debcook

2008-07-08 20:23:52 

Protecting my electronic gadgets is a high priority. I searched for a long time before I found the bag I carry today. It is a Kenneth Cole “Reaction” purse but it is large enough to carry my laptop, digital camera, AT&T Broadband Card, Flash Drives and other typical purse things.

I don’t leave my bag in my car when just running in a store for a minute. I don’t toss it around. I don’t depend on other people to keep an eye on it when shopping. Simply put - I treat it and its valuable contents like the important part of my life that they are.

All that said, accidents do happen. Bags fly off car seats during quick stops, cell phones fall out of pockets while fishing, laptop screens crack and digital cameras are dropped. So what are we to do?

Insurance policies are available. I know – I don’t like to buy them either and I do not always cover every gadget I buy. It depends on the purchase price and the replacement cost. A MP3 player would probably not qualify but a laptop would. A laptop screen could cost $500 and up to replace. I paid just over $300 for the “3 year with accidental damage” policy on my Sony Vaio. Most consumer electronics and gadgets have a 1 year limited warranty included in the purchase price to cover possible defects.

Specialized cases are available for cell phones and digital cameras as well as just about any gadget that is sold. I have dropped my cell phone several times and I believe that the case has saved the screen each time. Waterproof camera cases are great for traveling to moist destinations. Re-purpose old cases to save money – they work just as well as a new one.

Bags with closures such as zippers or magnets can save electronics buy keeping them stowed safely inside. I stay away from typical computer cases and bags because they just tempt thieves. Last time my bag fell off the car seat I was really glad that it was closed.

Respecting your gadgets is the same as respecting your cash. Don’t throw away money by being careless.