If I back up my phone, can I swap cards and not lose any music, apps, etc? My upgrade isn't until March, so I figured I'd spruce up the philly I've got until I get my new Focus S or Lumia 800.
Sync everything prior to your switch. You are formatting your entire storage, so everything, including apps and settings, goes. Only your original software will return, and whatever is backed up on your skydrive will (should ;)) sync on connection as always. Your entire music Collection is on your computer and will sync in accordance with your Zune settings which will not be affected. Good luck with your install.