Are you a Linux user or thinking of moving to Linux but the only thing holding you back is a desktop manager for your BlackBerry? Fortunately, you’re not alone. Although RIM has provided desktop managers for Windows and Mac users, they have neglected support for the Linux community which leaves a lot of people struggling to get an alternative method for backing up their BlackBerry, whether that involves using a another computer or dual booting Linux and Windows on their system.
One developer probably felt equally frustrated and decided to try solving this problem and came up with LinBerry Desktop Manager. Although still in beta, its available for download and it allows you to perform most of the tasks you would do with BlackBerry Desktop Manager on a Windows or Mac computer. With LinBerry you can perform device backups for later restoration, manage contacts as you would on your device, install or uninstall applications, and use your BlackBerry as a modem for connecting to the internet.
Features expected in future versions?
- Upgrade the OS of the device.
- Wipe (memory reset) device.
- Sync with Evolution and/or Thunderbird.
- Multilingual support beginning with the English language.
- And much more!
LinBerry was first released as an Alpha build in 2010. While it is expected to work with all BlackBerry devices, it has only been tested on the Curve 8310, Curve 8520, Curve 8900, Bold 9000, and Bold 9650.
If you’re part of the linux community and looking for a BlackBerry Desktop Manager for your OS, take a look at LinBerry.