02 XDA mini s Screen Protection [Archive]

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tom99

23-01-2006, 09:57 AM

Hi,

I've been using my xda for about a month now and have noticed it hard to keep the screen clean, it seems to be very greasy etc... Has anyone invested in a screen protector for this problem or is it not really worth it?

Also cause i have only had mine a month with limited use, has anyone who has owed this phone longer noticed it gets scratched from the pen etc after longer periods of time...?

I know not important questions but just something i've been wondering none the less. Thanks

davebo

23-01-2006, 04:03 PM

I wanted to ditch the case (as it's pants) so I got a brando screen protector. It was a real faff to fit and I still haven't got it a) square or b) without loads of cr@p under it, but it does its job, it seems to be sensitive enough and I (probably) am too ham-fisted to judge how difficult it is to fit the thing.

Hope that helps.

MrJoshua

23-01-2006, 07:04 PM

I've been told the Martin Whatsisname Screen Protectors are really good.

I'm thinking about getting one of these.

tom99

23-01-2006, 08:02 PM

Do they leave any marks when you peel them off afterwards? From the glue and stuff?

MrJoshua

23-01-2006, 08:16 PM

Hi Tom

They don't use any glue, so you can just peel them off with no problem.

They cling to the screen like clingfilm.

pencilcase

23-01-2006, 08:58 PM

nothing else than brando! have used it on all of my previous devices .. just no comparison to the cheap ones on ebay ...

walterem

24-01-2006, 12:21 AM

I would say screen protector is a must for me...I'm too lazy to pull out the stylus every time....a screen protector will allow me to tap with my fingers, nails.....or even a pen....in fact, I put a protector on almost every mobile phones, my previous PPC....

tom99

24-01-2006, 10:08 AM

Fair enough, but at £8.50+ its a rip off!!! for a bit of plastic that cost 0.05p to make, they're laughing all the way to the bank....

davebo

24-01-2006, 03:15 PM

Maybe. It's a quality product and it's still a lot cheaper than a new screen...

You pays yer money.

tom99

24-01-2006, 03:42 PM

Maybe but im just not convinced, how can you decribe a bit of platic as a "quality product"? I have heard they are extreemly hard to fit properly without getting finger prints on them etc and you get air bubbles and it is really annoying if you even leave a few specs of dust underneath it...?

No one round the office here seems to bother with them. I dont expect with any device for the screen to remain untouched forever, i think it just comes down to normal wear and tear, as with everything. Just my views anyway, need to hear more about these things before i had over best part of £10.

I have seen a Martin Fields one and someone on here said they were good. Is it easy to notice its there if you have one installed?

Whitefiver

24-01-2006, 04:29 PM

I have bought some via ebay from screenprotector24 at £1.99 for 6 plus P&P. There was also a buy 2 get 1 free offer on too. I have never been a fan of screen protectors but I agree that with the Mini-S it is verging on essential.

I am more than happy with the quality of the ones I received.

Hope that helps someone.

Regards,

White.

tom99

24-01-2006, 04:33 PM

I've been looking for some on ebay, what did you type in to search and find those? can you link me?

Whitefiver

24-01-2006, 04:42 PM

Hi,

Sorry, I'm at work and barred from ebay. www.screenprotector24.de may well work if I recall correctly.

Regards,

White

davebo

24-01-2006, 04:56 PM

Just because something's made of plastic doesn't mean it isn't quality. After all look at Pamela Anderson! (Sorry).

The Brando one I got is doing its job. Before I had the screen protector dirt would pile up and I'd be cleaning it 3 or 4 times a day. Now I don't have to. I was worried the screen would get damaged. I don't have to worry what I use on the screen or shoving it in my pocket.

Yes, you can tell it's on if you look. It looks like you've left the manufacturers sheet on but without a tab to remove it if it catches the light. Straight on, you'd be hard pressed to know it's there - honest.

I haven't seen the cheapo ones myself, I went on recomendations on forums from people who had more experience.

Also, Brando service is outstanding in my experience.

tom99

24-01-2006, 04:59 PM

Right ok, i am thinking of getting one just for peace of mind. All i can find is Martin Philips ones on UK sites... Where can i find a decent priced Brando one on a UK site for a 02 xdx mini s? Can someone name a shop or link me etc?

Thanks

jacro

24-01-2006, 06:27 PM

I bought mine direct from the Brando site in Hong Kong... http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php. It arrived within 6 days

I had the antireflective one on my old XDA2, but these ultra glossy ones are MUCH better. It was a fiddle to fit, but I honestly can't that it's there other than by looking for the edge. I've tried this a few times and I find the following procedure works well.

