Desktop Manager for Mac- Reviewed
So with DM for the Mac OS finally official its only right to do an official review. The official version is build 89 as opposed to the leaked build 75, however they both bear the the same version number at 1.0.
Installing took fairly quick and i was able to hook up my storm right after installation. The interface is very clean looking laying out every function right off on a task bar on the left of the window.
While not as full featured as the Windows Desktop Manager, it does offer the functions Mac Lovers have been waiting for. Full 2-way syncing between iCal and the Address Book has been long awaited and appreciated.
Full, encrypted backups are also greatly welcomed along with a simple to use restore, however while Windows DM saves backups as .ipd, Mac DM saves the backup as a .bbb, leaving me wondering the extent of cross platform compatibility.
Media sync is almost exactly the same on both Windows and Mac DM, however while my Macbook was able to read my micro sd card, DM did not recognize it.
It has the app loader like on Windows, I think i actually like this one more than the Windows just because of all you see. It is more like the actual App Loader program you can find inside the Common Files rather than the App Loader inside the Windows Desktop Manager.
The big question on everyone's mind, obviously, is the ability to install leaks and hybrids with this program. First off, you cannot download any .dmg OS installers from the Blackberry website. Rather, the program downloads the files for you and installs it all with the click of a button. Looking thru all the files and folders involved with Mac DM I did find the folders for the various OS' it downloads to install on your phone, however it is not separated into folders labeled with what it is each like Java and Radio.
All the files are literally just thrown into a folder labeled with a bunch of random letters and numbers. With this information i would say it is in fact possible to install a leak or hybrid, however, you would need the files to already be installed on a Windows PC and would have to save all the files and transfer them to the folder containing your current operating system on your Mac. To install a leak you would need to make sure you copied the .sfi as well.
This process however would feel more like a hybrid, even if all the files were from a legitimate leak, as the process is not what most are used to.
Overall I'm just happy Blackberry finally realized the need for a RIM official Desktop Manager. It really does offer the basic features needed to feel your phone is safe and up to date with the latest official software, and with a little tweaking it really can offer the features one needs to install a leak. For me the media sync needs a little work, however just copy and pasting music works just as well.
However with these minor issues, Blackberry's Mac Desktop Manager has earned my seal of approval.
