Choosing a Screen Protector

[Yummi]

Is there a way to know how clear the protector will be before you buy it or will I have to make the purchase, try it, and if it doesnt look clear enough take it back?

If you have any suggestions, that would be great. My SJ30 thanks you :)

[Berto2112]

Unless you know someone who has one, you'll have to get it and try it. The pictures they put on the websites/packages are doctored to look like whatever they want them to look like.

[meekapda]

I tried the one that Sony offers and was disappointed.

I like the ones I get from Brando Workshop. They make them for every screen and you pay $12 total for a screen protector that will last you at least one year.

[A-lady]

I was htinking of ordering the sony one.. what didn't you like about it?

[meekapda]

When I was attempting to put it on, I touched the sticky side on accident. I was unable to get my fingerprints off that side at all and it always looked foggy.

[A-lady]

good to know i will have to watch for that if i get that kind. but sonystyle.ca has been out ofr weeks, and all the store here don't have any that fit either.. even the sonystore.. which i thought was kinda dumb

[russr]

I'd like to bump up this thread as I'm interested in knowing what a good screen protector for the SJ-30 is and where I can purchase it from.

Thanks

[Berto2112]

I just got my BoxWave (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/index.cfm?type=CLIE) screen protector and I'm really happy with it. Washable, nice and sticky, feels great under the stylus, no ridges. Just make sure you apply it in a dust-free area, or the backside will be full of dust/lint before you even get it on.

Berto

[TheMooch]

hehe...Berto..you are a life saver...I clicke the link to check out the screen protectors and saw that they also sell the retractable sync/charger cables!....Now...if they were only sold through the ClieSource Accessories store so I could use PayPal.....hint hint!

:D

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Berto2112
I just got my BoxWave (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/index.cfm?type=CLIE) screen protector and I'm really happy with it. Washable, nice and sticky, feels great under the stylus, no ridges.
Berto - Can you compare to any others? I have the Brando now.

[Berto2112]

No, I haven't actually tried any other screen protectors, so you'll have to take my "review" with a grain of salt. I'm basing my comparisons on the gripes that people had with other brands. All I can say is that I'm as picky as they come and this screen protector passed my tests, if that means anything to anyone....

[peteled]

I have just received my boxwave screen protector and mini-sync for my SJ-30. They are great. The screen protector is easy to install and has a nice feel to it. But... this is my first experience with a screen protector

[canalla]

Peteled: The thing is...HOW CLEAR IS THE IMAGE WITH THE FILM ON? I'm also looking and don´t know which to buy....has anybody tried FELLOWES for the SJ30?

[sralmas]

This decision takes about a nano second: Brando (www.brando.com.hk)

[canalla]

Are the Belkin screen protectors any good?

[Malainie]

I really like NuShields, found here (www.nushields.com). They're a hard plastic that fits the entire screen well. They're easy to install, once you get the hang of it. They're not sticky, and they're so clear you can't even tell they're on!

[BBERIC]

Try " NuShield "......nushield.com
I'm using for my SJ30 & my old Visor.
Reuseable & non-sticky.

[hherbzilla]

Is there anyone who has tried Brando and then found something better? I've only used Brando so have nothing to compare against.

[meekapda]

I've tried:
fellowes
wears out in heavy use areas,
expensive
distorts view

pdascreenprotector
cheap,
hard plastic sheet,
wears quick,
difficult to apply

sony's offering
like brando in material but i accidentally touched sticky side in application and my attempts to clean corrupted it with lint-I ran it under water, not sure where lint came from)
screen was greatly distorted

and brando
easy to apply,
easy to clean
and lasts a year so far

[Berto2112]

from what I've heard...not really, but I may be wrong. The way I see it, you might want to stay away from the disposable kinds (I don't know if Belkins are disposable) since they quality will probably be lower on disposable types. I figure the washable ones we be better since they have to last longer, but again, I may be wrong.

Berto

** my bad, I answered a previous post without realizing there was another entire page of replies, so this probably makes no sense. This was a reply to the belkin question. I'm an idiot....

[canalla]

But is brando CLEAR? Cause the fellowes I have is not "transperent". I want one that lets you apreciate the colors and display quality...

[russr]

I've been following this thread and so far the Brando seems the winner. The Nushield one also looks good, but with only one person having tried it, I'd be more inclined to go with the Brando.

Those that have the brando...what are the problems with it?

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by canalla
But is brando CLEAR? Cause the fellowes I have is not "transperent". I want one that lets you apreciate the colors and display quality... No, the Brando is not clear. There is a slight dulling of the color/brightness... but otherwise I've been extremely pleased. That's why I've been asking if there is someone who has tried the Brando but has found something better. I've had my first one on for about 4 months now, and it looks like new. I have no idea when I'll have to replace it, so I'm in no hurry... just curious.

