Save Your Cell Phone's Address Book

Since we're on the topic of losing gadgets (see post below), what happens if you lose your cell phone with SIM card and all? Do you have your cellphone data backed up?

Again, preventive measures will save you a huge headache in case you lose your cell phone. Often times, we don't take the initiative to do this because we may think "it won't happen to me," which as we all know is disaster's favorite time to strike. As a matter of fact, just when you're the least prepared, you're put to the test.

Don't let this happen to you. Back up, back up, and re-back up your cell phone address book. I will show you three ways to back up your data, starting with services offered by U.S.Carriers.

Here's a list of those U.S Carriers who offer phonebook backup services:

• T-Mobile and Cingular: Yahoo! Mobile Services offers this free service to Cingular and T-Mobile subscribers with SyncML compatible mobile phones. Users are able to synchronize and combine contacts from their Yahoo! Address Book. Wireless carrier data charges will apply.
  
• Sprint Wireless Backup Plans: Only available on two Sprint phones (Samsung A580 and LG LX350). Costs $2 a month, and saves and contact changes made on your phone in case it's lost or stolen. Dory wrote a nice post about this service.
• Verizon Wireless Backup Assistant: Available for "Get it Now" enabled phones, the service saves your cell phone address book on a daily basis. In case you lose your phone, you data is wirelessly transmitted to your new phone. It also costs $2.00 a month.
• Mighty Backup: Provides the same service as Verizon's Backup Assistant (powered by same company) to Alltel, Cellular One, and Midwest Wireless users.
  
• Cingular: VoiceDial Address Book stores thousands of numbers in your personal address book. Lets you import contact information from Microsoft Outlook, online or by phone. Cost is $5.00 a month.

Check out the gadgets that help you back up your cell phone address book, as well as the third-party software you can purchase to sync your phone directly with your computer. Here's how.