question for those that don't use screen protectors

[effigy345]

i've used screen protectors since i bought my s360. i get annoyed at home dirty and faded they can make the screen look. i know there are some people that don't use screen protectors and some that just put something over the graffiti area, and this question is for those people to answer. if i were to switch to just putting something protective over my graffiti area, should i be very careful about not scratching the screen? is it really sensitive or is there anything else i should know about it?

[elbowz]

I've been using PDAs since the Newton in 1993 and have never used a screen protector. I've also never seen any screen damage.

My Palm V did suffer from wear in the graffiti area and when its replacement Clie S300 started exhibiting the same problems I covered the graffiti area only with a screen protector which prevented it becoming a problem.

My T615C goes naked and so far no signs of wear of either the input area or screen.

Ian

[hcamstra]

I never use screen protectors (you'll want a new machine before the screen is worn out anyway); however on the plastic screens of the Palm m1xx you should really avoid touching with (the ink side of a) ballpoint pen.

[NickC]

I am faithfully using a screen protector on my T615, but with my old Palm IIIe I didn't use one. Some tips I can suggest if you don't want to use a protector:

- Coat the screen with a product called Rain-X. It's made for automobile windshields. It makes the screen very smooth, so it's more comfortable to stroke the stylus on, and I'm guessing it's also helps dust from sticking. The real problem with scratching is when you get a little dust between your stylus and screen.

- For extra protection in the Graffiti area, use a product called Scotch Satin tape. It should be available in most office supply stores, comes in a purple box. The stylus glides over the tape without the "dragging" that happens over other kinds of tape.

[jarsports]

Do you have to take apart the pda to put the Rain-X on or can you just take a soft cloth and apply the Rain-X to the screen while it's in the pda?

[NickC]

You don't need to take the PDA apart. Just make sure not to apply the Rain-X directly to the screen from the bottle (you risk having it get into the insides through the side of the screen). Wet a little piece of cloth with the Rain-X and spread on the screen. Wait a minute or so until it dries; then buff with a dry cloth. You'll love the glide of your stylus! :)

[effigy345]

i've actually already got some satin tape. i collect comic books and i use that tape to seal each one shut. atm, what i've been doing is having nothing on the screen except for the graffiti area i have covered by a screen protector i cut. i'm gonna get some rain-x and call it good.

[wankel7]

I use the Fellows screen protector on my Clie 610. The kind I have are clear as ice. You really cant tell they are on. However, I did start off using some that really werent clear. Those suck.

Of course, the one day I did not use a screen condom I got this little grain of sand in my stylus tip. And scratch was the word :(

James

[Saturation]

I've used a Palm since 1998, and a WinCE since 1996. I've scratched the screen once , with that dirt particle someone mentioned.

The easiest solution is roll the stylus tip between your fingers each time before writing. Body oils will clean the stylus, keep it slippery and dust free.

The only time I can see a need for a screen protector is using the Clie in a dirty environment, like a construction site. It won't last a few days before using it will get heavily scratched, way before you need to replace the unit for obsolecense.

In the olden days of 1998, we used Scotch 811 removable magic tape. Its opaque, rough, and gives the graffiti area a paper like consistency, and makes writing a tad more accurate and comfortable. I still have the original roll from 1998, use so little of it.

Tip: layer 2-3 strips of tape onto the graffiti area, and when one wears down, tear it out and use the one beneath it.

[jarsports]

Now that I have perchased my SJ30 I chickened out for the safety of my screen. I went to BestBuy and guess what, they were out of SJ30 protectors. So I studied all the other protectors(the ones used for other pda's) and grabbed the palm m505/m515. After a bit of trimming I stuck it on my screen, and now I feel confident it is safe. I use the Fellowes(Wright Right), and I did get 2 bubbles that annoy me so I'm gonna be more cautious when I put the next one on.