Yes not using the USB will of course prolong the life of it, even way beyond the device fails in some other way, burnt CPU etc..., and i would like for some of the "tech" guys to step up and offer this fix around the world.

so far i have no problem fixing this for my fellow maemo users in the Euro zone, this also apply for Estel, if i where located in the US i would gladly fix your N900.
Also the price for this should be low, it is very simple to do, i can do it in less then 1 hour, and i want our N900 to live on, still can't see anything that can replace it still, yes there are MUCH more powerful devices but without a open "full" linux they are useless to me.

Estel, what about i add to post #1 that users can contact me and you to get their N900 fixed inside EU.

It should be common knowledge that it is best to keep it inside "boarders" to avoid having to get in to a dispute with customs, a follow note should hopefully explain everything.

and sorry for the quick conclusion.