PocketMac vs Blackberry Desktop
So I've booted the iMac into Windows and installed the Blackberry Desktop software that RIM includes in the package with the 8700c. It's *much* better than the stuff that you can download from PocketMac.
If I had to summarize PocketMac for Blackberry in a single word, that word would be "clunky." It's inelegant. It's ineffecient. And it's ugly.
The first time I synchronized my Blackberry to the Mac, I started getting messages about sync services and weird names for contacts, calendars and tasks. I muddled through it, but if I wasn't familiar with what the software was talking about I would have stopped dead in my tracks -- is it necessary to ask me if I want to synchronize "iCalCalendar" instead of just "iCal," for example?
What's more, PocketMac seems to have converted every all day activity I have in my iCal calendar to a 24-hour activity instead. I'm terrified to do another calendar sync to see if the same problem happens.
Also, the PocketMac software doesn't support Bluetooth syncing, which means I have to attach a USB cable to get it to work.
RIM's software is, actually, better, even if it caters specifically to Windows users. I can specify actions to automatically engage when the Blackberry is synced, Bluetooth is supported (though I confess I haven't gotten it working quite yet) and it enables me to transfer downloaded applications to the Blackberry, much as you can do with a Palm PDA. I don't understand why this basic feature is missing from the PocketMac software.
I hate to think that I'm going to be stuck using PocketMac, because I really dislike it.
Comments
Have to tried you to sync either of them with zyb (zyb.com)? using a synthesis client?. It works perfect for me both ways, my address book and calendar are both synced. If they start iCal support it would be real be a definite plus as them my mac book is all set.
Posted by: Danito | September 5, 2006 09:14 AM
No, but thanks for the info. I'm a wee bit reluctant to use an online service I'm unfamiliar with to backup my contact and calendar information. Perhaps overly paranoid of me having a .Mac account, but I've never even heard of Zyb before.
Posted by: flargh | September 6, 2006 04:10 PM