[nostatic]

Some info here: iOS: How to transfer or sync content to your computer
iPhone and iPod touch: About backups
BackUp/Sync - iPhone data to overwrite the Macbook data - not the other way around - MacRumors Forums

Do you use mobileme? I have to admit the iCal sync has been a pita over the years and they still don't have that as seamless as it should/could be.