Screen Protector - advice sought on choosing one. [Archive]

melvynadam

21-01-2006, 10:51 PM

I've just ordered an MDA Vario and it's going to take a little time to reach me (I'm not currently in the UK). Before it gets here I'm trying to work out which screen protector to buy. Has anyone tried the Invisible Shield protector (http://www.theinvisibleshield.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=315)? The material looks superb and I've read load of good things about their performance on iPods.
My current PDA is a Tungsten T3 and I have a Martin Fields screen protector on it. (MF protector for Wizard here (http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/7908.htm)).
I love the MF but am really interested in hearing experiences with the IS if anyone on these forums has tried it.

tom99

23-01-2006, 07:04 PM

Yeah i want one too but was wondering, do they leave any marks when you peel them off afterwards? From the glue and stuff?

melvynadam

24-01-2006, 02:06 PM

Quality screen protectors like Martin Fields and the IS should leave nothing behind after they're removed.

waiho

01-02-2006, 01:46 PM

I think brando screen protector is not bad too. Im currently using it.
I have change 2 screen protector since I got my wizard.
- Expansys, Cant fit in properly. Bubble occur after stick in.

fone_fanatic

02-02-2006, 04:24 AM

bnycastro

06-02-2006, 10:09 AM

For me brando's would be ok. I usually have the store person do the application since I can't do it on my own [I messed up 2 protectors when I tried doing it at home]. I'd say choose one that isn't adhesive but static that way no residue is left on the screen when you remove it. also most of them are washable/reusable... if you find a scratch on the side you use most often [i.e. the area along the SIP] just have it removed and re-installed reversed [not the face but the top and bottom].

chan99

15-03-2006, 05:31 PM

The Brando ultraclear is OK. If you prefer a non-glossy one, the Brando regular is perfect (you will lose a bit of brightness).

exstatica

16-03-2006, 01:27 AM

I like www.boxwave.com 's version

They have a anti-glare, and a regular one, they are washable you can remove them and wash them under soap and water and reapply, they come with cloth cleaner, and a little scraper thing that helps get the bubbles out.

jekagan

24-03-2006, 09:23 AM

Here's a super cheap solution, and it works GREAT for me.

I went to Staples and bought a package of baseball card protector pages that are designed to fit into a 3-ring binder. The size of each card holder is just slightly larger than the screen on the MDA.

What I did was take a straight edge and X-Acto knife and cut a small piece of plastic that is a couple millimeters larger than the screen on each side. I simply tuck the plastic I've trimmed under the lip between the device and screen, and it holds in place just fine.

No adhesive, no mess, easy as pie, and the entire package of plastic sleeves was less than 3 bucks. It will surely last longer than the life of the device.

- Justin

oltp

24-03-2006, 09:46 AM

Got my second Brando regular protector (first one wasn't returned when my magician was replaced). Fits perfect, very scratch-resistant & the anti-glare is very useful while navigating in the car.

Cheers, M

Jakaroe808

24-03-2006, 10:13 PM

i've tried 3 different screen protectors, then i used pocketpctechs AG shield and i'm not gonna try anything else. It's perfect, reusable, no glue is used and installation is pretty simple. also it comes with screen cleaners and all that. highly recommended

Same here.. I have used BoxWave, wich are also very good, but WriteShields from pocketpctechs are great.

I also had an "InvivibleShield" on my 8125 for a couple minutes. I installed it and saw that it was not plum on, so I went to take it off and reinstall.. When I removed it I thought I was going to pull my screen up with the protector. Stay away from those things... I then tested those claims they make on the website, about being indestructible. Pens had no trouble getting through, and scissors went through like soft butter.

$.02

templar

24-03-2006, 11:14 PM

I bought a boxwave and was not happy with the glare free one. I have used them on my Treos and liked them, but the one that came for my wizard sucked. It really blurred the screen and made it look like a prism. Maybe it was defective, but I ended up buying another one from javoedge and I am quite happy with it.

just my $.02

greg

xxerexx

25-03-2006, 09:42 PM

I also got an anti-glare from boxware, it does have issues however I emailed them about it and they are getting a new one that doesn't have the issues and they should have it in about a week. To make it even better they created a gift order for the new one for me.

jfeinsmith

01-04-2006, 04:08 PM

I've tried a number of the commercial screen protectors in the past and wasn't happy with any of them. Of course, there is the ridiculous cost for a little piece of plastic.

