On my LG cell phone, is there a way to add contacts by typing on my computer rather than on the phone itself?

May 28, 2004 2:57 PM

Cell phone question. Got an LG from Verizon -- but I suck at typing on phones, and the thought of entering the umpteen dozens of contacts I have has scared me from entering all but a few.

When I was on T-Mobile, you could add contacts online. Is there any quick and easy way for me to do something like this? I just want to type them, since it would take me six and a half years to enter them manually.
posted by oissubke to technology (5 comments total)

the people at the verizon store were able to plug my old phone (qualcomm) into my new one (lg) for me to transfer them. i'd go back and ask if it's possible for you.
posted by amandaudoff at 3:00 PM on May 28, 2004

I think you could do this using this opensource software called BitPim. You'll need a $20 datacable from Radio Shack, but you can manipulate your contacts/calendar and add new ringtones and pictures. I use it for my LG 4400 and it is teh roxxor.
posted by Hlewagast at 3:20 PM on May 28, 2004

There are two options, from my understanding:

1. You can pay Verizon $70 for a Verizon-branded data cable, which comes with software to copy contacts from Outlook to your phone. In addition, the software allows you to use your cellphone to connect to the internet (say, if you're on the road with a laptop). I have no clue if this software is compatible with Mac.

-or

2. You can pay $20 for a third-party cable that enables all of the above, but doesn't come with the software. As Hlewagast said, you can download a few programs for free that effectively do the same thing (and more) than the official Verizon software. I'm fairly sure this software is compatible with Mac. Additionally, many of the third-party data cables also act as phone chargers while connected (I don't know if Verizon's official cable does).

Personally, I haven't been able to test it out just yet (got my data cable coming in the mail as we speak), but there's a huge community for cell phone modding out there. Here's another.

As for your specific concern, it's my understanding that neither of the contacts software allows you to "sync" like, say, a palm pilot, but they do let you add/delete at will... Meaning... If you add a contact to outlook, there's no magical "SYNC!" button to get everything updated; you simply have to transfer across the new entry manually. (if that makes sense - like i said - I'm still waiting to try)
posted by Hankins at 4:16 PM on May 28, 2004

Question: My computer connects to the internet, my phone connects to the internet; why is all this cable malarkey necessary?
posted by skryche at 8:04 AM on May 29, 2004

I went the Bluetooth route & have never looked back...especially as I can update contacts, diary & clocks in about 20 seconds.

I use Mac OS X which has all the stuff built in but if your phone has bluetooth then you should be able to get the software for it & USB Bluetooth adaptors are relatively cheap.

I was able to get all of my contacts sorted on the laptop & then just sync 'em to the phone...very handy.
posted by i_cola at 8:58 AM on May 29, 2004