Nushield installed!

[sparta.rising]

So after inquiring about replacing the T43 screen with a Sony XBRITE screen, i was directed towards Nushield. I did my research, on this forum and others, and made my purchase. Five days later I received it in the mail.

I purchased the Nushield for my 14.1" SXGA+ T43 and also bought their "KlearScreen wipes" dispite other member's dubiousness about them. Total, with shipping, around $21 USD.

For installation, I took a number of procautions against fingerprints and dust. First of all, I went and got some medical type latex gloves (to avoid fingerprints). Secondly, I used a trick recommended for hardware install, I went to my bathroom and ran the shower on hot for a few minutes, turned off the shower, and let it cool down so the screen wouldn't fog up. Why did I do this? The steam in the shower carries the dust particles in the air to the ground.

So I removed the bezel, if you are going to attempt this yourself please note that the screen is taped down in SEVERAL spots around the perimeter. Also, there are 3 screws on the bottom with round nylon covers, 6 on the sides with half-oval covers, and 2 on the inside top with square covers. It took some working to remove the bezel and was the most time consuming part, but it was doable. A little note, the nylon stickers on the sides got all jacked up when I removed them. Around the end I got the hang of it, but none are as good as new, I might see if IBM will send me a pad of replacements, they seem like things that would be lost easily. But this is purely a MINOR cosmetic detail.

Next I cleaned the screen with the KlearScreen wipes, somewhat similar to moist toilets. They are mostly alcohol, but read the directions, you need to wipe the fluid off with the included shammy or the screen will be full of streaks. After a few passes, it was perfectly clean. A small note, the only thing I couldnt clean were the effects of the Trackpoint from when the screen is closed, but t isn't noticable later.

I put on my latex gloves and lines the shield up, slipped it in and moved it around. The cut isn't perfect, but its pretty darn good. A note for installing, Start with the bottom screen edge, I had a harder time sliding it under the top. Despite all my precautions, there were a few tiny dust particles underneither, and it took several tries to remove them all. (In the end, after installing the bezel I realize there is one in the upperleft hand corner, but its not where and pixels are displayed, so I figure its fine, will be hard to get better.) I took the advice of others and taped the edges down with some crystal clear scotch tape. Something to note, don't tape the bottom, no matter how little is taped, the bezel will not cover it. For the other sides you're good, the bezel will conceal.

The final conclusion, the only part you really care about? Its pretty amazing, looks a lot better. The reflection is there, but not horrible. Even if you don't need the better picture, you should do this because its a great screen protector. I took some before and after shots, but they're reallly not conclusive, and infact the after looks worse (which it isn't).

Feel free to ask any questions. ([censored] I just noticed another dust spot...)

[sugo]

I like sony xbrite as well but took a different path for my thinkpad. Cell phone screen protectors (e.g. EXIM) often has a reflective coating and attaches to screen by static. I basically put a 14.1" one on the t42. Since it uses static, it's truely flat bubble free. Cleaning the screen now is ten times easier than before.

[sparta.rising]

An update:

I took off the shield again to remove the 2 dust particles, which of course attracted more I eventually got all of it out. I've realized the tape is useless, if you can get both edges under the lcd mounting, then you are fine.

Why is dust bothering me so much? Because it looks like a dead pixel if its trapped between the screen and the shield.

[vliou]

I actually had a Nushield, and I'm returning it after 2 days...

I GIVE UP! It's absolutely terrible IMO. Ok, fine, I grew up with the thinkpad LCD screen, which is probably why. The SONY Xbrites are not bad, but these nushields reflect too much. it's freaky when you're typing and you see yourself....AHHH!

[K. Eng]

Which is why I prefer matte screens with anti-reflective coating. The XBRITE looks really cool in stores, but it is nothing but a freaking headache when trying to do work.

[sparta.rising]

I only notice the reflection when theres a black background. Theres none with a bright background. No reflection for either in a dark room. its not just the shininess, its nice to have a screen protector.

[sugo]

I do think that reflective screen isn't for everyone.

[Roy_W]

I like sony xbrite as well but took a different path for my thinkpad. Cell phone screen protectors (e.g. EXIM) often has a reflective coating and attaches to screen by static. I basically put a 14.1" one on the t42. Since it uses static, it's truely flat bubble free. Cleaning the screen now is ten times easier than before.

Sugo, where did you find the 14.1" protector and can you comment on its usage? Do you have problems with the keys or mouse button touching the screen when the lid is closed? How/what do you use to clean the screen with now? Is the screen just as readable/usable as before, do you have any negative comments about the protector or hints on things to avoid.

I use a screen protector on my PDA but never considered it even existed for a 14.1" screen.

[sparta.rising]

Wow, so I called IBM Tuesday night about a different issue and asked if they'd send me new LCD screw covers, and wham, its 10am Thursday and a big box comes from IBM with an overpacked smaller box containing "LCD Misc" parts. Basically every small LCD bezel part you could break or lose.

[sugo]

I use a screen protector on my PDA but never considered it even existed for a 14.1" screen.

I was very impressed with the EXIM I used on a sony s710a phone. I knew similar product exists for laptops but could never find one in US.

Do you have problems with the keys or mouse button touching the screen when the lid is closed?

I didn't have that problem before and after applying the screen protector. It's thin enough yet protective.

How/what do you use to clean the screen with now?

I clean the protector once every two weeks now. I am much less concerned since I know it's not the LCD getting dirty.

Before having the protector, I need to use micro fibre cloth + water to clean the LCD coating very carefully. It took me 5 minutes each time.

Now it doesn't matter what I use since the slippery and reflective plastic surface is sooooooo easy to clean. It now only takes 20 seconds.

Is the screen just as readable/usable as before, do you have any negative comments about the protector or hints on things to avoid.

Since it's totally transparent the screen is just as readable as before. I used at office under lights. The reflection wasn't a problem for me.

Sugo, where did you find the 14.1" protector and can you comment on its usage?

I bought mine during my trip to hong kong.

[Roy_W]

Sugo, thanks for the info.

I found their website, for anyone interested here is the link

http://www.nushield.com/products_tablet ... lenovo.htm

They will ship to Europe, I have ordered the T43 version at $18.97, snail mail
included.

Cheers Roy

[Roy_W]

I have recieved and subsequently installed the NuShield screen protector. So here is my 2 cents worth......

1 : Installation, inserting the protector couldn't be more simple. Avoiding having dust between the protecter and the screen is extremely difficult though.

2 : Removal - Very simple due to the fact that the protector is held in place by it's "lobed" edges which slide under the border of your screen, no adhesives are used.

3 : Reflection/Shine - Very Obvious. Having used a Thinkpad for about 36 months, it is unusual to have a reflection on the screen although it depends entirely on your environment and the current screen angle. At home or in the office, I have no no problem. I have flown twice since installing the protector and found that the reflection becomes a real pain ( it's never easy to work on the plane anyway), for someone that travels a lot this could really become a major headache.

4 :Overall - I am happy with the protector, I can put up with the reflection as I am satisfied that I should no longer risk damaging the LCD when cleaning off fingerprints/dust.


Cheers Roy