BlackBerry Desktop Software Coming to a Mac Near You

After many years of being available only for Windows, RIM announced today that BlackBerry Desktop Software will be coming to Apple's Mac OS X early this fall.

The initial Mac version of this application will allow users to:

• Sync iTunes playlists, calendars, contacts, notes, and tasks
• Add/Remove applications
• Update the smartphone when new software becomes available
• Backup and restore device data with such features like automatically scheduled backups and optional encryption
• Manage multiple devices

RIM says that the Mac version of the  BlackBerry Desktop Software will be released in September.

More information, or to sign up to e notified when this software is available, go to www.blackberry.com/mac.

In the Mean Time...
Those who would like to synchronize their BlackBerry with their Mac don't have to wait for RIM's full desktop client -- there are a couple of options available already.

One of these is BlackBerry Media Sync. RIM released a Mac preview of this application late last year, allowing users to sync playlists with Apple's iTunes.

Another is a third-party solution: Mark/Space's The Missing Sync. This offers all the features of the upcoming official desktop client, and more, including wireless syncing. It costs $39.95 though, while RIM's version will be free.

Source: RIM