Getting Contacts from phone not linked to library

Hello all - recently had my hard drive fail. Popped in a new one, all back and good to do (had my music saved offsite, whew!) but my contacts on my phone I want to sync back to my computer. iTunes 8.1 gave me the option to "merge info" but I'm not quite sure if that means it will sync my contacts back to my computer, and I won't hit that sync button until I know for SURE my contacts are safe.

Is there any software people know of I can use to rip my contacts off my phone (white 16gb iphone 3g)? also, any info about this itunes 8.1 "merge info" option would be greatly information to everyone.
Thanks!
Jake