1. A method of populating a predictive text dictionary of a handheld electronic device, comprising: detecting a connection between said handheld electronic device and a server, said handheld electronic device having a predictive text dictionary and being operable to allow a user to enter text and to receive and place words in said predictive text dictionary; retrieving user preferences corresponding to a list of categories for said handheld electronic device; selecting a set of words from a word database at least partially based on said user preferences; and providing said set of words to said handheld electronic device for placement in said predictive text dictionary, said set of words being at least partially based on said user preferences.