Though iSync does a decent job of syncing gadgets like smartphones and PDAs with Macs, it only syncs appointments and contacts. Definitely not enough for backing up all that life stored on your mobile device.

The Nokia Media Transfer software, currently under beta, one-ups iSync be letting you easily share photos, music videos, and other files between a compatible phone and a Mac. Meaning it will work with iPhoto, iTunes, and the Mac OS itself.

A warning for audiophiles maintaining a massive iTunes music library: DRM-protected songs can't be transferred to your dear smartphone. So if most (if not all) of your music was bought on the iTunes store, then you're out of luck. Unless of coure, you buy the slightly more expensive yet higher-quality DRM-free music.

And why does Nokia Media Transfer insists on limiting its service to only Nokia N-Series smartphones? Even if they were meant for business use, most E-Series smartphones handles multimedia quite nicely.

Nevertheless, the release of the Nokia Media Transfer beta is a great move by the Finnish manufacturers. As more Nokia owners make the switch and buy a Mac, they'll appreciate the fact that their smartphones enjoy some decent compatibility with the Mac OS X.

A little warning before you rush and download Nokia Media Transfer: it's a beta. Meaning there are still some bugs to work out, and problems encountered in its use aren't covered by customer service.