Zire 71 Screen Protectors?

[MZephyr]

Are Zire 71 screen protectors available yet?

[Cindy_Messmore]

I haven't been able to locate any screen protectors yet. I sent a request to Fellowes regarding WriteRIGHT, but have not had a response yet. I'll post if they respond. Someone on another board thought the Zire stylus would work, but when I looked at them in Staples, they didn't look like they would "lock" into the Z 71 silo. Haven't physically tried one yet, let me know if you've had experience with this.

[MZephyr]

Thank you CM,

Same here, I'll share what I find. Again, when a PDA is new and just released the 3rd Party companies (Fellows, Vaja Cases, Krussell, etc.) are rushing to prepare their goods for the new PDA. I think it will be about a month. Hopefully sooner :)

- MZ

[sakarsteve]

I know where there are Zire 71 screen protectors.

The company iConcepts make a screen protector that fits the Zire 71 exactly.

It is the same model number as the one that fits the Palm M500 series.

I know it fits because i am the one who actually got to test the Zire 71 (joy!!) here at my company.(sue me, I work for I concepts)

[salmas]

How can this be if the screens on the 71 and m500 series are shapped differently? The m5xx is curved at the bottom and my 71 has a straight bottom.

[sakarsteve]

You would think that the curve at the bottem would cause a problem but it really doesn't. The very edge of the graphiti part is not covered, but that never realy bothered me because i am one of those guys who don;t right in graphiti. But edge to edge it cover the most import part of the screen for me, the part where my icons and apps actually have to be toughed.

[salmas]

The other problem is that the upper right and upper left corners of the m5xx are right angles, and the 71's corners are rounded. I tried my leftover m5xx CompanionLink screen protectors last night on my 71 and found the top corners to be an issue also. Are the iConcepts top corners rounded?

[sakarsteve]

they are slightly rounded,

it is not quite a right angle, more like a soft curve,


Like i said, It fits, but we are not marketing it for them. We are coming out with specific ones, should be on the market soon. But for the interim the ones we do have fit my Zire pretty well.

[hardwire]

STOP THROWING AWAY YOUR MONEY PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!

OLIVE OIL SCREEN PROTECTOR v1.0 (environmentally friendly!)

WELL FOLKS!

It's been a year and 3 years & 6 months since I've been using olive oil on my PDA screens and the results are in!

*drum roll please...*


I HAVE NO SCRATCHES ON MY SCREEN!!!!!!!

The olive oil is great, it works, and best of all, you're not wasting your money on some cheap piece of patented plastic!!! Not one minor scratch or any damage to the screen in any way shape or form. Don't drown your PDA in the oil! A tiny tiny drop goes a long way!

It requires the smallest drop you could ever put on your finger, spreading it around, and cleaning it off like you would clean eyeglasses, until you can't see it anymore. The leftover result is a nano-layer of olive oil on the screen which works as lubricant for your stylus very nicely. The thin layer of molecules are naked to the human eye, but the stylus glides effortlessly across your screen.

I just recieved my ZIRE 71 and I did the same thing to this screen. It works excellently. I've recieved lots of email with people that had questions and weren't sure it would work. It's been a pleasure helping everyone out and If anyone has questions regarding the olive oil screen protector, it's ok to email me. :) So next time you see someone with a PDA, ask them if they use olive oil on it! They'll never go back to plastic. Besides, don't we throw away enough trash???

I'm now left with the R&D team to continue our work on Olive Oil Screen Protector v2.0 with new and improved features! :)


Best Regards,

Jim Leone hardwire@core.com

Inventor, Olive Oil Screen Protector © Copyright 1999-2004, All Rights Reserved.

[salmas]

I use my finger ALOT to select apps and navigate around.

How does the olive oil withstand fingerprints?

Does it cause finger prints?

Will touching with your finger remove the layer of oil?

and, lastly,

How often do you reapply?

[hardwire]

It's not like an oil slick at a bowling alley. There's very very little oil at all. Fingerprints are the same. Also, reaply as you feel you need. You can probably figure once a month or every 3,000 miles... ;) lol I say about once a month or every two months... But it really depends what type of use it goes through... If you think it'll help to reapply, just do it, it won't hurt. It takes about 2 minutes of my time to have it completely finished. Touching it with your finger may wear off the oil layer, and it may add to it, from the oil in your skin... I haven't had experience using my finger for a stylus, so I'm not experienced to answer that question. If I were you, I'd give it one application, and then go a couple days. Apply after a couple days, and see if you can notice a difference or not...

good luck, and let me know how it goes :)

- Jim

[dethblud]

Brando released their screen protector for the Zire 71 today. After using one for about a year and a half on my m505 I can confidently say that're some of the best screen protectors out there. :D You can buy them here: http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php

[Cindy_Messmore]

Dethblud, Thank you! I just ordered one. I have used these before and I agree, they are a good product.

