In article
..com, writes

TBH I dont see any reason why modern plastic
ones shouldnt survive as well, there isnt too much to go wrong. The
elements are normally designed for very long life.

But the tips aren't. A good idea to get a couple of spare tips at the
same time as buying a new iron.

--
(\__/) Bunny says NO to Windows Vista!
(='.'=) http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/~pgut00...ista_cost.html
(")_(") http://www.cypherpunks.to/~peter/vista.pdf