Exclusive First Look - BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.5
You may remember our first look for the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3 from six months ago. You may remember our first look for the BlackBerry Web Desktop Manager from nearly a year ago. You may even remember our first look for the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.2 from one and a half years ago.
Now we extend this streak of first looks with BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.5.
Picking up where the release of BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3 underwhelmed after it’s initial makeover, the new release of BlackBerry Desktop Manager will feature a complete overhaul of the interface from top to bottom. While this beta version does not feature any major enhancements above and beyond the UI asthetics, it is certainly a breath of fresh air from the 1998-esque releases we have previously seen from RIM. We expect this version to launch around the same time as the ever-fabled OS 4.5 device software.
Please note this version is still in beta, however we did notice one interesting change. It appears the included Roxio Media Manager no longer includes the full Roxio Media Creator Suite but rather the Media Manager portion only. Assuming nothing changes between now and retail release and you want to keep your abilities to burn CDs, burn DVDs and VCDs, etc., we suggest remaining on BDM 4.3 or BDM 4.2 SP2. Of course, that is assuming these commercial features won’t be removed from these versions as well. We always found it rather humorous that Media Manager advertised the purchased upgrade to the full-blown version of Media Creator Suite, when it could simply be accessed by clicking the Home link at the bottom of the application.
Two other features that are missing from this beta version are the ability to use your device as a tethered modem and the ability to force-load an OS to a "507" device (one that has been wiped using JavaLoader) using Application Loader. Let’s hope these features are re-added prior to public launch of the software. We’re in the process or redoing our gallery, so in the meantime, check out the all the screen shots you can handle after the jump!
On Apr 8, 2008 @ 12:46 pm, Zach Said:
I cant wait!
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 1:02 pm, Galvatron Said:
aw man awoulb nicef yu built in tetherd modem feature in the dtm I’d be all over that.
damnit thekeyboars stckng
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 1:11 pm, GMERK Said:
They spend so much time a making extra crap… when they should be focused on making something better like the Mac client version. Yes… PocketMac. It is the most hideous program that they have put together. To me it seems that BB is going down the drain. With hardly no support for the Mac, they are reducing their customers to Apple because of this. I will soon say bye bye to my Curve because this is just plain retarded!
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 1:31 pm, liquidplatinum Said:
Hahahahhahhaha. Too funny man! You’re hilarious!
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 1:32 pm, liquidplatinum Said:
That last post was directed at Galvatron BTW.
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 1:48 pm, shlammed Said:
@ GMERK…yeah…considering that they break their own sales records and keep adding millions of subscribers every quarter and continue to grow more and more every year all without having provided MAC support, I’m real sure they’re going down the drain tomorrow because of it!
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 2:21 pm, Radio Said:
Galvatron is right on cue, as usual.
So basically, 4.3 DM and OS should have never seen the light of day. 4.5 everything is much better (looking).
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 2:22 pm, AT Said:
Just disregard the comments from MAC fanboys on this site.
GMERK is just looking for an excuse to get an iPhone (I actually suspect he already has one).
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 3:45 pm, Brandon Said:
I am by no means an Apple fanboy, but I agree with GMERK. Not with his statement that BB/RIM is going down the drain but I do think there needs to be a MUCH better example of a ‘desktop manager’ for Macs, by RIM. I use Missing Sync because of that, but I’m not going insane about how bad PocketMac is, mostly because I don’t sync my BB with my MacBook more than 2-3 times a month.
But YES, PocketMac needs to be fixed.
And NO, RIM is not dying because of it, lol.
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 3:47 pm, Mr. B Said:
Hey AT, what about us poor kids who can’t afford an iPhone? I love my MAC and refuse to succumb to the horror that is Vista. But I love my Berry too and would like a decent interface, it’s not to much to ask, especially from a major competitor with both Win Mobile and Apple
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 4:41 pm, Dayne watkins Said:
Hey BG, can you tell us how big the install file is? I hope it’s not going to go above 260+MB
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 7:26 pm, inc Said:
is it just me or did you guys notice on one of the pics where bg is installing the BB core file and it say 4.5????
how did you get 4.5 for the bb???
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 7:29 pm, Jibi Said:
because i’m special?
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 8:14 pm, coldcc Said:
I think Jibi works for AT&T mobility in GA
if I only knew a real name I would look up in webphone at AT&T he he 
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 9:31 pm, tritan Said:
when are they thinking releasing this new version? Is it free to older devices?
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On Apr 8, 2008 @ 10:44 pm, crackerjacks Said:
Big Deal, When are they coming out with the upgraded OS. You guys are prancing around this new crap like rats following the pied piper. How long has it been since they said they were going to upgrade to OS. I have this 8310 since Nov and still waiting for the upgraded OS to get a vidio recorder. They just keep suckin you in. I know promiss them everything and give them nothing. I’m ready to go back to a regular phone. Its just a fad not much better than disco
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 12:34 am, Bla1ze Said:
@crackerjacks Go back to a regular phone then if it’s just a fad.
PS: Can I video record you making the switch with my Curve?
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 1:12 am, CarBob Said:
Thanks Jibi for passing this BDM 4.5 info. Any idea when it will be ready for release?
- CB
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 1:34 am, Galvatron Said:
hec with rims target audience being .gov an busness im suprise a linux version dosn’t exist yet
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 6:48 am, SKhan Said:
RIM’s BlackBerry Desktop Manager software might not be as glamorous as a shiny new smartphone, but the ability to manage your handset from a connected PC is still a worthy one.
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 10:32 am, Waffle Sauce Said:
I am glad RIM dropped the full (waste of space) Roxio Media Manager. It was pointless anyway, enable media card support and mass storage mode on your BB in media card settings. POOF, no need for ROXIO or desktop manager to transfer files to your BB.
Just drag and drop to your now external harddrive all day long.
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 10:33 am, Waffle Sauce Said:
Although, the DM 4.5 does look snazzy, I did enjoy the updated UI to DM 4.3, so I am jazzed for this upgrade
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 12:43 pm, Dayne watkins Said:
LOL there’s a lot of us with 4.5……
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 1:11 pm, Jibi Said:
@CarBob, not a clue. This was just the beta, although I don’t expect the final to be too far out. As mentioned, it should coincide with OS 4.5, so expect it sometime between April or May or June or July… LOL!
@Dayne, a lot of you have an OS 4.5 beta that is atleast 6 builds out of date
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On Apr 9, 2008 @ 1:21 pm, GMERK Said:
AT… to be honest no I dont have an iPhone, but I am curious to know if you are a wondows… not a typo… but if you are you should be happy because of this creation from RIM. I mean yes I like my BB, but it is difficult enough syncing with pocketmac and I will be dayumed if I spend 39.99 for another service to sync on to my precious Mac computer, by the way… I am an Apple Fanatic because it is clear that Vista plainly sucks a$$. Apple fan boy… not. More like Disgruntled wondows user!
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