The best solution I have found is to use clear vinyl sheeting that you can find at any fabric store, typically for a couple of dollars US per yard. Just cut to fit your screen, clean your screen, wash your hands and vinyl rectangle with liquid hand soap, shake off as much water as possible (but not all), and attach and smooth out bubbles.

Benefits:
- Minimal screen image degradation as compared to many commercial screen protectors
- No adhesives to gunk up the screen
- Lasts 6 months or so
- Easy to replace
- Costs about a nickle per cover

Cing 8125

03-04-2006, 10:54 PM

I also have the pocketpctechs write shield anti-glare.
Comes in a nice kit, can't tell its there when the screen is on.

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main.asp?unit=Cingular_8125-559&area=home

sniper762

10-04-2006, 02:29 PM

I bought mine from www.nushield.com, but I haven´t been able to apply the first one to my screen.

I´ve used them on my Handspring Visor Edge and on my Himalaya with very good results, but on the Wizard, I just can´t get it installed. Will keep you posted!

Stefan out

vatk

15-04-2006, 02:44 PM

Brando screen protector, Boxwave and Martin Fields are my favorites!

hanmin

15-04-2006, 03:43 PM

I've heard a lot about this Brando, but it is a bit too expensive for me for a piece of plastic. I think they are selling for GBP7+ in eBay. I wonder, is it so good? I've been looking for those 'card' type screen protector that is ultra easy to apply and bubble free because the protector itself feels like a card. Imagine, since the protector is like a card, it is impossible to get bubble under it. Anyone know where in the net I can get one card type for UK??

BTW, I've bought the 'Sensifilm' protector from eBay. It said many things, but of the two thing, antiglare and antiscractch is 100% bluff. Mine still give me glare and it has been scratched like mad with my stylus. Either the HTC is very bad in designing a stylus, or the screen protector is terribly weak. I think the weak protector is a more likely answer.

xboxhaxorz

03-06-2006, 02:56 AM

30$ for a screen protector. That is so silly. I got a protector for my psp for 6$ and it works great. Geez, pocketpctechs is a rip.

Cant i get some from a local store instead?

gluecky

04-06-2006, 02:20 AM

I can highly recommend Brando UltraClear too! Easy to attach, not visible when attached carefully, no reduction of brightness - display looks like without one (for those who do not like the reflection of the display: buy the Brando classic).

Regards
Carsten

R_J_Webb

05-06-2006, 01:11 PM

hi
does anyone know where i can get a WriteSHIELD from in the UK? seems silly ordering one from americam (unless i have too)

i have managed to completely mess up installing 2 from expansys, nasty sticky things grrrrrrrrr :(

thanks

R_J_Webb

05-06-2006, 01:14 PM

ok scratch that, just found that expansys do in fact sell them, but hard to find on their website.

good thread btw, screen protecting is the way to go

hanmin

05-06-2006, 02:06 PM

ok scratch that, just found that expansys do in fact sell them, but hard to find on their website.

£ 13 for a screen protector?! That is awfully expensive.

How about Brando sp? They are selling approx £ 7 at ebay. But, I'm confused about Brando sp. Some are really cheap and some a bit expensive. And they have like, normal and ultra-clear. What's the difference? I'm using the final stock of my terrible sp (stated above) and ready to get a Brando sp.

gluecky

06-06-2006, 10:57 AM

The ultra clear is glossy, but does not reduce reflections from the environment. But in fact you can not see that one is attached, because it is that clear. You can see your fingerprints on it very fast.

The ultra protect is beamless/dull, and when writing on it with a stylus you get a kind of paper-feeling, but it is not that clear and one can see that it is atteched. You can not see your fingerprints on it that fast.

Regards
Carsten

MethodMan

10-06-2006, 07:53 PM

I've used a Brando Ultraclear before and there is a couple of issues:

1. The protector is extremely difficult to remove. When I tried to remove it, I almost scratched the screen from the repeated attempts to lift one corner of the film for leverage. Worse part, that one corner was bent and won't stick to the screen. Brando should have some sort of a small non stick tab that you can lift and pull off the film without fuss.

