Screen Protectors

There's an interesting forum post on MobileRead.com by the site's editor Bob R. titled Thoughts on Screen Protectors. Bob gives advice on selecting a screen protector. He starts his post:

If you own a mobile device with a touch sensitive screen, then plain and simple you should get a screen protector. If you don't you will probably regret it because even a stylus will leave scrape marks and scratches on the screen eventually. Even more so if a piece of dirt gets on the stylus to make it act like a diamond tipped engraving tool.

I have a different opinion about screen protectors. Like MobileRead's user Paulkbiba responds in the forum, I don't see a real need for screen protectors. I have owned several handhelds and despite foregoing screen protectors, my handhelds' screens have been scratch-free. Furthermore, the handhelds at my school have been used by fifth graders for over three years and their screens are relatively free of scratches. We haven't applied screen protectors to these devices. This makes me question the need for protectors...

The problem with screen protectors is that they can cause a glare. Since screen protectors are just clear stickers, they can also be difficult to apply. It's not easy to put them on straight. Also, bubbles can form under the sticker. I have also discovered that screens with protectors don't recognize screen taps as well. On the plus side, screen protectors seem to improve Graffiti recognition. I think that's because protectors add texture to the smooth screen and make it feel more like paper.

Read MobileRead.com's Thoughts on Screen Protectors. What are your thoughts about screen protectors?

Comments

[Anonymous]

I like using screen protectors (and a stylus pen)for graffiti. But I don't like it to cover the display area.

I cut the screen protector so it only covers the graffiti input area.

dale

[Stephen Rahn]

I am with you Tony. I have owned various handhelds and have used protectors on some of them. The bubbles drive me crazy, and teh screen taps are not recognized as easily.

[Tony Vincent]

That's a great idea to cut the screen protector to just cover the Graffiti area. Absolutely brilliant!

I guess I do use screen protectors on one kind of handheld--my iPod. iPods seem to scratch easier and I always have my iPod in a case.

[Mr. Hales Class]

Screen Protectors?
Screen Protectors?
We don't need no stinkin' screen protectors!

My apologies to The Wild Bunch and anyone else that had the misfortune to read this...