Is there any way to check your text messages when your phone is dead?

nope- got to turn the phone on or plug it in with a charger.

There is software that allows you to synch your phone with your PC, but otherwise your default setup would only allow you to check it manually by phone.

Yes- but I figured I would not say that, but correct- like Nokia PC Suite.

Why not contact your mobile phone provider and check with them?

I actually did do this, but it takes two cellphones connected to the same address. in other words, i accidentially left my cellphone at home on a 3,000 miles trip across the country. i knew i had important text messages on my phone, but it was not with me. what did i do? i used my wifes cellphone to check my text messages. the people at T-Mobile walked me through the procedure and it worked. call your carrier. they may have an idea for you.