Who's got no screen protector on their NR

[Winston]

Any of you that don't have a screen protector on your NR? How does the screen hold up to taps and graffiti writing?

[j.logendra]

I started off with no screen protector, as I never used one on my Palm Vx. But as soon as I started seeing scratches on a screen as clear as the NR I went straight out and purchased one. Whereas the Vx's screen was just functional, I use the NR for viewing pictures, etc., so I want ot ensure that it lasts in good condition.

Plus, with Hi-Res+, I often use the graffiti area (most prone to scratching) for viewing documents, which was not an issue before.

My advice: get a screen protector.

[willgoss]

My advice, clean the screen often, use rainx periodically and keedp your stylus smooth.

Viewing everything is better.

[Rajkalex]

Never used a screen protector on mine and the screen, though dirty at the moment, has minor scratches. Up until last week I only used the stock stylus. The scratches are barely noticble, in fact, I didn't notice them until I read this post. To me, using a screen protector is like putting a plastic sheet over your couch, sure it will last longer but it sure isn't as nice to use. (personal preference obviously)

[haub]

How do you apply the Rain-x and what does it really do? Does it leave a film on the screen or does it make it foggy after applying?

[Demo]

I agree with Rajkalex, the screen is just much nicer (to see and use) without the protector...I always used them on ppc's, but never on my NR70V...I might get a few minor scratches, but I also don't put a leather bra on the front of my car to protect it....I'd rather get to see the front of my car.

demo

[big_raji]

I used a screen protector on my n610 Clie a long time ago, and was quite happy to see that my screen was protected against scratches. After a month or so my protector was scratched up, so I decided to change it. When I saw my screen without the screen protector, I decided to leave it naked.

Protectors may protect the screen, but they either have too much glare, collect too many obvious scratches, distort the screen, or all of the above.

Now, my NR70v has never had a screen cover on it.

[j.logendra]

Well, I think that you've all convinced me to try and live without the protector!! Gonna leave it a week and see how the screen holds up. I agree as I too am not one to leave the plastic protector on a phone screen, but am nevertheless apprehensive about leaving my PDA unprotected - it gets quite a beating from the stylus!

[Floater_]

obviously thats your decision, but to me a screen protector just seems to make sense when you purchase something thats $300+
you want to keep it for a while.

keep in mind that the selling point of the PDA is probably higher by keeping the screen in good condition.

personally, i like how it looks/feels without the protector as well, but with the amount of scratches that turn up on my protector, i'm a bit worried about how my screen would end up without one.

[Demo]

floater makes a good point...if resale value is a concern, absolutely consider using a protector. This is not a concern for me.

[big_raji]

With an NR70v, the resale value is going to be affected more by the silver paint rubbing off the plastic hinge.

Besides, you can buff out the scratches on your screen if you need to.

Screen protectors scratch much more easily than the actual screen. Just because someone has 100 scratches on their protector, it doesn't mean they prevented 100 scratches on their screen.

[Jake K]

In my opinion, you would be extremely foolish to use any pda without a screen protector.

[r2d]

Using a pda with a screen protector is like standing in front of a breathtaking view but admiring it through a dirty window. Bottomline: it takes half the fun out of using the pda.

If you plan to sell the pda after a few months' use, go ahead and buy a screen protector. Otherwise, learn to live with minor scratches and enjoy yourself!

[willgoss]

Question about Rainex

I wet a tissue with the Rainex and wipe the screen with it and allow it to dry. This is after cleaning the screen.

For cleaning the screen, I use opti-mist from Eckerd, again spraying on a tissue and wiping. I wipe with a fellows cloth, same as that furnished with eye-glasses.

You can apply either by spraying on the center of the screen and then wiping with your non-scratch cloth but care must be taken to keep any free liquid away from the edges of the screen.

I constantly rub my stylus(s) on fabric to smooth its point.

4 years of palm use (heavy), 8 months of NR, without scratches.

[haub]

wow...and it doesn't leave a film using rain-x? Does it remove minor scratches? How long do you need to put on another application of rain-x? Thanks!

[Tedlick]

I never used a screen protector until I got my NR70V, and I plan to use one with every PDA I use hereafter.

The Visor Prism I had for the last 2 years would have continued to be a fine PDA for my use, but the digitizer had started acting poorly. The graffiti area of the Prism had gotten so scratched up that I could only reliably enter information via an external keyboard or the pop-up keyboard on the screen. I was using a third-party stylus that gives less wear than the stock stylus, too.

I use the Fellowes Write-Rights made for the NR/NX/NZ series, and they work wonderfully for me. I typically have to replace the protector about once per month-- I could go longer, but by then there are several nicks in the protector from my using my fingernail to select buttons & such. At my rate of usage, I'll have to buy a new pack annually. $15/year isn't a major expense by anyone's calculations.

Yes, a screen protector will get scratched up more easily than the actual digitizer surface. But that's irrelevant as long as it does what I bought it to do-- protect the screen underneath, which can't so easily be peeled off and replaced.

And as for "using a protector is like looking through a dirty window"-- I've found that's not the case at all with the ones I use. If I hold the handheld so that lighting glare makes the screen surface visible, I can see the film cover I applied. But in daily use, I don't find the protector inhibits my enjoyment of the great color & resolution of the NR's screen at all.

