Let's face it, no way will you spend hundreds of dollars to protect your gadget, especially if it took months to save for it. And with such an expensive investment, you'd want to protect the Protector! Luckily, there are cheaper and more practical alternatives.

Smartphone Experts powers the online stores of various websites. Treo, Blackberry, and Q fanatics will find great protection for low prices. These online stores also provide other accessories, such as headsets and memory cards. I never saw a case costing more than $25, and particularly loved the Spec Products Grip Skin for the Treo 650.

My recommendation is to get a silicone or "skin tight" case. Because of its rubbery, gripping texture, once I got one for my phone, I never dropped the unit again. And since it acts like a condom, your gadget's dimensions aren't greatly increased.