How many gadgets do we own, anyway? The average teen has 3.5, according to figures compiled in September by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project and provided to The Associated Press. Adults between 18 and 29 averaged nearly four gadgets, those between 30 and 64 just under three.

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"Every new device is an investment in time," says Marchenese, 36. "The whole power of the device is that you can set up all these apps -- but that doesn't happen by itself. And if you're not going to make the most of it, why have it?"

That's all part of a general feeling of conflict many have about their devices, says Lee Rainie, director of Pew's Internet project. A December 2007 study, he says, showed that "Lots of people have conflicted views about their gadgets. On the one hand they can be expensive and time-consuming ... on the other hand they help people navigate their social and information worlds and can make life easier or more exciting."

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