[willgoss]

I apply Rain-X about once every 3 to 5 weeks. I never have had scratches so I can't comment on covering them. It does not leave a film, just like on your windshield.

[Jeffry]

I have no screen protector on my NR. I feel naked.

[clie524]

I have had my NR for a long time now. I don't use a screen protector and have never scratched my screen and I use my clie all the time.

[NX70BOY]

I don't have a screen protector...and I let kids I know use it all the time so it has some scratches. I think a protector would be worth the purchase. Any suggestions?

[winstonw]

I've been using the G2 protector for all the Sony Clie's I've used. One protector will be durable enough to last until the machine dies. It's transparent and tough and will give you ample protection against scratches (it really is scratch-resistant unless you go scratching it with a screwdriver or cutter).

www.pdascreenprotectors.com

For more information, go read a review article at Gadgeteer.

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/g2-screen-protector-review.html

And believe me, the customer service is excellent . For my NR70V I ordered 2 protectors (they come in pairs). When I ruined one of them during my installation, they offered to replace one of them free of charge, while I can still keep my ruined piece just to play around with it. They also reply to your emails promptly. All customer service desks should be like them!

[mochant]

Originally posted by winstonw
I've been using the G2 protector for all the Sony Clie's I've used. One protector will be durable enough to last until the machine dies. It's transparent and tough and will give you ample protection against scratches (it really is scratch-resistant unless you go scratching it with a screwdriver or cutter).

www.pdascreenprotectors.com

For more information, go read a review article at Gadgeteer.

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/g2-screen-protector-review.html

And believe me, the customer service is excellent . For my NR70V I ordered 2 protectors (they come in pairs). When I ruined one of them during my installation, they offered to replace one of them free of charge, while I can still keep my ruined piece just to play around with it. They also reply to your emails promptly. All customer service desks should be like them!
Great review WInston! My screen, after about a year of constant, daily use, has begun to show some light wear in the VG text area. I dropped by the local CompUSA on my way home yesterday and was stunned to see a $24.95 price for the sticky protectors that I've used with past PDA's (and pretty much hated).

I resigned myself to living with the scratches, or maybe trying the RainX thing. Then I read your review and the one you linked to on the Gadgeteer (love that site). I ordered y G2 this morning. Thanks.

[pigburger]

Displex, it's hard to find but well worth it. it takes out the minor scratches you get in the screen. It's designed for cell phone screens but works well on PDA screens.

[mochant]

Originally posted by pigburger
Displex, it's hard to find but well worth it. it takes out the minor scratches you get in the screen. It's designed for cell phone screens but works well on PDA screens.
Did a quick Google search and found this site selling it for $9.95. It' s supposed to be good for 8-10 applications.

http://store.yahoo.com/gazline/disp-bl.html

Thanks for the tip Pig!

[Miatamatt]

After I paid $600 for my NR I REALLY wanted to enjoy the screen... but I also REALLY wanted to protect my investment... G2's to the rescue! They aren't cheap, and they are a major PITA to get on (although if you have the guts to take your NR apart it's a chinch... directions are somewhere on the 'net) but they are WELL worth it- and I can't even tell that it's installed (until it gets scratched up (3-4 months) and then it's time for a new one- I tighten up the hinge while I'm taking everything apart and it's like I have a new PDA!

And yes, customer service is EXCELLENT! I ordered 4 protectors (~$30-35, if I remeber right), and I was sent 10 protectors... I e-mailed them offereing to send the extra back and they said 'keep em'... THE NEXT DAY- 5 more in the mail... I emailed again... and they said 'looks like you're set for life'... ALL HAIL G2 PROTECTORS AND THOSE THAT SELL THEM!!!

[ratman]

I've only had my NR70V a couple of months and bought the Sony screen protector at the same time as the Clie.

I have now had to take the screen protector off as it had become so scratched that it was becoming difficult to view the screen.

After removing the screen protector I found the screen much clearer and my graphitti strokes seem to be far more accurate.

If you consider that the Sony screen protector is about £7.00 and has lasted me only 2 months, if I was to continually replace the screen protector every time it wore out I would be spending £42 a year.

In a couple of years time you could probably pick up a brand new PDA with equivalent specs to the NR70V for only a little more than what you would have paid in screen protectors!

Personally I think the idea of a screen protector is great but in practice the reduction in screen clarity etc and the cost of continually replacing them make it not worth while for me.

[sstrasser86]

you know i have had my NX70 for about 4.5 months and for the first two months i didn' have a screen protcetor.....for the last 2.5 months i have used 2 of them 1 i got dirty b/c of my hands and the other has been on for 2.5 months and i am still using it and i bought 12 for $20

[charliedoble]

Since I don't like the effect a screen protector has on color clarity, I try to be as careful as possible with my screen in order to protect it. I use only an Oakley microfiber bag to clean the screen and avoid scratches. It has worked for me since I bought the NR70V last September...

[archangel]

I've never used a screen protector on any PDA. I'm not spending all this money for a quality screen and then cover it up with a cloudy piece of plastic. I've never had more than a few light scratches I don't even notice unless I'm looking for them.