Screen protector for tablets

[DougS]

Has anyone had any experience or recommendations regarding applying screen protector to the tablet display?

Example product: ClearTouch™ Crystal - Lenovo ThinkPad X60
http://www.boxwave.com/products/clearto ... 0_2444.htm

I'm looking at this for the X61 tablet as I am concerned about all the touching and scribbling on the display.

Thanks for any comments.

Doug

[hart22]

I was looking at a similar product, InvisiShield (see forum topic here), but found that the protector looked awful in reviews of the product. In the promotional pictures the protector looked immaculate, but in non-sponsored reviews I could always clearly see the layer of protector, which even seemed blurry in some photos.

However, at the price I really am tempted to get one and just try that ClearTouch protector. But it's non-refundable once you remove the applicator plastic backing, and I fear that it might somehow damage the screen itself if I need to remove it. That product does look better than the InvisiShield, which required some convoluted procedure with an applicator fluid. And I like how in one of the sponsored demonstration pictures it reminds you "tablet PC not included with purchase".

I'll certainly post my comments if I do get one.

[ducky2802]

I think the boxwave is just a rebrand of the generic PET screen protectors, albeit marked up like 300%. See what I mean here

So, while I prize boxwave quality, I think its all the same stuff.

In any event, I have the screen protector above. It is glare-y, but it is also crystal clear, cant even tell you have it on, and it goes on without any glue-- uses silicone for airtight sealing-- and is very easy to apply without bubbles. It comes up a few millimeters short on the edges, which is a downside, but other than that, it works great and is very easy to clean.

[hart22]

This thread prompted me to try the ClearTouch product; I've been using it for a week now, and though it has some faults I'm going to second ducky2802's recommendation.

I made the mistake of applying it in an environment that had a bit of dust, so the first time some dust got trapped between the protector and LCD. But I did confirm that it's very easy to take off, and definitely does not harm the LCD panel in any way. Cleaning it is simple, just use the lint-free cloth they provide along with some rubbing alcohol (I found the warm water and soap method they recommend took too long to dry).

Once it is properly installed it looks great, and when the screen is on you can hardly tell it's there. I asked a few computer-minded people at work if they noticed anything on my screen, and none of them had any idea that there was a protective layer on it. The only downsides I've experienced is the aforementioned trouble initially applying it, as well as the bit of glare that ducky2802 originally mentioned. If you don't mind a bit of reflection coming off the screen, which is only noticeable at oblique viewing angles, then it's a great solution. It appears very hard to scratch.

[RoadHazard]

Does the screen become harder to ink, considering both the pen and the finger?

[ducky2802]

I havent noticed any added resistance when inking. This can be both good and bad, as some people prefer a little bit of friction to mimic paper, and some people just want it smooth. The PET stuff is smooth like glass and has a very hard coating which makes it have virtually no resistance at all.

I have since purchased another screen protector as I want to try to custom cut my own to fit a bit better. I took the chance and went with the cheapest I could find here and considering it also lists ">99% clarity, anti -UV" I also suspect its PET.. but only one way to find out. It also comes in various sizes and I do believe it should be easy enough to cut to fit... if not, well, I could always use cell phone/pda screen protectors!