One of the things I've always missed as a VZW user is the ability to back up
my Contacts list without connecting a cable to my phone and fooling around
with software I know little about. In the past I've actually been reduced to
copying my Contacts list manually into a notebook! With almost 300 contacts,
quite a chore.

I refuse to get caught up in the VZW nickel-and-dime-you-to-death syndrome,
and won't pay extra monthly for anything that doesn't involve using my phone
as a phone----I pay four phone bills, none reimbursed, plus two DSL
accounts, and enough is enough. If I happen to take a picture with my phone
which I absolutely MUST send out (hasn't happened yet), I'll take the
one-time hit.

Well, VZW appears to have answered my need. I got an e-mail advising me that
Backup Assistant is available and free for me to use. The system goes into
my phone wirelessly and uploads my Contacts list. I can print a copy for my
files, work with Contacts on my PC, and "push" the updates to the phone.
Just what I needed. If the uploads/downloads cost me 10c each (anybody
know?) I'll live with it, since I don't update my book more than once every
couple of weeks anyway.

If you live in fear of losing priceless contact numbers if your phone gets
trashed, this might be just what you need....

The info I got states they are waiving the $1.99/month charge for this
application.

Anybody use this? Any catches? Tips/tricks? Bugs?

Oh, and the disclaimer states I get the app free as long as I remain
subscribed to the "My Account" feature....Since "My Account" is free, why
would they feel the need to say that? Who would discontinue "My Account"?

I read the NG regularly, but if this was somehow covered and I missed it,
sorry, my bad.

Dean