[genoahous]

Just a word of warning, I've read REAL HORROR stories of people putting oil on their screen. Oil (or water) does not mix well with electronics!

Is it really worth $20/year to possibly destroy your $$$ PDA?

My favorite screen protector is Companionlink, I don't know if they have Z71 version yet. Availble from Franklin-Covey stores (I paid about $12 for my current PDA).

[hardwire]

I've writtten with a screen protector, and it sucks. There's lots of resistance and friction. I can't write fast...

If you are a dummy, you'll soak your PDA in a vat of oil. If you follow the instructions, you'll use the smallest drop that you can put on your clean finger. Over 3 years, & helped 1000's of people use this technique. I have not heard of one case of a "horror story." Everybody I've talked to LOVE the olive oil solution. I have even had olive oil vendors approach me to promote thier oil. I am serious. By the way, this does not harm your screen when applied with the proper instructions above.

Any questions or comments, please post to help all. But you may email me if you wish...

- Jim

[MZephyr]

All,

Hmmm I'm torn with my decision. Screen protectors can be great and they can suck. I've used them in the past...but no matter how hard I try, there's always this little teeny tiny piece of this or that under the plastic. When the stylus hits it, I can feel it. And yes, I apply the screen protector as careful as possible. But with particles in the air...well you know how it goes.

So olive oil huh? Just a "Little dabbl' do ya." Interesting concept.

This is the first time I've heard this method. Well, I'll give the Olive Oil a try...have nothing to lose it's just a tiny amount.

Thanks,

MZ

[genoahous]

Originally posted by MZephyr
...So olive oil huh? Just a "Little dabbl' do ya." Interesting concept.

This is the first time I've heard this method. Well, I'll give the Olive Oil a try...have nothing to lose it's just a tiny amount.

Thanks,

MZ I've NOT EVER found anybody post a message that has seriously stated that this works (other than the previous poster - hardware).

I personally wouldn't do it, but it's your $300 PDA for you to do with as you please.

Good Luck. And if you REALLY do this and it works (for months/years). Please post back and let everybody know.

I would worry that the oil would turn rancid, and or react with the screen, be hard to remove, or would potentially require $100+ screen repair.

hardware - How often do you have to change your oil? :D

[hardwire]

I in other forums about 2 years ago or so, and other people posted about thier happy results. www.visorvillage.com was where it was at, I tried to dig up a post and it was buried deep but I found one of my old posts. It's all changed around and hard to search through.

Anyways, I "change my oil" about once a month / 2 months. (or every 2,000 miles which ever comes first) lol

Seriously, about once every month or two, for my use. I had direct physical contact with 40+ people with pda's, and they've all gone to the olive oil method. I got them all to buy a pda to begin with... Well, I have not had any rancid oil problems with my screens. I still have a 3+ year old visor, with a great great screen... never had a screen protector on it, just the olive oil....

Someone please post who tries it, if you use VERY LITTLE (READ INSTRUCTINS POSTED), you'll be very satisfied, I guarantee it.

I'm convinced the people who post comments insisting on the screen protectors and warning against the oil, must be selling the plastic crap on ebay or something LOL

- Jim

[genoahous]

Originally posted by hardwire
I'm convinced the people who post comments insisting on the screen protectors and warning against the oil, must be selling the plastic crap on ebay or something LOL

- Jim I'm just paranoid about hurting my screen. Once damaged, it's expensive to fix.

I've read all sorts of strange things on the web. The more I trust the source, the more I believe it's true.

For newsgroups, etc., I go with the number of people that say it works and listen to the people it didn't work for and try to determine if they're dummies or are valid.

That's why I wanted to hear others that have used your oil technique. I'm not brave enough to try it on my device. :eek:

I HAVE destroyed screen protectors when dirt got on the screen. I was REALLY glad I had protection for the few times that has happened. It's cheap to replace the protector. :D

I too looked for the posts I read about oil damaging their palm pilots. But alas these posts went the way of the dodo bird. Maybe people are smarter now and don't pour the oil onto the screen. :D

[Technofiend]

I just bought WriteRights for Tungsten T. and they fit the Zaire 71 perfectly

[salmas]

For the first time in YEARS, I'm going without any screen protection (I put a little olive oil, but I'm not sure it is doing anything).

I just couldn't bring my self to cover that beautiful Zire71 screen with anything (even the best screen protectors impact viewability a little).

Live fast, die young is now my motto!!

