Before getting this product, I used the Fellowes Write Right protectors on my iPAQ, and out of sheer paranoia for scratching my screen, had mentally accepted what the protectors did to my screen as a fair tradeoff for the security of my rather expensive device.

The package arrived simply enough through USPS in a business sized envelope, but even the modest packaging couldn't quell the feeling I had of holding something special in my hands. Oddly enough, I had this uneasy feeling about the application of the product, but I was to later find out that while yes, it is difficult to install the protector, it is nowhere as difficult to install as everyone says it is.

Opening the envelope, I was greeted by a small plastic envelope, a blue piece of cloth, and a folded sheet of paper. Upon unfolding the paper, all was spelled out to me. The plastic envelope held the protector, the blue piece of cloth is a lint free cloth, used to clean the screen, and the folded piece of paper now in my hands was installation instructions, neat. Everything in one small package, with nothing left to chance.

My initial impressions of the protector was that it was rather thick, and I was afraid that something this thick would affect recognition of the taps and writing that normally happens on the screen. Well, it didn’t. In fact, it seems to have IMPROVED my recognition, as most protectors do. Also, I was amazed at the clarity of the protector. In fact, I decided to conduct a little test. I set up my Logitech Net Cam and took a couple of snap shots. The first one in just a plain shot of a part of my desk, the second is the same shot with a Fellowes Write Right over the lens, and the third is the shot with one of John Salazar’s wonderful G2 protectors.

Notice the difference? You will on your screen too.

I also noticed that the protector was slightly curved, and was wondering if maybe it was heated along the way, or if it was cut wrong, or some other factor messed it up. After reading the instructions (I know, what was I thinking), I discovered that they are SUPPOSED to be that way. Interesting. Apparently, there is a coating on one side of the protector, and that it what makes it difficult to scratch. The side that curves in is the coated side, and you’ll discover that easily if you try to write on the wrong side.

Installation of the protector is an experience all to itself. THESE THINGS ARE DUST MAGNETS!!! That is why they enclose a lint free cloth. USE IT. That said, they also encourage you to use an area relatively free of dust, and with a relatively high humidity to keep dust down. Checking the message boards, most people use the bathroom, with the shower on. So, excuse me if I don’t have pictures of the installation, but I didn’t think you wanted to see my toilet on the Internet. The whole installation took me about 15 minutes, which was because I had to remove it once to get some really large pieces of dust out. I’ve found myself, that if you leave 3 of the corners in while installing, you can fold the cloth a couple of times, and insert it between the screen and the protector, you can fish out the dust and pieces, and create an easily dust free installation. After that w as worked out, the rest of the install was a cinch, and I can do it easily each time now. After the protector is installed, it doesn’t move at all, and you won’t be able to tell that there is a protector on (except for the fact that your screen doesn’t scratch anymore ;) ).

Now, I decided that my readers would get nothing but the best, and I put the G2 through some incredibly difficult tests, just to ensure that this product was what I thought it was… the best protector on the market today.

The first test was what we all fear…using a regular pen on the screen. Well, I don’t even need to say that it passed with flying colors, and all marrs were easily wiped off with a cloth. The second was a grueling writing and tapping session, in which most of this review was created, followed by about 5 hours of gaming ( I played one of my new favorite games: Slay) Nothing could keep this protector down, and it took all of the punishment without even a whimper. Okay, those were the normal tests, now for the surreal. I took the protector, and TAPED IT TO THE WINDSHIELD OF MY PICKUP. Yes, I figured that if it could survive the gravel, dirt debris, dead bugs, and general hell that I inflict on my F-150, then it would be able to survive a lifetime of abuse on my iPAQ, and I was impressed. After unseasonably warm weather, Trips on the highway behind gravel filled dump trucks, and an off-road excursion, once the dust was cleared, and the tape removed from the protector, there it was, shining like a beacon to sailors on a foggy sea: our intrepid screen protector, unscathed. I am now a firm believer that the G2 is the ultimate in screen protection, and if you ever stop to see me on the street, or any of the functions I attend, you can ask me to see my iPAQ, and there, like a knight on horseback, you will see my G2 protector, defending my helpless PDA screen.

I think that the G2 is the best out there, and redefines the screen protector market. The others companies out there could do well to look at this example of perfection, and learn from it.

They can be purchased from PDA Screen Protectors.comfor a measly $8.95, and if that one ever gets ruined, they are $4.95 thereafter.

PROS

• Veritably scratch proof
• extremely clear, will not dull screen
• relatively inexpensive (considering that you only need one)

• DUST
• long installation time