Tools of the Trade
I like using Surface mount components where ever I can. But I have to say the size of those devilish small components can be a real pain. Picking them up is always an issue and most the time a decent pair on non-magnetic tweezers will do the job. I recently purchased a SMT pen like the one below. (I will replace the photo with the real one latter).
Surface mount pen
I recently came across an web site will all sorts of great DIY tips including how to make your own SMT Vacuum pen. Check out Ken article here. It almost makes you want to go out and buy a cheap fish tank pump just to try it out.