Easy way to back up data on cellphones

I've been hammering at you for years about backing up your computer files, e-mails and bookmarks. And if you're still not doing it, I'm sorry but I have no sympathy for you when you lose it all. You all know that you should be doing it, period.

But what about so many of the other electronic devices we use? Take your cellphone for example.

Cellphones can store hundreds of records that contain names, phone numbers and other related information. The way much of that information gets entered is usually over a period of time as we start making and receiving calls. Oh, sure, we usually first enter in our own numbers such as home, family members and the office.

But I'd guess that the rest of your cellphone's data was probably entered in over the course of some time as you used it on a daily basis. And I'd also be willing to bet that you haven't bothered to notate all that important information somewhere just in case your cellphone decides to go bye-bye.

While we usually don't hear much about cellphones crashing, they can and they do. Now while it may not be as tragic as losing all of your computer's information, it sure would be nice if there was an easy way to back all of your cellphone's phonebook data just in case it does, and there is.

It's called CellStik.

CellStik is billed as the cellphone backup tool. Looking much like one of those tiny USB flash drives that you insert into any USB port, the CellStik actually has an interface plug at each end. One end sports the USB plug while the other end is the male plug that fits into your phone.

On the CellStik body are two indicator arrow light, each with its own triangular-shaped button directly beneath it. The arrow and button pair that point to the USB end of the CellStik says "Save To CellStik," while the other pair that point to the phone jack end says "Update To Phone."

Making the backup is pretty straightforward. You take off the clear-colored cap and plug the cellphone to be backed up into the CellStik. The arrows flash until they recognize the phone. Then you press and hold down the Save To CellStik button until it lights up. When it goes out, the cell's phonebook has been copied into CellStik's memory.

Then plug the USB end into your computer. Using the included software, you can edit the cellphone's phonebook data if you wish and then save it to your computer's hard drive. If the time comes where you need to transfer the phonebook back to the phone, just plug it back into the cell and press the Update to Phone button. That's pretty much it.

You can also use CellStik to copy the phone book from one cellphone into another. This is ideal for synchronizing more than one phone with the same phonebook data.

The downside to CellStik is that it only works with a limited number of cellphones. According to Spark Technology, that list is constantly being expanded. The best way to check and see if there is a CellStik for your particular make and model phone is to visit their Web site, www.sparktech.com.

CellStik is upgradeable to support new cellphone models as they arrive.If you don't see yours there, Spark gives you an opportunity to register your brand of phone.

Currently, CellStik only works with Windows-based computers and sells for $39.99. And while I'm at it, don't forget to back up your computer, too.