RIM currently builds its BlackBerry Desktop Manager software only for Windows machines, often leaving Mac users out in the cold. Here we list a number of important features available to PC users in desktop manager, as well as those lacking in PocketMac, a BlackBerry desktop software alternative. It doesn’t take any considerable amount of insight into the world of smartphones to understand that many Mac users with Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry devices feel overlooked by RIM. Just visit any major BlackBerry forum on the Web, and you’ll find specific sections dedicated to BlackBerry/Mac related issues. Related Articles RIM Promises New Mac Tools in 2009 BlackBerrys and Macs, Part II: Desktop Manager v. Missing Sync BlackBerry Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Your RIM Smartphone RIM Execs’ Favorite BlackBerry Apps BlackBerry How To: Back Up and Restore Handheld Data That’s because RIM’s official desktop software, the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, which lets PC users perform data backup and restore processes, update handheld operating systems (OS), configure BlackBerry corporate settings and more, only runs on Microsoft Windows machines. RIM hasn’t exactly ignored its Mac-using customer base–it offers an alternative, Mac-friendly software called PocketMac for free download–but there are still a number of valuable features that are unavailable to BlackBerry users with Apple Macintosh computers. (Note: Mac machines running Parallels or other such software that enables Apple computers to run Windows and other operating systems, and that meet the necessary system requirements, can run RIM’s Desktop Manager.)The following is a list, from RIM, that details the features available in the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, along with the functionality afforded to Mac users via PocketMac. System requirements for both BlackBerry Desktop Manager and Pocket Mac are also listed beneath the chart.BlackBerry Desktop Manager v. PocketMac BlackBerry Desktop Manager PocketMac Backup and restore Yes No Load Third-Party Apps Yes Yes Update Handheld Software Yes No Configure BES E-Mail Settings Yes No Tethered Modem Yes No Automated Device Switch Yes No Bookmark Synch No Yes Media Mgmt. for the Handheld Yes No Media Sync Yes Limited RIM BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.5 System Requirements: An Internet/email-enabled computer One available USB or serial port The Microsoft Windows OS in one of these versions, with a USB port: Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista including x64 bit support With a serial port: Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista PocketMac System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger”/OS X 10.5 “Leopard” (except SecureNotes Synching) 14MB free disk space on your Mac One available USB port Entourage 10.1.6 or higher (For Entourage synching options)More information on each product, including supported devices is available on RIM’s website and PocketMac.com. FREE CIO BlackBerry NewsletterGet better use out of your BlackBerry and keep up-to-date on the latest developments. Sign-up » Related content brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance news analysis SAP faces breakdown in trust over innovation plans The company’s plan to offer future innovations in S/4HANA only to subscribers of its Rise with SAP offering is alienating customers, user conference hears. By Peter Sayer Dec 05, 2023 6 mins SAP Cloud Management Innovation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe