Gpe-calendar and gpe-contacts are available for the linux desktop (ubuntu jaunty repos have it but I bet they are available for most distros, and you could compile them too) so if you get your data files only you could manage with the same apps on your computer.

Also, for what is worth, gpe calendar can sync with google calendar via the erminig application, so before you send your tablet to repair you could vnc into it and do the sync and enjoy your appointments from that interface.