[ether143]

I have tried the fellows, as they are the only kind that my local staples sell and that is the only place to get such things for me. And I hate them almost as much as scratching my screen...The only way to make them good is to take a small amount of car wax and rub it on really good..That reduces the friction enough that I can actually write on them so maybe I will try to order the Boxwave.

[Rawkis]

Really, you used car wax on the screen protector? Doesn't the film of wax begin to wear away and leave 'valleys' in the protector?

I use Fellowes, and yes, it does have a lot of friction. After 2 weeks of using it, however, I've come to barely notice it. Writing on the actual screen will probably feel like a dream when I remove the protector to have it replaced....

[ether143]

Na no real valleys..you need to really buff it off well..I also use a product called Glare-Away and I highly recomend it to anyone. Unfortunatly it seems that their web page no longer exists..It is a good product for cleaning screens,scanners and other stuff. I got it at Albertson's.

[jMAC]

I just got the Sony Screen Protector...but I can't get those dang bubbles out!!!!

I was using a piece of transparency film, but I decided to get a brand name screen protector. What a waste of $10!


Any suggestions on how to get the bubbles out? I must have tried 10 times.

--jMAC

[canalla]

I tried the car wax on my palm Vx last year and it does work...but it does wear away before you know it and you will scratch your screen...trust me! If you do decide to use the car wax, make sure it has TEFLON so it will be harder to scratch your screen and be sure to repeat the process of putting it on again depending on how often you use it...but doesn't let to much time go by....trust me on this...

[ether143]

I only use the car wax on a screen protector...I should have been more clear of that I guess..

[gvtexas]

I just installed a NuShield on my SJ30, and I'm pretty happy with it. Tough to get all the dust/specs off before installing, and took me three tries before I was happy as per dust-free installation.

Pretty clear plastic, I'd say I lose about 2-5% of visibility, and makes things a little less white, with a very slight pinkishness to them.

I liked the NuShields because they don't adhere to the glass, are super-thin, and from other reviews I read, as clear as you can get.

But I also opted for the Klearscreen/Klearkloth cleaner/wiper, and while happy with the Klearscreen cleaner, the kloth is a kludge...claims to be lint free, but it adds more little fibers than it takes away. Blowing on the glass did a better job of de-linting than the kloth.

Gary

[Palié]

www.lumitector.com
It glows in dark, more transparent than Brando, also cheaper. I'd give it a perfect rating if it didn't take a month to arrive.

[notmuch]

Here's my 2 cents on screen protection....

My two favorites are the G2 and the Brando. Both are removable and washable. The G2 has no adhesive and is the clearest I've found. Also the most durable. Clear means crisp text and nice bright colors, but on the downside there is much more glare and fingerprints, debris, etc., show easily. The glare and fingerprints of the G2 were too much for me. The Brando is a little "milkier", but I'll take the tradeoff of glare reduction, for a slight hit in clarity. I also had some tap recognition issues with the G2. (not on an SJ) The thickness of the G2 (wedged between the screen and the frame) pressed down on the screen affecting tap accuracy along the edges of the screen.

BTW, the G2 doesn't have a ready made SJ version. If clarity is your #1, you might be able to cut a T series down to fit the SJ. YMMV.

Also, Palié I'm currious about the Lumitector, have you done a side by side comparison with the Brando?

[ether143]

I was gonna buy the Lumitector and give it a try but their web page kept on cancelling my shopping cart...btw screen protectors for the t615 fit perfectly on the sj30, the fellowes that i use are built for the t615

[Ege]

I am using the Fellows protector. I messed up my first one, but lived with it for about 3 weeks. When I couldn't stand it anymore I put on another one. I was much more careful in applying the second one. It came out MUCH better, and I'm happy with it. I hope I don't have to change it for a loooong time.

I have been using one of those tri-purpose pens (stylus, pen & mechanical pencil), which seems to avoid some of the scratches mentioned in another tread. I seldom use the SJ30 sylus.

- Steve -

[Ege]

I should have mentioned in my other post - there is a big difference in the Fellowes protectors between one model and another. I tried using a Fellowes protector from my old Visor monochrome on my new SJ30. It made the screen look very strange. The one designed for the SJ30 is alright, but they do seem pricey don't they.

- Steve -

[A-lady]

Well,, I decided to try the nushields and ordered mine today. I'll let you all know how they are when i get them..... which could be a while since i live on vancouver island..... quite a ways for it to ship.and once it hits the candian border...well... it slows down to a snails pace..

