I also came here not to flame bait, as I can see that you edited your post already (yes, I saw it) but technically the links on the forums on that Google search results were the answers you're looking for (since most of them are also Apple users just like us)
Now I searched the forums again and I only found close to being relevant on "conserving battery" is this one:
iPhone 3G Battery Guide & Charging Tips. I strongly suggest using search before posting a thread.
But then again seeing that you first said "your 12-yr old cousin is better than me", then I guess you're right, ask him
Added:
Now I really don't have an expert advice, but I could have given you an experience-based advice since I used the iPhone 3G since day 1, if you only thought twice before you typed your first reply on my post