My iphone 3GS is still going strong, had it about two years. The silent switch is broken but that's because I dropped it on the one corner that isn't really covered by a case (due to the location of the headphone jack).

My previous iphone worked great for a year and a half until I dropped it in a puddle and didn't notice it was gone until the next morning.

Their battery life isn't the longest to begin with but I'm rarely separated from a computer, wall plug, or car plug long enough that it's been a problem. If you need the battery to last and don't necessarily need data, turning the 3G network off will make the battery last forever.

I'll have to check with my bf to see what phone he has - not sure if it's the same as yours, but whatever it is you do NOT want it. It's been a cr@pshoot since he got it whether it charges, holds a charge, or even accepts texts or phone calls. Plus with Verizon's call system, it doesn't always go straight to vmail if the phone is off - sometimes it rings first - so you never know if the phone is off, broken, or currently working. Unfortunately I think it completely bit the dust yesterday so it may be a day or two til I find out!