[JohnH]

Let me add a vote for NuShield (http://www.nushield.com/personal_home.htm). It's completely clear and doesn't cloud up the display like the textured ones do. Can't tell it's applied, actually.

It's a thin, rigid plastic that applies by slipping underneath the edge of the screen all the way around.

~JohnH

[Gazpacho]

BTW, the G2 doesn't have a ready made SJ version. If clarity is your #1, you might be able to cut a T series down to fit the SJ. YMMV.

Actually, they do. Mail them and they'll tell you that they have the SJ version in stock, but it isn't reflected yet on the website. They'll advice you to choose the apple version and then note "Clie SJ30" at the remarks field.

[gvtexas]

Originally posted by A-lady
Well,, I decided to try the nushields and ordered mine today.

Got mine a week ago...works pretty well.

My best advice when you get it is to put a post-it note on the side that is supposed to be the side you write on. Cause once you pull the backing off the shield and then futz with cleaning, wiping, blowing off specs, etc., you'll soon lose track of which side is supposed to be which!

They aren't crystal clear, but 98% clear. I think you'll be happy with them. If you opted for the KlearKlean/KlearKloth, be aware that the cloth leaves lint fuzzies behind (although it claims to be lint free). The cloth that's saturated with the liquid does a nice job, but I tossed the others away since they caused more work removing lint than they helped, but YMMV.

Gary

[A-lady]

I buy eye glass wipe packettes by the costco case for my son, and found them very handy also for my pda. So i was planning on just using those.

[Palmruz]

I have tryed a bunch of screen protectors and there are basically three kinds: 1. Write-right: medium ease aplication, not totally clear, comes in packs of twelve, good for a year, good feel for stylus but not too easy to get on without bubbles. 2. Generic thin plastic film type, harder too apply, cheapest, comes in pack of 10 or 12, clearer than Write-Right, most likely to scratch, adhere sometimes too well to screen. 3. Brando Type: Thick Plastic, virtually scratch proof, easy to apply, can be washed in water but not recomended as cleaning with sticky tape will result in a cleaner protector. Only one protector per pack, Very rigid, yet is very transparent once applied. In my opinion, the best!!.

My only problem with screen protectors is in removing them. I have, more than once, had to remove a screen protector with a knife!!!!!!!

[A-lady]

I got my nusheilds the other day.. ruined the first one trying to install it... but that was my own ineptitide..lol
i really liek it, i would nnever know it was on except for the fact i couldn't get it 100% lint free or clean on the back of the protector.
but other wise i really think i made a good choice.

[canalla]

I got my screen protector from Brando last week and its the best I've seen or had. No problem with the clearness of the film, you don't lose any resolution at all.....I'm even thinking of importing them to my country to sell...
People don't look any further just buy them!

[canalla]

You wanna get rid of that lint that will not go awaya?...Use some scotch tape...:cool:

[PDA gadgetfreak]

I tried Fellows on my visor but didn't like them. Found some Belkin screen protectors in WalMart of all places. They seem pretty clear and now are closing them out. I bought 2 more packs at $5 a pack. Not perfect but cheap and relatively clear.

[34Ford]

Just put my Brando on and it gets my vote.
Sweet!

Now I can take a breather, now that I have protection:)
http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

I also bought a Sena case w/belt clip. Black on black. Reason I went with it is I wear t-shirts in the summer with no pockets. And I dont really like my shirt sagging due to a pda in it anyway.

Dennis

[BoxWave]

BoxWave! :D.

Hey all,

Just wanted tot let you guys know we have some other threads going on this exact board regarding the quality and benefits of our screen protectors.

Let me know if you guys have any questions.

Best wishes!

Wing Lum
BoxWave

[Lee]

I've used Fellowes (wear out quickly and difficult to apply), Brando (easier though not easy to apply, wears out after several months use), G2 from pdascreenprotectors.com (avoid !, the one I received was too big requiring trimming, difficult to apply though washable, but screen lost all sensitivity because it's too thick)

I think I'll try the acetate from Office Depot or similar and make my own. They're all way too expensive for what you get.

[BoxWave]

I've used Fellowes (wear out quickly and difficult to apply), Brando (easier though not easy to apply, wears out after several months use), G2 from pdascreenprotectors.com (avoid !, the one I received was too big requiring trimming, difficult to apply though washable, but screen lost all sensitivity because it's too thick)

I think I'll try the acetate from Office Depot or similar and make my own. They're all way too expensive for what you get.


Hi Lee,

Have you considered BoxWave's ClearTouch Anti-Glares or ClearTouch Crystals?