2. Brando's screen protectors are cut to cover only the visible part of the screen and not the overall dimensions of the screen surface. When you apply the protector you have to pay extra attention otherwise it won't align properly with the visible screen area.

Question: Anyone know of a static screen protector that can be removed without much trouble and one that covers the whole screen?

vijay555

10-06-2006, 11:00 PM

I love the Exim brand for my magician. Can't tell it's on, fits perfectly. Can't really find them now though :( Silicon glue, ie not very adhesive type.

V

cybulman

13-06-2006, 10:55 PM

Tyr to remove the protectors with a business card.

Cy

vijay555

14-06-2006, 01:46 AM

I find sticking some 3m invisible tape (not very sticky, but enough) helps in removing old protectors, and is essential for defluffing the screen before applying a new one. I fashion a temporary screen protector from strips along the naked screen, and leave it on until ready.

Also use a similar set of strips on the "active" side of the protector itself (if it's not new), and then when you're ready, whip off the temporary tape/screen protector and stick on the new one. Hopefully no dust will get on in between.
http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:2DwW2FS3ifsQqM:img.slate.msn.com/media/1/123125/2120134/050613_sm_raiders_ex.jpg

V

ZzFDKzZ

17-06-2006, 09:08 PM

I bought the invisibe shield like 2 months ago look good on my screen.

MethodMan

17-06-2006, 09:58 PM

I bought the invisibe shield like 2 months ago look good on my screen.
Does the Invisible Shield cover the whole screen or just the viewable area?

hanmin

17-06-2006, 11:46 PM

Just got my Brando Ultra clear protector today.. IT IS DARN NICE. Yeah, it is clear, so clear that I can spot stuff under the protector, and while trying to get stuff out, I scratched the under side of it.. sigh.

VERY recommended. The thing I like about it is that, it is slightly hard (or thick?) like a card (not like others that feels like cloths) so that getting it on without bubbles are much easier as compared to others. BUT, .. OMG, how can I get rid of the dust in my room!

They said that if you were to do it on a well steamed env (e.g. bathroom after a shower) is ideal for dust free env. I would recommend all other to do the same. Don't repeat my mistake.

vijay555

18-06-2006, 02:14 AM

hanmin: as I said, only way I've ever found to remove all dust is to clean the screen first with a microcloth, then cover it in strips of 3m ghost tape. Once you're ready with the protector, quickly remove the ghost tape and stick on the protector, squeezing down with your fingers as you apply, (not a credit card as they recommend - they scratch) to get rid of bubbles.

V

gluecky

18-06-2006, 09:27 PM

A credit card connot scratch a Brando UltraClear.

When having dust at the downside, just put some Tape inside out around your finger and touch the dust with it, it will stick on the Tape and is effectively removed.

Best regards
gluecky

richy240

20-06-2006, 02:49 AM

I also have the pocketpctechs write shield anti-glare.
Comes in a nice kit, can't tell its there when the screen is on.

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main.asp?unit=Cingular_8125-559&area=home

I also got this screen protector. I like it a lot, considering I do touch the screen often with my fingers - it leaves no smudges or anything, making touch dialing very nice (when coupled with the E-Ten dialer, that is).

I recommend this product. As mentioned above, I also bought the kit: two screen protectors, three picks (for removing the screen protector for cleaning, etc. without damaging the screen), a dust/lint brush, a microfibre cloth, printed instructions and wet cleaning cloths for the screen. Shipped, it cost around $35 I think.

aixenv

23-06-2006, 10:39 AM

i bought the boxware crystal clear,and i must say i am highly disappointed; im a perfectionist and want no bubbles, and i just dont think that is possible with this solution, i tried maybe 25-30 times to reapply and always had bubbles on either corners or the edges you'd think i could get rid of the bubbles with the plastic applicator but nope.. they stayed. i feel like i wasted 35 bucks of company money on these.

i had no problem getting rid of dust, the scotch tape idea is perfect you can put tape over the screen to clean and then over the non-sticky side of the protector, dust was NOT my problem,... bubbles on the other hand were.. im going to try this as it seems maybe to be the answer to my prayers

hopefully as they state the writeshield doesn't bubble up like the boxware one i had did.

