3rd Party Software for OmniMac's

Oh yeah we should have all done that already.  You should use the VZW stock update first then flash to a custom rom.  If you brick your phone using the VZW rom then they'll just replace your phone since it was they're firmware.  Worst that could happen is they make you make a claim on insurance but if you tell them you bricked it doing their update you should be straight.  This will also give you practice when flashing to a custom rom.  Cause when you commit to that and miss up, you're on your own.

But yeah, thinks to watch out for:

1.  Don't use anything lower than USB 2.0
2.  Use the official USB cord provided with the phone
3.  Let the flash go to completion and follow the provided steps (they're around here) STEP BY STEP!
4.  Don't unplug the phone until you see it reboot and go to the home screen
5.  Read, research, read, research some more, read the directions again and then flash

You've been warned.  Good luck and post if you run into any problems.

Sync Mate and MacBook Pro here. Works great!