Each ClearTouch is custom made for a specific handheld to fit the screen perfectly. ClearTouch is also washable, making it possible for reuse. Many customers have used their ClearTouch for nearly a year and have not found a reason to apply a new one!

It's also available in a Special 3-pack Bundle to provide some hefty savings.

Come check it out here: ClearTouch Anti-Glare (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/index.htm) or ClearTouch Crystal (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouchcrystal/index.htm)

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Cheers, :)

Cho

[Guatiao]

Hey BoxWave, I just ordered mine for my new T3, I hope the live up to the hype... LOL!

Just kidding! I've read many great reviews, so I guess they will get the job done.

[Bunkeeburns]

I bought my first PDA ever; a Sony TH55 two months ago and the Palm ones were the only ones available when I was in another store and realized I needed to purchase a screen protector. One of the most aggravating things about the Palm protectors I bought was is they have to be cut to fit your screen.

I've since ordered and am using the Boxwave ClearTouch Crystal screen protector. I also ordered the regular anti-glare ClearTouch to use when this one needs replacing.

Even though the Crystal is not anti-glare it is still way better than the Palm ones. As a matter of fact, the glare doesn’t even bother me; I’m so impressed with the clarity of the screen and the colors that come through. I'm sure I'll be pleased with the other one will as well whenever I replace this one. :)

[BoxWave]

Bunkeeburns,

I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying your ClearTouch!

Thanks for your support :)

Cheers,
Cho

[Lee]

Hi Lee,

Have you considered BoxWave's ClearTouch Anti-Glares or ClearTouch Crystals?

Each ClearTouch is custom made for a specific handheld to fit the screen perfectly. ClearTouch is also washable, making it possible for reuse. Many customers have used their ClearTouch for nearly a year and have not found a reason to apply a new one!

It's also available in a Special 3-pack Bundle to provide some hefty savings.

Come check it out here: ClearTouch Anti-Glare (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/index.htm) or ClearTouch Crystal (http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouchcrystal/index.htm)

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Cheers, :)

Cho

Well, I ordered a 3-pack of ClearTouch from you, and I'm sorry to report that I'm disappointed. They do fit well and are easy to apply, but they scratch so easily. I had marks on it the first day, and after two weeks the Graffiti area is badly scratched now, so much so that's it's annoying to use. I've tried buffing out the scratched area with rubbing compound but it still is very noticeable when I use Graffiti. I keep mine clean, in a leather case, and am careful to clean my stylus tip often, but it seems that the occasional dust particle is enough to mar the surface. I work in an office, so it's not getting rough treatment other than because I use it for hours every day.

[BoxWave]

Well, I ordered a 3-pack of ClearTouch from you, and I'm sorry to report that I'm disappointed. They do fit well and are easy to apply, but they scratch so easily. I had marks on it the first day, and after two weeks the Graffiti area is badly scratched now, so much so that's it's annoying to use. I've tried buffing out the scratched area with rubbing compound but it still is very noticeable when I use Graffiti. I keep mine clean, in a leather case, and am careful to clean my stylus tip often, but it seems that the occasional dust particle is enough to mar the surface. I work in an office, so it's not getting rough treatment other than because I use it for hours every day.

Lee,

I'm sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with our ClearTouch.

Many of our ClearTouch users are pleased to find that they are able to use their ClearTouch for a substancial time before they have to put another one on. Could I ask if you've ordered the Anti-Glare or Crystal? The Anti-Glare provides a smoother writing surface while it is a bit more resistant to scratches.

Any unused Clear Touch under our 100-day warranty is eligible for exchange or a refund within 30-days of your purchase. Please let me know what you'd like to do, I'd love to assist you further.

Cheers,

Cho

[Lee]

Hi Cho
thanks for the response. I bought the Crystal version and will take you up on the refund offer. Please PM me with details.

[DrNicket]

I use the WriteRight screen protectors bought from Staples (On clearance right now all over Canada. bought a pack for $2.50!). I love having them, but I have two big beefs and a small one:

1. Tough to apply without catching a fleck of dust or a tiny bubble or two.
2. Smear/smudge easy. A dry cloth would make it worse and I don't have a wetwipe style cloth.
3. Texture's a little sticky for writing (see: smudge). Best to write at a slight angle, or use a softer tipped stylus like the one in my Papermate PhD Multi (My wife bought me one a year ago X-mas, I lost it, and she bought me two more this year 8^). The SJ33 stylus tip is too hard for heavy use on this protector.

I almost always ruin the first protector in my frustrating attempt to apply it cleanly. I usually have to relift it once or twice to get it on smoothly. A steadier hand would help, but I'd say it's mostly skill.

