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.
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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.
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Author: asacco, Managing Editor
Al Sacco was a journalist, blogger and editor who covers the fast-paced mobile beat for CIO.com and IDG Enterprise, with a focus on wearable tech, smartphones and tablet PCs. Al managed CIO.com writers and contributors, covered news, and shared insightful expert analysis of key industry happenings. He also wrote a wide variety of tutorials and how-tos to help readers get the most out of their gadgets, and regularly offered up recommendations on software for a number of mobile platforms. Al resides in Boston and is a passionate reader, traveler, beer lover, film buff and Red Sox fan.
