DEEJAYKEG
Chile's on the right track but it isn't wise to be too alarmist. I wouldn't look forward to a year using mobile cellphones, GPS, satellite TV etc., though folks, as they could be toast. Power grids, especially in advanced countries like the USA, could be hit badly. I think we'll be lucky if the 'net stays up through a major flare. I've read in the last few days that the Northern Lights may be visible as far south as Rome! I'd be very excited to see them! But end-of-the-world talk is BS. It may be a different world after the solar storms are over - the high tech countries may have to adjust somewhat to get over the effects - but we'd get warning of the more major events so we shall know if/when the power companies are going to turn off the juice. There's loads online about solar flares in 2012 - take your pick of the articles but "Keep Calm and Carry On" as we say in the UK!
EDIT: This NASA FAQ tends to make me discount much of what I have read already (that informed the above comments) and you may find its contents similarly informative particularly with regard to the "strength" of the flare activity predicted for 2012-14:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2012.html
Bottom line - don't panic...
BLASPHEMY......