Hands-On: BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Macs
Sep 30, 2009, 3:27 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Phone Scoop had the opportunity to spend some time with RIM's new desktop syncing software for Apple computers. It's speedy, easy and gets the job done.
One of the strengths of smart devices such as BlackBerries, iPhones, Windows Phones and so on is their ability to sync with desktop computers. This lets users back up their data, especially vital stuff such as contacts, emails and so on. To-date, Apple users who prefer BlackBerries have had to rely on third-party software that just didn't match the level of performance offered by RIM for Windows machines. That changes this week.
On Friday, October 2, RIM will make the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software available from its web site for Apple computers. The free software will be a dream come true for Mac-using crackberry addicts. Phone Scoop had some time to spend with the software today and it works great.
The software is a quick 28MB download and requires a restart once installed. After that, you're ready to go. When BDM is booted, it asks you to plug in your device. It will automatically recognize the phone you're using and show you some basic data about the phone, including memory status, last backup and so on.
From there, you can choose to do pretty much anything, including backing up the device, updating applications software and controlling how all the software is managed on the device.
Users can choose how much memory is used and how much is left free. They can hand-select applications that are updated and/or installed or removed. Full OS updates can be managed, too.
Beyond simply updating software, creating back-ups and syncing BlackBerries, users can control which apps from their desktop can sync with their BlackBerry. Contacts, calendar, and notes can all be synced and fine-tuned to include select groups or lists.
Perhaps the best part — at least from my perspective — is the seamless iTunes syncing that BlackBerry Desktop Manager offers end users. All users need to do is select from their existing playlists and the software will automatically drop the music onto the memory card. No more need to drag-and-drop music from your hard drive directly to the memory card. This will save end users lots of time, especially if they keep large play lists as I do.
On top of working well, the software works extremely fast. Syncs and media transfers were completely lickety-split, which means users will spend less time managing their devices and more time enjoying them.
In sum, BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Macs a great tool for users of Apple machines and BlackBerries. The software is free, and will be available from RIM starting at 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST on Friday, October 2. I highly recommend you check it out.
About the author, Eric M. Zeman:Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.
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Comments
BUT, need to be running Leopard (10.5.5)
To spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade my OS, just to get the BB Desktop for Mac is not worth it to me. Fortunately my contract with T-Mo is just about over.
Goodbye RIM! Goodbye T-Mo USA, otherwise known as "We cover interstate highways and major cities only".
BBDM of macs????????