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main~unit~Cingular_8125-559~area~accessories-WriteSHIELD%99+C2.htm

gluecky

23-06-2006, 01:08 PM

Oh my god, try the brando one for 10 bucks! I have no single bubble underneath. After applying, there were some minor ones left, but they disappereared after a few hours of use :D

Best regards
Carsten

aixenv

23-06-2006, 01:11 PM

well i already ordered this one hopefully that's the case, if some bubbles disappear over time that's ok however i was told by numerous people that bubbles stay

gluecky

23-06-2006, 10:26 PM

Well, I can not imagine that the bubbles stay when you say that no dust/dirt-particles were left inbetween 8)

vijay555

23-06-2006, 11:06 PM

Hi guys. I've had the pleasure of working with Martin Fields on making the protector for the Mio A701. It's a wonderful protector, I'll be reviewing it shortly. It's quite thick for what I expected, but I was wonderfully surprised that it's optically almost 100% transparent, excellent colour transmission and bright. It's smooth, looks glassy, and applied well.

Of course, you have to use the scotch tape, but although there were a couple of bubbles, they were easily eased out with a thumb (tip: cover the bubble with scotch tape first, to prevent excessive scratching)

So, excellent.
However, I still love the Exims, and have happily used a Brando. I'd say, there's almost nothing between them...
But, I'd highly recommend using one of the (three) big names, they last and last well, at least for a year on my Magician. Good value, even though they seem so expensive for a piece of plastic.

V

Allen09

24-06-2006, 04:39 PM

The thing that has me intrigued is the IS Full Body Shield (http://www.shieldzone.com/item_description/HTCCING8125F.html). If it covers enough of the body, it would be worth $35 (to me anyway). I sent them an email trying to find out how much is actually covered. If I get one (and I remember), I'll post a "review"...

Halfhoff

28-06-2006, 06:01 AM

I purchased a best skins ever used a tiny bit of windex, shook it off, put it on, and it is fantastic - you cannot see it on and would think that you don't have a protector on. Mind you I have not tried to take it off, but why should I. I do have some difficulty in seeing the display in full sunlight; I am not sure if it is my protector or just the device or just the fact that I have the backlight setting on the default 3 out 5.

http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront

For a review...

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=856240

I hope this helps. I would recommend this product! It has been on my device for about 6 weeks.

matt0525

29-06-2006, 02:42 AM

megax

07-07-2006, 10:54 AM

aledantas2k6

24-07-2006, 06:36 AM

I used invisibleshield in my 8125. The body protection is pretty cool! But the screen protector sux! I tried to remove it after 3 hours. I thought i would break my screen, since the invisibleshield lifted my screen to come out!.
Anybody knows if i could have damaged my screen? since the protector lifted it?
Or the screen is resistent?

Thanks

silverwolf0

18-04-2007, 10:47 AM

I haven't really used a touchscreen device long enough to get any scratches on it, but I was wondering...

Are screen protectors necessary for average use of the MDA? Its just for aesthetic purposes right? The screen will still function when scratched up?

duke_stix

18-04-2007, 06:28 PM

Hey

noticed theres one that nobodys mentioned on here!

they're found on ebay and are called 'exim' screen protectors, theres the SPUC ones and SPOC ones, i cant remember which ones are adhesive free, but i've had one on my tornado for the last year, never had to remove it, and its adhesive free too!

pickpocket

04-05-2007, 05:45 AM

I was in a video game store in Japan of all places a couple months ago. I found some screen protectors for the Nintendo DS handheld gaming system. Bought a pack of 2 for about $5 US. They are super thick and "supposed" to come off without jacking up my screen since they are non adhesive. One thing is they are not the right size so they have to be cut to fit which isn't too big of a hassle.

Quangwithabong

04-05-2007, 11:09 PM

Is it washable/reuseable?? Or is it a one-application-only screen protector?

Oh! And is it a screen-only protector? Or is it like the BB one, with protection for other parts of the phone?

Thanks for any help! :D

It's a one shot deal. If you pull it up off the screen, the skin will stretch and you'll get fingerprints all over it. Looks nasty if you try to reapply.

That said, for the price of 4.95 per skin it's a great deal. These skins are tough and nearly invisible. I can't recommend them enough! :D