I have had two ps2s in my lifetime and each of them lasted about 2-3 years before they kind of just stop working, either teh laser or something or other in it. does anyone have any tips on how to keep them in a little better shape to last longer? I do not mistreat them or throw them around and i use air duster on them to keep the dust out. seems to not help much.

If you want to keep dust away from them, your SOL. Unless you keep it wrapped in plastic when not playing it that is.

If you upgrade to the second gen Ps2, you should have better luck. the lasers in the PS2 have always been a weak point.