META  I feel like I need to post a review in the interest of balance.

I used The Missing Sync 1.x for over a year for syncing my BlackBerry. I never had any of the horrible problems encountered by other people.

My wife also used a copy, the only problem she encountered was that it failed to handle some accented characters--and that seems to be because the BlackBerry OS doesn't support all European language character sets.

I've now switched to BlackBerry's free client, and I haven't tried Missing Sync 2.0, but suffice it to say there *are* satisfied users of The Missing Sync.  
(Version 2.0.2)

GRYPHONENT  Should have listened. I purchased this app and had serious trouble with it, deleting new contacts and messing up m data. It took me a while to find out what happened. I've now posted a ticket on the developer's site… which in itself is a true hurdle run, having to click numerous times past useless FAQs. I don't get the impression this developer actually wants to help consumers to solve their problem.

Anyway, here's why my data was messed up: I'm running Outlook on a PC at work. At home I've got a Mac. While the calendar between my work PC and my dedicated iCal calendar seem to sync just fine, The Missing Sync for BlackBerry has a habit of deleting contact details on my PC at work. I've got a group established for contacts from work in AddressBook on my Mac. This group syncs with the contact list on my PC at work. However, I found that contacts I had entered previously on my PC were missing when I wanted to look them up a couple of days later. Only those contacts that were in the group on my Mac were present. The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is not smart enough to realize that an alias should be created for a contact that syncs with the group… while putting all new contacts into the general list in AddressBook, a new contact I've created on that day on my PC at work is only NOT deleted from my PC at work if I've manually moved that contact after successful syncing of all data into the AddressBook group on my Mac.

Clearly, I cannot remember all the time when I add a new contact to my contact list at work! The Missing Sync should recognize that it is syncing with a group and establish the link automatically to any new contacts that are synced. What is happening is as follows: New contact is synced from PC to Mac's group. It shows up in the general contact list only after that sync. When syncing the next day, or some hours later, the group on my Mac does not have the new contact… therefore it is deleted from the BlackBerry and subsequently from my PC at work. Annoying. Truly annoying.

I've stopped using your app for the time being until the issue is fixed.  
(Version 2.0.2)

BRIAN KENDIG  This really is a terrible product. I purchased and used version 1, until I got a BlackBerry with OS 4.5, which required that I purchase and use version 2. I've been using it for more than a year now.

Missing Sync for BlackBerry corrupts my data often. Multi-day appointments on my iCal are truncated to one day. Contacts in my Mac's Address Book have their tags changed around; once it changed everyone's 'mother' / 'father' / 'child' / etc. values to 'brother'. And then the corruption gets synced back to the Mac, screwing up my data and then syncing with .Mac and screwing up my other computers' data. On several occasions this has even corrupted my Mac's sync repository, requiring me to reset the Mac's sync.

MarkSpace gets a point for trying to implement so many features, including notes sync and even iTunes sync, but ever since I upgraded to version 2 I have never had a 'successful' sync because it always ends in a error for not being able to sync my iTunes streaming radio entries. Of course it won't be able to sync these, but I wish it wouldn't give me an error every time.

Lately Missing Sync has stopped working at all for me, instead giving me an error that I need to restart the Missing Sync app on my BlackBerry. I've done this, and even rebooted my phone, to no avail.

The only reason this product gets any sales is because it's slightly better than the abysmal PocketMac for BlackBerry, and otherwise it's the only game in town. This will change later in September when BlackBerry releases its own BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac, at which point I expect (and hope) that no one will darken their door with this app ever more.

In short: Missing Sync for BlackBerry corrupts my data on a regular basis, it has for a long time and for a lot of people, and that's completely unacceptable.  
(Version 2.0.2)

DEWRIES  This is a shameless scam

Here's what I got for my money: address book sync failed and corrupted my blackberry (to the point that I had to have it serviced, loosing everything I had on it), calendar sync was abysmal at best, and destroyed my whole day events, and I could go on.

I have spent days of troubleshooting, markspace offered no help and I could not get my money back either.

And apparently, I am not the only one with the same experiences.

