How do I sync my phone and ipad to my MacBook Pro?

icloud.

I have chosen not to use iCloud for any of my phone or ipad data. I just upgraded my phone to iPhone 5S, using iTunes 11.1.5 on MacBook Pro, OS 10.6.8, and it won't sync, nor will it recognize that the phone is connected!

I don't have this same issue with my iPad Air running iOS 7.1, however. It syncs just fine.

Any workaround?

Well, I found that the iPhone did, in fact, sync only if I used it's original sync cable. For some reason, it did not recognize an iPhone 4 cable fitted with a Lightning "adapter".

All's well that ends well...