Originally, PocketMac for BlackBerry users received free and unlimited email support from RIM. Today RIM has issued an end of support notice for PocketMac via this knowledge base article.  Here are the details:

Please be advised that as of October 2, 2009 PocketMac is no longer supported by Research In Motion.

Please contact PocketMac at www.pocketmac.com if you require support for PocketMac for BlackBerry smartphones.

Please note that related references and troubleshooting steps have been removed from www.blackberry.com.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise since RIM recently released Desktop Manager for Mac. If you plan to continue using PocketMac and need support be sure to send the PocketMac developers a message directly.

UPDATED Added a link for the v1.0.1 release notes. *

@BRSDiddy let me know that BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac has been updated to version 1.0.1 Build 2.

This update “includes important bug fixes and enhancements to your data synchronization” and according to @BRSDiddy, syncing is significantly faster. I’ll update this post once official release notes become available, but for now, leave some comments if you notice any other changes.

If you don’t have BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac you can download it at blackberry.com/mac.

• BlackBerry Desktop Manager – Release Notes (PDF)
  

Morrison (aka @moestepp) let me know that he has put together a video guide with instructions on how to install hybrid or beta OS versions using BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac.

I’ve transcribed the steps (below) for those that prefer text, but the video is better since it offers visual aide. The BlackBerry used for this tutorial is a Curve 8310 on AT&T. Do this at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta/leaked software.

Morrison has also provided links to beta OS files in DMG format for use with a Mac computer. This method is mainly used for a hybrid OS upgrade. If you are using a beta “you would typically include the radio file in the same folder” (according to Morrison).

• 8330 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G4VGQBM9
  
• 8900 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V0IQRULX
  
• 9000 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S3CMOBM2
  
• 9530 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PL31VO1W
  
• 9630 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G1PURKUJ

Here are the steps for use with a hybrid:

1. Plug your BlackBerry into your MacBook with BlackBerry Desktop Manager running
2. Install the carrier recommended OS (in this case AT&T OS 4.5.0.110)
3. Reload the OS that the carrier recommended for the phone. This will download all the appropriate files that are required.
4. Have the hybrid OS handy (in this case 8330 OS 5.0.0.238)
5. Go to Hard Drive > Username > Library > Application Support > BlackBerry Desktop Manager > Device Applications > Folder with numbers and letters
6. Open the Java file containing the hybrid OS files
7. Select all the files in the hybrid OS folder
8. Drag and drop these files into the folder with numbers and letters found in step 5
9. When prompted to replace files, click on apply to all and then replace
10. Go to BlackBerry Desktop Manager (should be running in background) and click on Applications and click Check for Updates
11. It will say there are no new updates in the next screen. Click on Show Other Versions in this screen.
12. You will now find the carrier recommended OS that was installed in steps 2 and 3. Click on the radio button to the left so it is “selected” and then click on Select.
13. Click on Reload
14. You’re done!

The Desktop Manager for Mac will think it’s just reloading the current OS to the BlackBerry but since you copied over the files from the hybrid OS it will actually be loading a different OS. As always please make backups before attempting to install or upgrade anything.

If you decide to try this out let me know how it works for you in the comments!

RIM has made BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac available for download!

With BlackBerry® Desktop Software you’ll be able sync your iTunes® playlists and personal information like contacts, tasks and appointments; install new software, games, and more. BlackBerry Desktop Software will offer the best of both worlds by allowing you to manage aspects of your BlackBerry® smartphone from your Mac.

To get acquainted with the software check out the following documentation:

• BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac – User Guide (PDF)
• BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac – Release Notes (PDF)

Visit blackberry.com/mac to download the software. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

RIM has officially confirmed that the BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac will be available for download on October 2nd!

Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM)(TSX: RIM) has exciting news for Mac® users that want an easy and reliable solution that syncs their contacts, calendar appointments, tasks and notes with their BlackBerry® smartphones. A new version of the BlackBerry® Desktop Manager software has been developed specifically for Mac users. The new desktop software is scheduled to be available for free download from www.blackberry.com/mac on Friday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Continue reading for the full press release from RIM.

CONTINUE READING »

September 25th came and went, unfortunately with no BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac launch. BGR is back with a (rumored) October 2nd launch date, but I wouldn’t hold my breath since the release of BBDS for Mac keeps getting pushed back (if that’s the case).

While you Mac users wait, be sure to check out the Desktop Software for Mac Archives to read up on everything known about it, including feature summaries, walkthroughs and screenshots.

If you hear or know anything more about BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac feel free to send me a message.

Andrey over at Inside BlackBerry posted up a great in-depth walkthrough of BlackBerry Desktop Software (BBDS) for Mac. According to the walkthrough, “Desktop Software” is what it will be known as and not “Desktop Manager”.

Here is what Andrey’s walkthrough covers:

• The Welcome Sheet
• Summary Screen and Device Options
• Synchronizing
• Updating Device Software
• Installing and Removing Applications
• Backup and Restore

According to Andrey the release of BBDS for Mac is “just around the corner”.

There are plenty of screenshots for visual aide so head on over to Inside BlackBerry and check out the detailed walkthrough. Don’t forget to sign up at blackberry.com/mac for more info and to be notified about its release, or just keep an eye on BBRocks! since I’ll be posting about it as soon as it’s available .

Last week the official BlackBerry Twitter account “accidentally” sent out a tweet saying that the BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac was available for download. Since then there hasn’t been much chatter about BBDM for Mac, but BGR has gotten a tip that it will be releasing on September 25th.

A recap of the key features:

• Sync your iTunes® playlists, calendars, contacts, notes and tasks
• Add/Remove applications
• Update your device when new software becomes available
• Backup and restore your device data with such features like automatically scheduled backups and optional encryption (security is #1 as always…)
• Manage multiple devices

If you absolutely can’t wait for it to be officially released, I hear the leaked version of BBDM for Mac works pretty well.

What better way to start a Monday than with a BlackBerry theme giveaway!

Marian from Temas BlackBerry let me know BerryOSx is now available for the Curve 8900, Bold and Tour.

Features:

• 12 mini icons fixed with big view in focus
• 4 icons configurable
• Today screen with 6 events

This theme is available for $5 in the store.

GIVEAWAY I haven’t done a Twitter giveaway in a while, so that’s how I’ll do this one. Follow me on Twitter @BlackBerryRocks and I will tweet the coupon code that will allow 20 people to get this theme for free within the hour! *

UPDATE No BBDM for Mac today guys. @BlackBerry just tweeted this:

Apologies for the confusion everyone. BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac is NOT yet launched. Stay tuned for more info soon!

I hope they’re serious about the “soon” part. *

Just last week BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac was leaked, today it looks like the BlackBerry Twitter account accidentally sent out a tweet through their Facebook page that it was officially released. In case they decide to delete the tweet, I have a screenshot of it below and can confirm that the Facebook note did say it was released (they removed it before I could get a screenshot).

The BBDM for Mac page hasn’t been updated to show that it was released, so someone jumped the gun. I’ll be keeping an eye on the BBDM for Mac page just in case it does get released today and either update this post or make a new one .