This is unacceptable: missing sync is supposed to sync. If it doesn't, corrupts your data, crashes, and behaves erratically, it cannot be considered a product at all (even if by some magic _sometimes_ it does not completely fail, just every other time). Providing a "review" for it is laughable.

Markspace has been knowing this for 6 months at least, and they still shamelessly advertise it and sell it. Some got their money back, but I wasn't that lucky - they know I'm a foreigner, and they know I cannot fight back. I'm probably the kind sucker they are fishing for, because at this point, this is nothing else but a scam.

Do not spend a dime on this. If I could, I'd sue them for fraud.  
(Version 2.0.2)

MJUHL24  This app is a giant pain, which is probably due in part to the horrible BlackBerry operating system. When it works, the Missing Sync is ALMOST satisfactory, however it is horribly unstable.

I was able to sync my address book, calendar, and (most of) my iTunes library a few times. Unfortunately, the app on my phone STOPPED WORKING altogether. Whenever I try to start it my BlackBerry FREEZES for several minutes, then finally tells me this:

'Uncaught exception: Application MissingSync(184) is not responding; process terminated

Sadly, I was expecting this sort of garbage after reading reviews of the app. To me, it was worth the $40 and frustration to get my music on my phone.  
(Version 2.0.2)

SALTY DOC  This program is junk. I used Missing Sync for my Treo and for my PSP and they were fine. This program was buggy in version 1.0 so i was eager to upgrade when 2.0. I really didn't care about the bluetooth syncing and it takes waaaaaaay too long anyway, so I just do USB. But it keeps crashing, both on the mac and on the BB. I can't get it to work reliably. I am back to struggling with PocketMac.  
(Version 2.0.1)

THATGIRL  UNBELIEVABLE MAYHEM AS A RESULT OF THIS SOFTWARE...

From back in 2007 (version 1.0) when I bought this software it has had intermittent success at best. Though Missing Sync for Blackberry offered synchronization with several elements, (notes, photos, tasks etc.) at its most useful it could only successfully sync iCal and Address Book. Eventually iCal syncing would always end in some kind of discrepancy so after a brief correspondence with MarkSpace tech support of very elaborate trial and error instructions for me to perform - ALL ending in error! - I could no longer provide the time consuming labor of undoing and reinstalling iCal and simply stopped trying to sync it. I figured since the most important sync is the Address Book, I would have to settle for that.

This was why when 2.0 came out this year and I discovered I had to pay for the upgrade, I was reluctant to say the least. I had never enjoyed the basic features advertised by the software and was concerned that buying the upgrade would be throwing good money after bad. But I did it anyway with the hope that the upgrade would solve the previous problems and hopefully I could finally sync wirelessly.

My first clue that I was about to enter the ninth circle of hell should have been that MarkSpace offered a way that for an additional $50 you could get phone support with your upgrade. But instead I got to enter hell gradually. At first it worked! It actually synced everything about four or five times. Though I was already a little irritated that you have the choice of syncing via bluetooth manually or every 8 hours but nothing in between, (say like once a week?) I was so accustomed to total failure I just let it slide. But then it started running into errors with syncing to iCal... then errors syncing photos... then errors syncing videos... then errors syncing CONSTANTLY. And that was upside! From there it caused errors and corruptions on my computer with MobileMe and iPhoto, the MissingSync application on my MBP would open on its own to sync, not sync but freeze and require a force quit. Then finally it opened, froze and crashed my entire computer. It engaged in a Vietnam-like warfare with my Blackberry 8320, (OS v4.5.0.81) and seems to have permanently corrupted my perfectly functional media card, (despite a total wipe!) to the point where my Blackberry will terminally freeze if installed. Mind you, I did everything I could along the way to fix it including deleting and restoring Address Book, iCal, and caches from everywhere and re-downloading and re-installing the application on my MBP and phone.

At present it just won't sync at all. Not by USB cable nor by Bluetooth. Not when initiated from the computer nor the handheld. Not when praying to God nor cursing him. It's just sitting on my dock as a dormant reminder to the chaos it caused. That says nothing for all the frustration of having to reenter ALL 500+ of my contacts on to my handheld MANUALLY. And that's not say anything for the lost software from my handheld and data on my MacBook Pro. And THAT'S not to say anything for the WEEK of anarchy it caused myself and anyone who needed to reach me!

