I've become more and more worried about this issue as I realize just how much I (un)plug things into that port, including keeping some charger in there most of the time. However, an old idea hit me this afternoon, and I think it'll work but I wanted to post here first to see if anyone has tried it yet (Google says no one has talked about it yet):

The idea is the "Port Saver", something used a lot in the test and measurement industry where connectors can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and/or be hard to replace (that sounds familiar). This is simply a gender changer type connector that has a male on one end and a female on the other. You leave it plugged into the equipment and do all your (un)plugging on the other end, thus putting the wear and tear on the cheap(er) connector.

For the N900, my idea is to use the same concept with a very short cable. You leave the cable plugged into the N900's port at all times and secure most of it somehow to the case, with only the very end of the female end left to dangle or otherwise be free; you then plug everything into that end. Unfortunately, this type of cable is rare and I only found one company selling a 5 inch one with a left-angle connector online, which I'll order shortly. This may be a little too long, but is the best I can come up with without paying too much money. My plan is to insert the angled male end into the N900 and route the cable around the bottom (long edge opposite the power buttons) of the case; the free end should be near (but hopefully not overlapping) the opening for the stylus. The cable is then secured with glue, velcro, etc to the case.

What do you all think?

Mike

P.S. Forgot to supply the link: http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-mcbl-ext-xxg.html

I thought I saw someone in Europe selling these as well, but otherwise this is the only source Google was able to find for this length (StarTech's minimum length is a foot)