How to protect your teen's gadgets

You don't want to throw away hundreds of dollars on gadgets only to have them damaged before you know it. The active lifestyle of teens, going from home to school to out with friends, brings about a variety of hazards. So take some precautions to protect your teen's gadgets the best you can.

Consider the extended warranty

When you are shopping, check out the manufacturer's and retailer's warranties before making your purchase. If you have the option of buying an extended warranty, look into it. Some extended warranties don't offer much more than the manufacturer's warranty that is already in place, while others are really worth the extra cost. Read the fine print and decide if an extended warranty makes sense.

Lay down ground rules

If your teenager has lost or damaged merchandise in the past, have him work to pay part of the cost of any new items you buy. Let you teens know what is expected of them in terms of care and responsibility of the new gadgets. Most items are sensitive to heat, cold, water and of course, shock from dropping.

Buy covers and accessories

Fortunately, you can buy covers, bags, shields and other accessories to protect laptops, cell phones, DVD players, e-readers, digital cameras and other electronics. Protective gear is both smart and stylish -- suitable for any busy lifestyle.

Laptop backpack: A laptop backpack allows your kids to haul their books, laptop computer and other gear to class. The laptop compartment should be well padded and possibly waterproof to protect the computer from any damage. Check out the Laurex laptop backpack, available at eBags.com ($67). It comes in a variety of colors and designs.

iPad case: If you're buying your teen the new iPad 2, Kindle Fire, netbook computer or other gadget for Christmas, be sure to also give him a watertight, crush-proof, dust-proof case, like the i1075 case from Pelican. This case features a cushioned interior to protect gadgets from shock, as well as an integrated easel for hands-free viewing. Check out all the virtually indestructible Pelican cases for smartphones, laptops and other electronics.

DVD player travel case: If your family likes to travel, you can't go wrong with this portable DVD player/notebook travel display case. This in-car case attaches to the rear of the front seat for easy viewing by backseat passengers, plus it has a detachable shoulder strap for carrying. This DVD travel case is available at Amazon.com ($25).

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