The Missing Sync: Blackberry 1.0.3
MarkSpace
Price: $39.95 (volume discounts available)
Pros: Syncs everything you would expect, simple user interface.
Cons: Overpriced when compared to free alternatives, no support for syncing via Bluetooth.
by Billy Giles, 1st Lt, USAF
When I first made the switch from PC to Mac I was astonished at how simple it was to manage contacts through Apple’s Address Book. I was disappointed however, to learn that iSync did not support Blackberry devices. Finding a program that would allow me to synchronize contacts from my Mac to my Blackberry became a high priority. After a little web surfing I stumbled across The Missing Sync, which claimed to perform just the task I was searching for.
Downloading and installing the software was very easy. Simply save the download to your Mac, mount the file, and answer a couple questions in the installer menu and you’re up and running. The last step is to launch the program and enter your purchase information to unlock the program and make it available for use. Once the program is activated you are greeted by a very friendly and easy to understand user interface. In my opinion, this interface is what makes the “Missing Sync” shine. You can easily perform any task the program has to offer like changing your preferences and configuring the software to sync your Blackberry in a few mouse clicks. Then to sync it all to the Blackberry you simply place checkmarks next to the items you want to sync, plug your Blackberry into an available USB port, and click “Sync.” That’s it. No other tricks or troubleshooting necessary – it just works.
Personally, I would have been happy just being able to sync the contact lists but the other options available really set this program apart. You can sync contacts, calendars, music, photos, and folders as well as install applications on your Blackberry all from their wonderful user interface. I was unable to find any problems with the software. I also wasn’t able to find any tasks that I thought were complicated or poorly designed.
The major feature that seems to be missing is support for syncing the Blackberry via Bluetooth. Both the Blackberry and many new Mac’s have Bluetooth integrated so it seems to be the next logical progression for this software. However, Bluetooth or not, this software definitely exceeded my expectations in the performance category.
In conclusion, The Missing Sync performs very well at the tasks it was designed for. Setting up your preferences and syncing your data to you Blackberry is very simple and straightforward. That said, I still think the application is overpriced. Granted it does perform a variety of tasks but another application named PocketMac performs most of those tasks and is a free download for Blackberry owners. The Missing Sync does feel more user friendly than PocketMac but I don’t believe it’s enough to shell out forty of your hard earned dollars.
System Requirements:
* PowerPC G4 or better
* Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
Blackberry Requirements:
The following devices running version 4.0 and later of the Blackberry operating system have been tested:
* 7100 series
* 7290 (Cingular/T-Mobile)
* 7250 (Verizon)
* 7520 (Nextel)
* 7130 series
* 8100 series (Pearl)
* 8300 (Curve)
* 8700 series
* 8703 series (Sprint)
* 8705
* 8707 series
* 8800 series