God, I need to get a life!!!

[palm boy]

Genohous, you could try some of the oil on the screen protector.
I think I will keep my writerite protector because I take it on campouts, and I don't think olive oil would stand up to Texas sand and other scout dinging the screen.

[genoahous]

Originally posted by palm boy
Genohous, you could try some of the oil on the screen protector.
I think I will keep my writerite protector because I take it on campouts, and I don't think olive oil would stand up to Texas sand and other scout dinging the screen. Sorry - no oil for me.

Also I don't like write-rights, because they are slightly yellow/brown and have a texture that blurs my hi-res screen.

I prefer companion links, crystal clear protection.

[ejdeleon]

The best screenprotectors that I've used have got to be hands down --> G2 screen protectors @ pdascreenprotectors.com. If you read the reviews from Gadgeteer and others (and try them for yourself) you'll know why we enthusiastically recommend them. It has a coated side to withstand scratches (even when using a ball pen), is non-adhesive and is crystal clear - no haze (even in the sun) unlike Writeright. The only downfall of the protector is that it takes some patience and care to put in (it slides between the glass and the casing). They don't have one particularly for the Zire 71 advertised yet but I used an extra one from my Sony N760 and it fit perfectly! Relatively cheap too (it will definitely last you a while).

[130]

Hi all,

I've given the olive oil a try.
The result: the stylus slides easier. A lot easier.

Now about the oil film: it has got to be as thin as possible. Vegetable oils are known to be siccative that is they turn solid when exposed to air long enough. I don't know if olive oil is siccative but soy and sunflower oils are. That's why, after spreading the tiniest amount of olive oil evenly on the screen, I've wiped it out with a piece of cotton cloth.

About the scratch protection: this is unlikely. Scratches often appear when a hard grain of sand/dust lies on the screen in the way of the stylus. Once the stylus pushes the "evil" particle, it will scratch the screen. It had happened to me to my ancient Palm IIIe. I don't think olive oil can prevent that. Screen protectors rule here.

:( 130

ps: unfortunately where I live noone sells Z71 screen protectors. :(

[m130]

Hi 130.....its m130 :)

I went to Bestbuy and got some Fellows WriteRight screen protectors for the Tungsten T and they fit perfectly. If you want to make sure, just bring a small ruler, but the screens are the same size!

[130]

Hi m130

Wild guess... you had a m130 Palm before? :D
Me too.

:D 130

[kosh441]

For those who are new to the game and just upgrading here is what I found. I have a Palm IIIxe and the Fellowes screen protectors for this fit almost perfectly. Did not need to go out and buy new ones yet.

[pr0vider]

Would you recommend virgin or extra virgin olive oil?

[Kev82@]

Originally posted by hardwire
It's not like an oil slick at a bowling alley. There's very very little oil at all. Fingerprints are the same. Also, reaply as you feel you need. You can probably figure once a month or every 3,000 miles... ;) lol I say about once a month or every two months... But it really depends what type of use it goes through... If you think it'll help to reapply, just do it, it won't hurt. It takes about 2 minutes of my time to have it completely finished. Touching it with your finger may wear off the oil layer, and it may add to it, from the oil in your skin... I haven't had experience using my finger for a stylus, so I'm not experienced to answer that question. If I were you, I'd give it one application, and then go a couple days. Apply after a couple days, and see if you can notice a difference or not...

good luck, and let me know how it goes :)

- Jim

Hi iwas just wondering whether the oil can actually slip into the machine between the edges of the screen?

[salmas]

You apply the thinest possible coat and gently rub it into the glass. It's not like you are spilling oil onto the glass where it can spill between the crack.

[kodiak]

Hello all,

Has anyone tried the Brando screen protector yet? I'm thinking of getting one but would like some feedback first. Thanks for any info.

[gonnabe]

Kodiak, I've been using a Brando screen protector on my IIIc for nearly a year now (yes, the SAME one for an entire year) and it has absolutely no scratches. I've read (and seen pictures on their site) that you can remove the protectors and actually wash them in soap and water, but haven't had to do that.

The only downside (and I can certainly live with it) is that there's a very slight loss in screen brightness, probably due to the thicker nature of the protector vs other brands, but there's no loss in screen responsiveness to the stylus.

I'll be picking up a Zire 71 in the next few weeks and already plan to purchase a Brando in advance so it's ready and waiting for my new Palm when it arrives.

Good luck!

[kodiak]

Thanks gonnabe.

Is it smooth or is it rough like the writerights by fellowes?

[gonnabe]

No problem, Kodiak.