For the love of all that is holy, PLEASE SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE MAKERS OF MISSING SYNC OR THAT GOD AWFUL POCKET MAC CREATE A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE THAT WILL SYNC THE BLACKBERRY DEVICE TO A MAC. If two monkeys and a tambourine had an alternative available I'd give my left arm to try it instead.

(04/21/09 - I have a support ticket in to MarkSpace at present. In light of any progress I will update this review.)  
(Version 2.0.1)

DOUGLIM  Had problems with 2.0, but 2.0.1 fixed them. Phew, because Pocketmac with my Bold was a disaster!

If you sync over bluetooth, you want to turn off music and video. It takes a looooong time to sync them. Use a USB cable instead. Contacts and notes are fine over bluettoth.

I use the automatic sync for things I change all the time, like my contacts and schedule. But I use a USB cable to sync everything else.  
(Version 2.0.1)

TECHNOSORCERER  Try version 2.0.1. It fixes the problems I had with 2.0.

And you really want to use the auto-bluetooth sync feature. Its great for someone like me who always forgets to put new phone numbers on my phone!  
(Version 2.0.1)

HENIGUSHI  Missing Sync for BlackBerry 2.0 is an absolute disaster. I spent eight hours today trying to set it up, with an ultimately totally unproductive exchange of emails with their tech support person who was getting info about his own company's software problems from Crackberry forums and elsewhere. I purchased the original version, the performance of which has been sub-par but sufficient to sync calendars and address books, which meets my core needs. Version 2.0 does not work at all.

My recommendation: DO NOT BUY THIS SOFTWARE!  
(Version 2.0)

MANOFDESTINY  My equipment: Macbook Pro, OS 4.5.6, Blackberry Bold

I too was suckered into purchasing a MissingSync license, but only after I insisted I receive a guarantee in writing. I had purchased/installed the latest version (1.x) and had no end to problems with it, sometimes even not linking up with my Macbook.

After many emails to support, I installed the beta version 2.0, which I was assured would fix my woes. It only got worse. After tallying up all the hours and frustration in trying to get it working, I threw in the towel and requested/received a refund.

Now the buggy beta is out in public as an official release. Go ahead, if you have hours to work on this and still might have problems. I don't know why it works for some and others it doesn't but I'll say that there are many more reporting problems than otherwise.

My solution was Google Sync on my Blackberry to sync with Google calendar and contacts, which then syncs to iCal and Address book over the Internet.

I'm good and it didn't cost me anything.  
(Version 2.0)

REDDIRTRANCH  I've been a user ov ver 1, other than the usual inconsistancies, sync issues it pretty did most of what it said, I only had to go restore my contacts from backups a couple of times. This version simply won't install and run, THe online help is useless.

The blackberry component gives a error. After shelling out $29 for an update I wish I'd not bothered.  
(Version 2.0)

LEN PERUSKI  It simply doesn't work as advertised. On my 9000 it transferred only 278/701 entries from my Address Book. Most of the transferred entries were incomplete and several were duplicated. On the positive side, it does appear to be very stable on the Mac and only crashed my BB once. Their technical support is marginal at best. I have sent them trace logs and comments on the beta versions, been promised email responses within 24 hours, and the best has been 72 hours. They did not reply to my last post which summarized a series of problematic issues. Imagine my surprise when this build showed up online as a "finished" version! Bottom line - avoid this product. I love my BB but have yet to find a good application to sync it with my Mac. If one doesn't come along soon, the iPhone is looking real good.  
(Version 2.0)

AJMAC25  I have used this product since the beginning. It is much better than the free program from Blackberry which is slow and never worked correctly. However, if it were not for being able to install software directly to be BlackBerry using its WiFi, I would probably like this program less. It syncs ok, but I get many errors with iCal and I frequently have to trash preferences to get it to work. However, when I upgraded to the new MacBook Pro unibody, the program no longer works. First MarkSpace said it was a problem with 10.5.5 and it would be solved with the 10.5.6 upgrade. However after upgrading to 10.5.6, still no luck. I have emailed their customer service folks weekly for past two months and though they have tried many suggestions, none have succeeded. I have even downloaded their beta release of version 2 of their software and no help.

