It's fashionable to replace your smartphone or PDA with the latest gadget, but as we all know, not everyone can afford to do so. I'd say changing to a new device every two years sounds reasonable. So how do you make sure your mobile tool will last that long? I'm a clumsy user; every device I've used has been dropped at least once.

Making the Right Choice - I'll always go for units that have the least number of moving parts. With a mobile device, just like anything else, less moving parts means less chance of wear and tear. And what has a greater chance of surviving a fall, the clamshell RAZR, or a T|X? My stomach churns at the thought of Nokia's N93 hitting the floor. But even one-piece units can suffer in a pocket.

Leading a Lonely Life in the Pocket - I keep my keys and coins in the pocket across my gadget. With less companions to jiggle around with, your smartphone or PDA has a better chance of coming out without nicks or scratches. And there's even a way to maximize this possibility further.

Choosing the Right Protection - I've already written about the advantages of "silicon" protection. Aside from providing a small layer of cushioning, they usually cover the entire unit, lessening the amount of dust that can seep into a device's seams, and protects the finish from daily use. The rubber-like feel also means that it won't slip out of my hand.

In Short: There you have it. If you're the clumsy sort like me, avoid devices with moving parts, keep it alone in the pocket, and make sure to get a skin-tight "silicone" case. Feel free to suggest your own tips, or disagree with what I've written, so long as you give a good reason for your opinion.