First off, you need to find as dust free an environment as possible. Choose a room that doesn't have any carpet, or fabric in it if you can(cushions curtains etc). Boil a kettle, and make the room a bit steamy. When the steam clears, it should take some of the dust with it.

The trick to avoiding dust is to be prepared. Get a good lint free cloth (lens microfibre cloth worked well for me) and a blower brush - small rubber bulb with a nozzle. Also keep some masking tape ready. Finally you will need a bright light - ideally a spot light, or if you've got low fluorescent lights under over your kitchen work tops, they are ideal. Wear latex gloves if you have any (you can usually get packs of 20 from poundland)

Stick some masking tape to the your worksurface, folding it back on itself, so that the sticky side is facing up. Use several strips so that you have an area two or three times the size of your screen.

Spend a few minutes polishing with the lint free cloth, and then set the phone down, face up, well illuminated (from above) and switched off!. Blow off all the remaining dust with the blower - make sure that no dust is stuck (might require more polishing) at this stage you have two hands free - in a minute you won't! Dont worry if some dust starts to settle back on the screen at this stage - it will be loose, and you can blow it off in a minute.

Next step - take the screen protector, and peel off the backing two thirds of the way. Keep the 'sticky' side face down so dust doesn't settle on it. It's helpful if you can crease the backing slightly as it's quite springy and tends to get in the way a bit. Be careful not to touch the exposed side though. If you're right handed you'll want the screen protector in your right hand at this moment.

The next bit, you might need to repeat a few times until you get it right...

Blow the last bits of dust off the screen (do NOT use your mouth - you will spit all over the screen). Line up the most exposed end of the protector - its a very precise fit, the edges will touch both sides, and the end should be lined up exactly with the end of the screen. If you push the protector under the plastic above the screen it will be short at the other end. You might need to lift and reposition a few times to get this right. Once you have placed the exposed end, put a finger on top and check the alignment. Now check for any dust. You might be able to blow one or two bits off, but if there is more than that, you need to lift off the protector, press it down onto the upturned tape to get rid of any dust, blow the dust of the screen and try again. The dust sticks to the tape MUCH better than the screen, and will not leave any residue on the Brando protector, so you can do this quite a few times if necessary.

The important thing here is not to panic. You will get dust, and will need to go round the loop a few times, but as you'll be prepared, there will be no problem. Once the protector is lined up, the screen is (temporarily) dust free and there are no bubbles (phew!) carefully remove the last of the backing film and holding the edges very lightly between your fingers (gloves help here) lay the last bit removing any bubbles. Once down, it is hard to get the protector off without damaging the edge so only do the last bit once you're sure there is no dust/bubbles.

Remove the front sheet and polish. With any luck, you should hardly be able to tell that the screen protector is there!

Fork

24-01-2006, 10:17 PM

Thanks for those really comprehensive instructions! I'm going to order one from the Brando site today and will pick up the blower and lint-free cloth etc from Jessops (camera shop) this weekend.

tom99

25-01-2006, 10:14 AM

Nice one on such detailed instructions!

I order a Martin Fields over lay plus today, they seem to have good reviews everywhere i have looked. They are slightly adhesive though, but as this is a "gentle silicon based glue" (so i hear) i think that means it will be fine on the screen.

Has anyone had experience on using these and what the screen is like after you remove them, any residue etc left afterwards? How long will it last roughly?

Thanks for any help guys!

jacro

25-01-2006, 02:54 PM

I haven't tried this, but you could probably save yourself the cost of a blower brush by using a bike pump or better still an airbed footpump (you can use that one handed).

jacro

25-01-2006, 03:00 PM

tom99, if you get a Martin Fields protector (or any other sort that uses adhesive) I'm not sure that its safe to use masking tape to clean it. The Brando ones stick to the screen electostatically, so its safe to clean them with tape (the instructions that come with it recommend scotch tape). If the instructions you get with your Martin Fields protector don't mention cleaning with tape, then I would miss out that step. Can you add a comment to this thread when you get it (or anyone else that has used a MF protector)? It might help others decide which protector to go for.

s4vva

26-01-2006, 12:26 AM

mackaby007

26-01-2006, 03:21 AM

Hi GUYS. JUST GOT RID OF MY UNIVERSAL FOR A WIZARD. CAN'T SAY I MADE A MISTAKE EITHER.

FOR SCREEN PROTECTION I RELIGIOUSLY NOW USE BOXWAVES 99% CRYSTAL CLEARVIEW SCREEN PROTECTOR. I USED IT ON MY EX-UNIVERSAL AND NO ONE INCLUDING TECHIES COULD TELL IT WAS THERE. NO VISIBLE LOSS OF BRIGHTNESS (AS IS EVIDENT WITH SOME OTHER PRODUCTS), SIMPLE TO APPLY PLUS U GET THE LINT FREE CLOTH INCLUDED AND IT`S HASSLE-FREE! JUST ORDERED ONE FOR MY NEW WIZARD. BIT COSTLY FOR A PIECE OF PLASTIC (I THOUGHT INITIALLY), BUT I WOULD NEVER DO WITHOUT IT AGAIN.

