Here's another wrinkle, what about carrying redundant multi-taskers?  If I had two Blackberry Pearls, I would have doubled my entire edc electronics functionality.  What are the odds both would fail entirely?  How about two Leatherman Wave multi-tools?  Or two of those hand cranked LED flashlight/radio/siren/batt chargers?
Things that make you go "Hmmmm...".
_________________________
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.
-- Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)