The thing I do like about it is I can leave it on for a few months before it starts to bother me.

[ss4vegito7]

I bought NUSHIELD and I love it! I can't tell that its on and instalation was easy. The best thing i like about using a screen protector is not being afrain of using my fingers on the screen. I can use my fingers with apps like calculator without any fear!

[kouker]

Just got the ClearTouch Anti-Glare screen protector from BoxWave. Too thick, too blurry, significantly reduces outdoor visibility, size is not exact (1-2mm less then perfect). Also in daylightit reveals every tiny scratch on my used TH55 screen, even those previously unnoticeable... VERY disappointed. Would never recommend it. Just want everybody know.

[BoxWave]

Just got the ClearTouch Anti-Glare screen protector from BoxWave. Too thick, too blurry, significantly reduces outdoor visibility, size is not exact (1-2mm less then perfect). Also in daylightit reveals every tiny scratch on my used TH55 screen, even those previously unnoticeable... VERY disappointed. Would never recommend it. Just want everybody know.

kouker,

I'm sorry to hear that you're disappointed with the ClearTouch Anti-Glare. However, it looks like the ClearTouch Crystal would have been a better fit for you. Most Anti-Glare users like the "matte" finish that gives them the pen on paper feel when they use their stylus on the screen. ClearTouch Crystal is known for it's amazing glass-like clarity and 99% visual transparency. It's so clear that it can't be noticed on your screen when your device is on.

Also, ClearTouch will leave a 1mm gap around all sides when it is aligned in the center. If not, one side will have a bigger gap than another.

Please let me know if I could assist you further.

Cheers, :)
Cho

[Meatpuppy]

Boxwave's ClearTouch are the worst. They are cut too small and don't adhere evenly.
Boxwave customer service is sorely lacking, as well. Brando is the best choice- have used Brando protectors on several PDAs and they are well made and very durable.

[BoxWave]

Boxwave's ClearTouch are the worst. They are cut too small and don't adhere evenly.
Boxwave customer service is sorely lacking, as well. Brando is the best choice- have used Brando protectors on several PDAs and they are well made and very durable.


Meatpuppy,

Please check out the collective review of screen protectors. It was featured on BrightHand and is a well-known review.

Here's the link: http://www.brighthand.com/article/Protect_Your_Screen

Also, ClearTouch is made to leave a 1mm gap around all edges. This is mainly for easy removal and also to prevent issues that arise from screen protectors sneeking under the bezel of the screen.

If you feel as though you've received a defective unit as the ClearTouch should adhere evenly, please contact customerservice@boxwave.com.

Best Regards,
Cho

[Meatpuppy]

I'm simply sharing my own opinion of the product and the merchant. You call the gap a benefit, I call it a sloppy product. You refer to a PDA site review that gets its revenue from product ads, I shared my personal experiences. On average, I buy a high-end phone and a PDA at least once a year, and lots of accessories, 'cuz I like shiny new toys. I only recently tried Boxwave accessories. Unimpressed with the product, and disappointed in the service. Some people have better experience than me or write favorable reviews. Whatever. As a customer I don't really care about "collective" opinion. If "individuals" have crappy experiences then I want to know about it, and I'm willing to share, too.

[BoxWave]

I'm simply sharing my own opinion of the product and the merchant. You call the gap a benefit, I call it a sloppy product. You refer to a PDA site review that gets its revenue from product ads, I shared my personal experiences. On average, I buy a high-end phone and a PDA at least once a year, and lots of accessories, 'cuz I like shiny new toys. I only recently tried Boxwave accessories. Unimpressed with the product, and disappointed in the service. Some people have better experience than me or write favorable reviews. Whatever. As a customer I don't really care about "collective" opinion. If "individuals" have crappy experiences then I want to know about it, and I'm willing to share, too.

Meatpuppy,

First and foremost, we very much appreciate your opinions and feedback. I did not mean to undermind your individual voice with the review of the screen protectors. It is unfortunate that the ClearTouch does not work to its full potential for your handheld. May I ask which PDA model you're using the ClearTouch for?

Also, the decision to develop ClearTouch with a 1mm gap was made after we began to encounter issues from the ClearTouch fitting the exact size of the screen. Customer feedback revealed that the ClearTouch was almost impossible to remove when sized exactly to the screen and also caused issues when the ClearTouch would move beneath the bezel of the handheld. This caused an uneven screen tention causing the user to recaliberate the digitizer screen or to remove and reapply the ClearTouch frequently.

Please PM me if you have any other questions or concerns.

Best Regards,
Cho