This could be a great program, but they need better troubleshooting and like other comments, calling them for $60 is a bit steep. Maybe instead of adding more and more versions of their software for other phone and platforms, they should perfect the ones they have first.  
(Version 1.0.3)

JAMESATHON123  MissingSync - truly the worst...

Judge for yourself. I asked their tech if it will sync my BB Bold and was assured it would. Shell out for the license. Not only does it NOT work for the bold when syncing contacts but i end up losing lots of data and time working with their tech. Then he assures me it will work with the beta release. I request to have a call with their tech and he tells me I have 3 choices - continue this painful ordeal through email, pay $60 to have a phone call, or request a refund.

MissingSync, if you're out there, YOU TRULY...  
(Version 1.0.3)

DANKONLEE21  Don't waste your time. Or your money.

Find a friend with a PC and use his computer when you need to transfer files to your Blackberry because this program sucks.

It flat out doesnt work.

Pathetic. Yet again.  
(Version 1.0.3)

GTFO  I use the RIM8320 and since the 10.5 install have been unable to sync using Pocketmac. Tried everything several times, for months. I was very reluctant to PAY for MS for BB, especially based on the horrible reviews found here. But finally out of frustration I paid and am kicking myself for not trying earlier. The fact that there is no trial really bothered me.

But MS does work--it synced both the 8100 and 8320 the first time, flawlessly. And have been doing so for over a week. I sync contacts, cal, and tasks only.

The one thing I did try the FIRST time is overwrite device. I think helped prevent any dupes.

Give it a shot, it works very well.  
(Version 1.0.3)

SALLYBB  Stay away!!!! It *barely* works and is completely unreliable! It doesn't sync the Address Book properly. You get all sorts of duplicate entries everywhere. It instills no confidence at all.   
(Version 1.0.2)

OFIR GAL  I attempted to install this software on many computers (I sysadmin about 150 macs). It never worked reliably. It would work occasionally, but mostly fail to sync for a variety of reasons. All attempts to get support or refunds were met with silence. It's unbelievable that these people are allowed to sell so much poor software for so long.

In other words, this is a candidate for the worst ever software for the Mac. Totally unusable.

Are there no laws in USA to deal with this kind of practice? If I were RIM I would be suing them for destroying the Blackberry Mac market. 10 days to iphone in the UK. Bye bye blackberry...  
(Version 1.0.2)

KDCR  Disastrous! WIll sync Address Book, but completely useless with iCal. yes, you can go on and on and on resetting your sync data and history and starting from scratch all the time, but what's the point? What we're paying for is a functioning software. Very poor.  
(Version 1.0.1)

JUMP420  Works much better than PocketMac.

Reliable syncs.

It did require some tinkering to get it working exactly at 100% but once you follow all the instructions, and suggestions it works flawlessly.

PocketMac would duplicate alot of entries, Missing Sync is much more reliable and accurate.

Reset your Sync Data and the product will work perfect.  
(Version 1.0)

NCIANCA  Works *MUCH* better the PocketMac though it took me a couple of tries to get this working correctly (I had to reset iSync first). But it's been working just fine, and transfers my data in minutes rather then hours.

Cracked me up that the first thing it does is remove PocketMac from your system (it asks first).

For Notes it includes it's own notes manager, Mark/Space Notebook, which is a fairly decent notes organizer and I like it better then using Stickies for keeping my Blackberry notes on. It did sync all my notes from the Blackberry so nothing was lost.

I also like the profiles, so that you can quickly transfer data that matches a user created profile, such as Calendar & Tasks only.

I haven't found any licensing information on the site yet, but I would imagine the price will be comparable to that of the other Missing Sync programs. The Blackberry PocketMac should work like this - with speed and without crashing. I think RIM should cancel whatever deal they have with PocketMac and buy this for it's Mac users.

If you use a Blackberry and you want to sync your data frequently or want more reliable operation then PocketMac, then it's worth getting this.  
(Version 1.0b12)