CHECK:
www.boxwave.com
they send out internationally within 3 - 5 days too. Top Class kit! :wink:

mackaby007

26-01-2006, 03:34 AM

My Bad. It`s called Cleartouch

http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouchcrystal/index.htm

tom99

30-01-2006, 02:41 PM

I use martin fields on mine because I was worried about the screen getting scratched when I shove it into my pocket. I can't tell the difference with the protector on or off. installation instructions are on the martin fields website including video clips that clearly display using tape to clean the screen first. I haven't taken it off yet so I couldn't tell you if it leaves a residue.

Yeah i got my Martin Fields fitted and i have to say im impressed, a little tricky fitting but i have done it quite well and you wouldn't know its there.

How long is normal for these things to last before they need replacing?

Johnmcl7

30-01-2006, 03:21 PM

Grantster

13-02-2006, 11:09 PM

mackaby007 wrote:
> FOR SCREEN PROTECTION I RELIGIOUSLY NOW USE BOXWAVES 99% CRYSTAL CLEARVIEW SCREEN PROTECTOR.

Anybody tried the Anti-glare protectors as oppposed to the Crystal? What are the Pros/cons?

cheers,
Grantster.

Johnmcl7

14-02-2006, 02:26 AM

I just received my anti-glare one today, assuming mine is correct there's a slight sort of cross hatching/moire effect across the display. I read a few reviews and decided the anti-glare would suit me better as I sometimes had trouble reading my P900 display in certain light, so anything to help there at all was worth it.

John

MikeProcter

10-05-2006, 12:18 PM

I used the Boxwave anti glare on my palm T3, and another make on my Treo 650, but having bought a screen protector by Adapt (it's crap) I've just ordered another Boxwave antiglare for my MDA Vario. As I use my Vario for sat nav using Tom Tom, the antiglare will help with seeing the display, but you do loose a little brightness.

petrosk73

10-05-2006, 12:39 PM

I use a G3 screen protector and is really great! I have tried most of the cheap one and also the Brando ones, but none lasted more than a month with my use! Then tried the G3, and it lasted for 4 months, when I sold the unit and still looked fairly decent! Naturally, when I moved to Kjam, I went for the G3 screen protector! Two months latter, it still looks new, and best of all, you can not tell that its on! ;)

I hope this helps

Tezcatlipoca

10-05-2006, 12:52 PM

I've got a Martin Fields screen protector on my XDA Mini S. Very good.

Also used Martin Fields before on my old SE P900.

TauTau

10-05-2006, 01:51 PM

Tezcatlipoca

10-05-2006, 03:52 PM

I currently have the Brando Anti-Glare on, but since I also have the PDAir Aluminium case with the plexiglass window, it interferes a bit and I get weird colors from some angles. Ordered a Brando clear one now for comparison...

I've got one of those PDAir aluminium cases on order.

I read here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=49568) of someone who has one, & their reception is much poorer than without the case.

Does it affect your reception much?

TauTau

10-05-2006, 04:01 PM

as an example: When I get a call, and the caller nearly can't understand me, or I can't understand him, and then I just *open* the case, everything is fine... and then the antenna on the back still is covered...

I'm really desparately looking for a screen protection like the HP phones have, i.e. some clear plastic over the screen. I don't need the rugged all-around solution really, I only fear for the screen cause I don't really look after my phones (nokia communicator was great in that, screen protected inside when closed)

Lars

Keitaro

14-05-2006, 12:32 PM

I've been using Brando's screenprotectors since 2003 with my Tungsten|T. Also used their UltraClear ones on my X50v and now also on my Vario. I have to say that it definitely improved stylus usage on the X50v as prior to that it was more akin to using the rubber end of a pencil on the screen!

Anyway, I know they're a touch on the expensive side but then the device I'm using it on is even more so - plus it really is clear, no blurriness or haziness :)

jaganath_sr

16-07-2006, 05:27 AM

kamakazi17

16-07-2006, 06:30 AM

www.shieldzone.com

The best screen protector I ever used. They also give you a life time warranty, so if your screen protector becomes bad, just send them an email and they will send you a replacement.

i would have to agree with him. after the whole fiasco with ipod videos being easily scratchable. many reviewers and product testers sought after a means to alleviate the dreaded ipod problems. A whole host of reviews came out for various products, but the invisible shield came out as one of the top.

i think you will be happy with this product, as it both protects the screen and also the body from getting scratched. also it'll look really nice since its barely noticeable.