It's one thing to misplace your rudimentary cell phone. But it's another thing to lose your new slim Blackberry or your Motorola Q, each of which goes for about $500.

The most frightening thing is, these more valuable gizmos aren't much bigger than regular cells, so they're just as easy to leave at a restaurant or almost put in your pocket. And there you are, ready to make a call, check your email, or surf the Internet, but when you reach for your tech trifle, it's not there.

Ah, there's the heart thumper - and off you go to retrace all your steps since you last held the precious diadem in your hands.

There's only safety in insurance. If you go for one of these mini-marvels, it makes sense to go for the insurance, too, which is usually only about $5 a month.

While you might have been willing to play reckless with your simple cell, it's a subliminal fright to do it with an expensive handheld.

About the Author

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."