to come through. The Exchange accounts also directly receive the items in Outlook. When a mail is being sent to me, the e-mails arrive almost instantly on my phone and via web access. I’ve configured 2 Exchange accounts and an account in Outlook and on my phone.
