G2 Screen Protector

I must start by saying that I am not a huge advocate for screen protectors. I even take part in regular heated discussions on Brighthand’s forums about this very topic. The people who used them argue they are protecting their investment. I argue I am enjoying my investment. I purchased screen protectors for my first iPAQ and was NOT impressed. I used the stick on kind for about a month. I struggled getting rid of the air bubbles and didn’t like the feel of the stylus. Most notably, though, when I first applied the protector I didn’t think it reduced the quality of my iPAQ’s beautiful screen too bad. However, when it came time to replace the protector, I couldn’t believe the difference when I saw the naked screen. The screen was so much clearer, my stylus worked better and the fact that the protectors only lasted about two weeks before there were so many scratches you could barely see the screen made me decide to ditch the protectors. After all, the SCREEN was one of the reasons I purchased the iPAQ; I wasn’t about to hide it’s beauty. Plus, I had purchased the Staples screen protection plan, so worse case scenario; I could always get it replaced if it got too bad.

It’s been over two years and I just purchased an iPAQ 1910. Again, one of the main reasons was because of the screen. When I sold my old 3630, the screen was in pretty good shape – especially since I did end having it replaced and for the past year never once used a screen protector on the new screen.

With a new device, I thought it might be time to reconsider the use of a screen protector. My requirements were very specific. Do NOT alter the screen quality at all, stylus usage feel natural and I do not want to replace these stupid things once or even twice a month.

Having read several comments and reviews about the “hard plastic” screen protectors, I figured they would be the best bet at meeting my requirements. So I contacted John Salazar from PDAScreenProtectors.com, home of the G2 screen protector. For this review, John sent me three G2s and one set of the Klear Screen Cleaner wipes used to clean the G2.

The packing was a simple business size envelope which contained a single sheet of paper with installation instructions, a cloth to help remove dust and the Klear Screen Cleaner.


The G2 has a protective peel off mask.


Notice the beveled shaped of the G2 and it’s correct position

I was immediately intrigued by the G2 – it’s thickness, clarity and shape. It certainly is NOT an expensive, overrated, flimsy piece of thick textured tape like the stick on protectors I had used (yes I’m bitter). It IS a fairly thick piece of clear, hard, concave plastic. Interesting. After holding it up to my iPAQ’s screen, I wondered how I was going to get this thing installed. After all, the protector John sent me was NOT specifically designed for the 1910 and it seemed kind of big.



If you have ever read about the hard protectors, you’ve probably heard installation is time consuming and frustrating. Well, you’ll definitely want to spend some time reading the installation tips before you start. While installation is not as simple as slapping it on, the reward certainly more than makes up for the effort.



Heed to the recommendations in the instructions. I purchased a can or compressed air and performed the installation in my bathroom (right after the shower was used, to limit dryness) – the most dust free room in the house. The canned air makes chasing off the dust a piece of cake. The hard part for me was getting the G2 under the bezel of my iPAQ – I think this was because it was just a little too big for the 1910. After a short time of “massaging” the G2 into position, I was ready to clean off my finger prints and start using my iPAQ. The nice thing about the G2, because it is hard plastic, you’ll never see air bubbles!



Next up was the REAL test. Does the iPAQ’s screen look as brilliant as the day I bought it? Pretty darn close. The difference is so minor that you’ll have to look VERY close to see a difference, almost unnoticeable. Certainly within my requirements. Stylus movement and control felt very natural – no added friction. My handwriting recognition with Calligrapher is noticeable better.



People never even know I have a screen protector on my H1910 due to the G2's clarity and bright screen of the iPAQ.

Interestingly enough, one other topic many companies and users bring up is screen glare. There are other screen protectors that are similar to the G2, but with one major difference – they are textured. While this does cut down on screen glare it also cuts down on quality!

PDAScreenProtectors even has an FAQ article on this very topic – and I agree wholeheartedly. Below is a snip from this article:

"Does PDASPC offer 'glare-reduced' screen protectors?
No. Most screen protectors on the market have a 'glare-reduced' finish, which simply breaks-up and scatters the surface reflection. Instead of seeing the clear reflection of a light bulb, you see a blurred patch of light - in our opinion, hardly a benefit. We believe visual clarity is a much more important feature."

Ahh, visual clarity. The whole reason I never used a screen protector to begin with.


As you can “clearly see” the G2 on the left is much clearer (you can barely see it is there) than a Fellowes Screen Protector (on the left) I received for free with the purchase of my Pocket PC you can notice the diffusion of light, making it blurry to look through

Wear and tear on the G2 is exceptional. I’ve been using it for over a month now and don’t see signs of a single scratch. I read another review on the G2 where a guy actually taped it to the windshield of his truck! After driving around on back roads, highway and dirt roads, he found no visible damage to the G2 – now THAT’S durability.


After a month of use it is still clear and easy to take care of with the Klear Screen Cleaner

As you can tell I am VERY impressed with the G2. The funny thing is, I wanted to find something wrong with the G2 – just another protector I could complain about. The overall clarity, stylus feel and durability make the G2 a must have for my iPAQ.

I no longer have a reason to complain about using a screen protector. I rate the G2 a perfect 5 stars out of 5 stars. You can purchase the G2 by going to PDAScreenProtectors. A single "G2" screen protector sells for $8.95 for the first one and each additional screen protectors cost only US$4.95 a piece. The G2 screen protectors a worthy investment in protecting and keeping the screen of your PocketPC clean.

Added:  Wednesday, April 02, 2003
Reviewer:  Shaun'paqguy'Beane
Score:
Related Link:  G2 Screen Protectors
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