Recalling days past, when I had an Inspiron 5000, I had a bit of a problem with rubbing the solid black plastic palmrest area smooth within a year of getting it (~Dec 2000). And I wondered how long the paint on my shiny i8600 would hold up - esp. if I accidentally used it while wearing my watch! Fortunately my solution to this past problem carried over well and has saved the paint my new lappy considerable abuse.

Many internet sites and some larger electronics and office supply vendors sell adhesive screen protectors for PDA devices. Since fine variations in texture and clarity are a non-issue, pick a cheap variety and cut a few to fit over the plastic regions. Presto - no scratches for you!

I nabbed a pack of twenty or so designed for a discontinued Viewsonic brand PDA, and fit two per side over the plastic. Not really noticeable appearance-wise, won't damage the paint (this has been my experience, likely because they have to leave a screen unharmed), and they do a great job of protecting the palmrests from scratches and paint rub-through.

-Cas