The Brando has a slight texture to it, not as much as the Fellowes WriteRight, but MUCH more durable. Don't be intimidated by the price for the Brando protectors ($12.00 each including shipping). It's a worthwhile investment and actually cheaper in the long run when you consider it can last a year or more compared to the others.

I previously used the WriteRights on my old IIIxe, and was okay with them (usually trying to stretch them beyond the typical 1-month life per protector), but had to find an alternative for my IIIc because of the starburst pattern it created on the color screen.

After doing some research, I ordered a supply of CompanionLink protectors from freescreenprotectors.com for the IIIc, and they did a decent job, providing a smooth, glossy surface. The only problem I encountered was that some of my styli would scratch the surface a little too easily. With a bit of experimentation, I found that a slightly rounder tip on the stylus worked best and left minimal scarring, and I could typically get a month from each protector. Better still, the CompanionLinks are VERY affordable (just $6.95 for shipping on a pack of 12---the protectors are "free" when using the coupon code available on the site).

Finally, however, I got tired of changing the protectors and trying to clear the bubbles during installation, and decided to spend the money on the Brando---turned out to be one of the best investments I've made for my Palm.

Okay---'nuff writing for now. Drop a note back if you have any more questions.

[kodiak]

Thanks gonnabe.
I really appreciate the info. I can't stand getting the bubbles out either, or you get a little piece of dust or something under it and you pretty much have to use a new one. I'm gonna order one right now. By the way, you're gonna love your Zire 71 when you get it. I upgraded from an M125 and I don't know how I survived with that thing. Thanks again.

Kodiak:D

[boardingbandit]

Fellowes Makes a Write Right that works.

The Palm Tungsten T screen protectors fit perfectly.

[Peacegurl2003]

I don't recommend the protectors that use adhesive to stick it to the screen. It can really mess your screen up. If you go to www.nushields.com you can get the non-adhesive ones at a really good price (3 for under $20, includes shipping). They are really good screen protectors for you Zire. They are a little complicated to put on, but the keep the screen from getting really dirty. And they are really easy to write on.

[genoahous]

Originally posted by Peacegurl2003
I don't recommend the protectors that use adhesive to stick it to the screen....Everybody has their own opinion and I totally disagree with this.

I find that if you don't use an adhesive, then you'll get a symptom called Newton rings. This is an interference pattern between the screen and the protector. It's kinda like oil sheen on clear water (you'll be looking through a rainbow).

[madkins007]

Screen protectors seem to generate huge numbers of discussions, but to summarize years of this stuff fomr other sites (most notably Cliesource.com and visorcentral.com), here are some general themes:

1. Naked or nearly naked screens- a small but vocal group advocate for nothing at all or just a thin film of oil. Olive is a common answer, but thin films of silicon oil seem more common (RainX is a commonly recommended oil, found in the automotive department for treating windshields).

I have used RainX and can testify that it helps minimize fingerprints, creates a less-staticy screen, makes the screen incredibly slick, and does seem to offer some protection from scratches... but I still prefer a protector. One point most 'naked' fans mention is that by keeping your screen and stylus religiously clean, you will reduce the tendency towards scratching a bunch!

2. Homemade protectors- cut yourself up a piece of transparency film or thin vinyl form several sources and save bucks. The more rigid films are cut to slip between the screen and frame, the softer films are designed to stick either via static or a drop of water that helps adhere the film.

I tried this, and never really liked it. There are lots of pros and cons, but I like the simple reliability of a good protector.

3. Graffiti area protection- Use low-tack adhesive tape or other products cut to fit the Graffiti area only. This is, after all, where 90% of your scratches from stylus use will occur.

I tried this as well, and it certainly works- but I really like my games and this leaves the screen wide open for scratches, like the classic 'Bejeweled Square'.

4. Adhesive-style protectors. These are the most common, and seem to break down into several 'species'-
- Textured, like RightWrites. Most people dislike the texture, but these are generally the easiest to find!
- Clear, but easily scratched, like the Radio Shack brand.
- Reuseable, like the Brando and Boxwave. Good reviews on both of these. The Boxwave (www.boxwave.com) is more clear than the slightly milky Brando is, which is very nice!

4. Slip-on style protectors. These more rigid films are often more difficult for some people to install, but fans love their clarity and durability. Newer versions (like the new NuShield or G2s from pdascreenprotectors.com) are scratch resistant and re-useable.

For my money, I'd go with G2s in a heartbeat, but they do not yet offer one just for the Zire 71. I am sure one of their other sizes will fit right, but I just got my 71 and have not yet had the time to ask and order!

[ghostkm]

They got one just for Zire71
check this out: http://www.boxwave.com/products/cleartouch/ct_palm_zire71.htm

Ghost...

