Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 447

Screen Protectors - Do we even need them?

Does anyone else think that screen protectors may have just been invented because there is a good market for anything people can get paranoid about? For example, Mother's Day, etc. were all invented to sell more greeting cards. They're a good idea, but we could live without them. I finally stopped using Writerights because of how much better the screen looks without them and because I wasted $2 when I accidently touched the adhesive. I figure these screens were made to be tapped. I've even tried looking for vinyl, but I am yet to find a good piece to use.

Anyway, I'm sorry about the bad writing quality of this post but I've got a headcold and am a bit woosy from Sudafed. Thanks.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

My first stylus-based PDA was an old PalmPilot Professional. After several months use, the alphabet side of the graffiti area was scratched all to hell - to the point where I could actually feel the stylus catch as it moved over the area. I've used writerights or something similar ever since.

That said, I hated the old textured writerights. I used them on my old Visor Dx, and it did degrade the screen quality. I now use the version for color screens on my Prism, and it isn't as bad. They last a long time too - I've had my Prism for about 10 months, and I think I've only used two or three.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Elkins Park, Pa
Posts: 577

No we should have to use screen protectors. But since Handspring makes such lousy screens, without one, you are almost garunteed a scratch. I know some people will argue, but honestly, they are not at all a marketing thing. And for me, after I scratched up my screen without a screen protector, the protector (sounds like some superhero name) covers up the scratches.

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"One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice president, and that one word is 'to be prepared'.
-Dan Quayle

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

On every handheld I've seen so far, you need them. But the Prism seems so soft and cudduly that it doesn't need them! (seriously, the prism's digitizer is a bit differen't hasn't scratched after 5 months - that said, I've done through 3 prisms so it'a a new pda every 1.5 months)

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-miradu

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

didn't you hear? they're mandatory.

with tongue firmly planted in them chubby little cheeks I don't have.
ps, if anyone's seen my lower jaw ...

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

In a recent 'how to' magazine for PDA's (I forget the name), they stated pretty baldly that you do not need one, as long as you clean/wipe your screen to remove the dust before each use.

I have been doing this now for a couple months, and it works pretty well. I also use Rain-X on the screen and polish my styli when I buy one. So far, so good.

I have also tried a series of other screen protectors, and like the home-made "vinyl & water" versons the best- although they are a bit of a nuisance to cut and adhere.

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Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at!

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 447

Sorry, I should have mentioned I would use them on the graffiti area, but I wouldn't use it on the rest of the screen unless I used Jot or played lots of styli games.

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 53

My two cents...

I owned a Palm Vx for almost two years, and never used a screen protector. The screen, after all this time, looked as good as new.

Jump to June 2001, my Palm Vx breaks (a button gets dislodged, and I can't get it back in place) and I decide it's time to get a new PDA anyway.

I purchase an Edge, and use it, again, without a Screen Protector.

After all of three DAYS, the screen showed two very noticable, deep scratches!

When I had to replace my Edge for a new one (different machanical problem), I immediately purchased a package of WriteRights, and wouldn't use my Edge now, without 'em. I'll probabaly change brands (I've since read about a brand which is supposed to last six months each, is removable and can be washed, then reapplied, and doesn't degrade screen image), but I don't think I'll go without a screen protector.

P.S. My wife uses Palm Vx, she abuses the thing (hey, she isn't an addict, like the rest of us), no screen protector, and her screen is as good as new! I've checked it under bright light, looking for ANY scratches, and there aren't any!

So, the question is, does Palm use a more dependable screen then H.S., or does it depend on model???

Anyone have any opinion?

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

I would take a good look at the stylus to make sure there is not a burr or rough spot on it. Somewhere I read about writing on a taut piece of plastic wrap to see if the stylus has any rough spots- but I do not recall exactly how that worked.

If you remember the name or website of the screen protectors you mentioned, let me know, OK?

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 53

Madkins
Found it!

You can check 'em out at http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

They are supposedly thicker, MUCH longer lasting then the Concept Kitchen/ WriteRight type, and don't distort or darken the screen.

Lemme know what you think.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Posts: 72

quote:

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Originally posted by Shel
Madkins
Found it!

You can check 'em out at http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

They are supposedly thicker, MUCH longer lasting then the Concept Kitchen/ WriteRight type, and don't distort or darken the screen.

Lemme know what you think.

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I just placed an order for these today...I'm anxious to try them because I can't stand the screen distortion and bubbles I get from the write writes.
Vicki

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 53

Vickie
Lemme know how they work out. I've been trying to decide if I should check them out, but I still have about 8 or 9 of the WriteRights, so I figure I'll use them up.

However, if you find that these screen protectors are really good (and they do seem to be), let me know. I'll probably order 'em also.

Thanks!

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Posts: 72

I will definitly let you know. I also have about the same amount of write writes left but they drive me crazy. I hope these new ones do the trick....

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Illinois
Posts: 6

I found quickly that for my "style" of using my handheld that the screen protectors are great. I tend to poke at the screen with my finger when i quickly have to look things up. Having oily skin the screen soon has many prints obscuring the view. I use the Fellowes brand ones (write rites?) on my Vx. I don't mind the screen distortion because i never really got used to a clear screen. But i think i might try some of the others listed here to see the difference.

Registered: May 2001
Location: NY metro area
Posts: 219

I've been using my Prism for about 6-7 months so far and my Palm III for a couple of years before that and have never had a scratch on either screen. Like Blackneto I tend to use my finger or fingernail instead of a stylus on the screen quite frequently, especially when it is in it's cradle on my desk & I just want to look something up or start synching. I do however, clean the screen at least once per day and am careful about how I use the stylus.

Because of this I voted "No" but would have prefered to vote "Some Do & Some Don't".

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Jonathan

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Noblesville, IN
Posts: 96

quote:

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Originally posted by jhappel
I do however, clean the screen at least once per day and am careful about how I use the stylus.

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Registered: May 2001
Location: NY metro area
Posts: 219

Same cleaner I use on my glasses and a lint free cloth or lens paper.

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Jonathan

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: pittsburgh, pa
Posts: 72

update

I've been using the Brando Workshop Protector Plus for a couple of days now and all though I like it I'm not so sure that I would pay $13.00 for one again! It is DEFINITeLY more clear than the write writes but I have still not been able to eliminate all of the air bubbles and it seems to have microscopic size scratches on the surface of it already. Again, I have only been using it for two days or so and mine is just one opinion.... Not unhappy, just not sure yet , I think I got spoiled looking at such a clear screen with no protector at all while waiting for it to arrive.
Vicki

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 78

I've be using screen protectors from PDAScreenProtectors (http://www.pdascreenprotectors.com) and they work perfectly. I received 12 sheets for $14.95 +s/h. They do not use adhesive, they are just films of fairly durable transparent plastic that I wedge on the screen between the screen edges on my Visor Deluxe, and each sheet should last me (varies) a minimum of 3-4 months (that's 4 years worth supply folks!!). No problems since I started using them, which was necessary because my Deluxe developed some annoying scratches and I had to minimize the damage. I wish I had used these from the beginning! Foget the WriteRights sold at stores (i.e. Staples). They are a major RIP-OFF because of HIGH cost, and they use glue and distort yor screen. I give the PDASCREENPROTECTORS 5 stars (out of five).

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

quote:

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Originally posted by RedSoxPDAer
Foget the WriteRights sold at stores (i.e. Staples). They are a major RIP-OFF because of HIGH cost, and they use glue and distort yor screen.

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