[alter78]

Along with the oil I've tried to but some tomato juice, and it made my graffiti dance all around the table. Also when I'm hungry, I grab the palm and drink tomato juice directly from it, not just like that cheap virtual coffee application...b :)

[fonso]

I just installed the Brando Zire 71 screen protector. Had a horrible installation experience, but the feel and the look of the screen made everything worth it.

The Zire 71 seems to have an incredibly sensitive screen, such that if your screen protector "snaps" beyond the screen area (I use a credit card to make the corners "snap" under the frame casing, and to remove the air bubbles), the calibration of the screen screws up. Somehow, a portion of the screen is being progressively "tapped", and the Zire 71 will be unresponsive to any proceeding taps you make. Entering digitizer recalibration mode doesn't help either (in fact, you get locked up unless you remove part of, or the whole protector). Your best bet would be perhaps to use something like autodigi prior to installing the screen protector (though I can't say for sure that this will work as I did something else). The immediate remedy is to use scotch tape to peel off the protector slowly. Halfway from totally peeling the protector off, try tapping anywhere on the screen to determine if you were able to free the "causative contact point" between pda and protector. I experienced trigger points (points where the protector was applied that caused the perpetually-tapped phenomenon) both on the top and bottom extremes of the screen. I can say this much, having attempted attaching the protector both starting from top to bottom and vice-versa. I had to reattach the screen protector over 16-20 times, though mostly it was because the protector had way too much dust under.

What I did to make the installation finally work easily was to cut a thin row/strip (perhaps 1/10 of a centimeter) at the bottom-most part of the screen protector. I installed the protector very slowly. After applying the newly-cut protector, the screen didn't go unresponsive on me anymore. I suppose that when applying the protector, the edges actually make contact with certain parts beyond the screen, which causes the lock-up problem. Now that I got through that, another problem now was that there was too much dust stuck between the screen and the protector. No matter what cloth/fabric/material I used, the dust wouldn't go away, and the problem was getting worse. Tried washing about 8 times too. This didn't remove too much either. Eventually, I became brave enough to use soap. The soap finally got rid of 90% of the "dust hairs". Used a hairdryer and tediously dried the protector without any cloth contact. After all the washing my protector went through, it's incredible that it still reattaches itself flawlessly :). A friend recommended using eye glass cleaner fluid on the protector instead. I have no idea if this will work.

Right now, I have some dust on the middle left and right portions of my screen, but it's not serious. It actually looks very clean. Writing is smooth and responsive. Hats off to Brando for a really nice product. Needless to say, this was a difficult experience for me, and I certainly hope that none of you will have to experience it yourselves.

[genoahous]

Originally posted by fonso
I just installed the Brando Zire 71 screen protector. ...The two problems you've experienced are the reasons I swear by adhesive protectors.

1. protectors that stay on by going between screen and case are notorious for causing digitizer problems.

2. When one removes the old adhesive protector, one can use it's stickyness to "blot" any dust collected on the screen. One can also get this affect by using non-permanent scotch tape. It's also important to do the screen change in the most dust free area you can do this in.

my $.02 US

[madkins007]

Originally posted by fonso
I just installed the Brando Zire 71 screen protector. (snip) Tried washing about 8 times too. This didn't remove too much either. Eventually, I became brave enough to use soap. The soap finally got rid of 90% of the "dust hairs". Used a hairdryer and tediously dried the protector without any cloth contact. After all the washing my protector went through, it's incredible that it still reattaches itself flawlessly :). A friend recommended using eye glass cleaner fluid on the protector instead. I have no idea if this will work.

I have always found theat the best way is to use warm running water and a generous supply of liquid soap (hand or dish). My technique is to:

1. Lift the dirty protector off the screen with a piece of tape acting as a handle. Leave the tape on, it'll be useful later and helps identify the 'up' side easily.

2. Clean and dry the screen well. Cover it to keep dust off for a few minutes.

3. Wash your hands under warm running water using lots of soap.

4. Resoap your hands, then gently but firmly 'scrub' the protector between your palms, getting them well-lathered.

5. Rinse hands and protector under warm running water, holding the protector by the tape handle now. Shake loose water off film and hands.

6. Using the tape handle, stick the film somewhere to drip dry while you dry your hands.

7. using canned air, blow off the remaining water from the film and dust off the PDA as well.

8. You should be ready to do a good, clean install!

Troubleshooting:
If a bit of dust gets trapped, peel the film back and 'lift' the dust off with some clean tape.

If the tape itself leaves some residue, 'lift' it off with some clean tape.

If a bit of water or something makes an ugly film between the protector and the screen, remove the protector and start over again, drying it off better this time.