I hate screen-protectors!

[Trimac20]

A warning to those who use screen protectors (The adhesive kind, I know of no other), DO NOT leave it on for more than about a week. Either that or don't use the Belkin 'Professional' Pocket PC protectors for that period. And here's why.
I had one particularly good adhensive screen overlay protector protecting my 4350s screen for about two months (it had few wrinkles, unlike previous attempts), and when I peeled it off a few days ago (dust was getting into it), there are large pieces of adhesive (whatever material they use to make the sticky bit) still stuck to the screen! Infact, sometimes it appeared that the protector was tearing a thin film-like layer OFF the PPC screen! After removing it, I was left with ugly layers of sticky film on the screen.

Then things got worse. I don't think its just me, but I find it impossible to apply screen overlays: because it requires a tremendous amount of dedication and meticulacy. Part of the reason stems from the type of protector used, I don't know about other brands but the Belkin overlays (the only type available basically in any store in my city) are of shocking quality. Whenever I apply them, carefully smoothing them down with the included 'smoothie card' I still end up with many wrinkles and air-bubbles. I did, however, have one batch of good protectors (strangely, they were the same type) and they worked well. Well, anyway, I tried applying one overlay: it was so grainy you could hardly read any text on the screen:, a second time:again! I must have used at least 7-8 screen protectors and STILL the same result!! :evil: Now I've used two 20 packs (with about 3 successful attempts between them, 3!!), and am really tired of screen protectors. But there doesn't seem to be any other alternatives, other than to just ditch them and leave my screen exposed to the elements, or get an eyesore from staring at a grainy screen.

Anyway, is there anyway I can clean the film-like layers of adhesives from the screen without damaging the screen (Btw: does excessive touching damage the screen, which I assume is not LCD but TFT-non-reflective)? And are there any alternatives to those God-forsaken pieces of sticky plastic that they expect to PROTECT your $somethinghundred dollar ppc? In fact, those overlays have done more to damage my Pocket PC screen than to protect it. Sometimes I wonder...

[Pony99CA]

A warning to those who use screen protectors (The adhesive kind, I know of no other), DO NOT leave it on for more than about a week.
There are other types. I use a screen protector that slides under the bezel around the screen. It can be a bit difficult to get in there, though.

And are there any alternatives to those God-forsaken pieces of sticky plastic that they expect to PROTECT your $somethinghundred dollar ppc?
Check the Accessories section (http://links.svpocketpc.com#LINKS_ACCESSORIES) of my Web site and search for "screen". I've heard good things about the Pocket PC Techs, BoxWave and Martin Fields screen protectors, but I believe they all have slightly sticky surfaces.

If you don't want any adhesive, check the PDA Screen Protectors G2s.

Steve

[WyattEarp]

If you get residue left behind on the screen (which you really shouln't) get some regular scotch tape. Take a piece of the tape and tap on the areas with residue.

P.S. Pocket PC Techs WRITEShields (http://www.pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp) don't use adhesive, are very easy to apply/reapply and last for a long time.

[PetiteFlower]

Writeshields do stick to the screen but with a silicone layer not any actual adhesive.

I would NOT advise using scotch tape on the screen! The adhesive from that will stick to your screen, it will come off with some rubbing but I still wouldn't want to risk it. I think any sticky stuff left there will wear off in time, probably not too long either. Just keep rubbing it and it should come off eventually.

[Stephen Beesley]

Never had your problem fortunately, but had lots of bad experiences with different types of screen protectors over the years. Lately I have been using one of the long life washable screen protecters (sold under a number of different brand names - HERE (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58540&item=4133582483&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V) is an example for sale on ebay Oz ) and found it very user friendly.

For a great tip on how to remove and apply the washable type of screen protector see THIS (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24998&highlight=screen) forum topic.

HTH

BTW - how is the weather in Perth these days? When I look out of my office window at the overcast summer sky here in Ireland I really miss the West....

[BoxWave]

Greetings,

My name is Wing Lum, and I poke around here on the forums and represent BoxWave. I completely agree, WriteRights are terrible. Most people agree on this.

However if you want some proven protection, try BoxWave's protector, Cleartouch.

We were award Handheld Magazine's Top Picks and won a huge protector shootout on Brighthand:

http://www.brighthand.com/article/Protect_Your_Screen

If you have any questions or comments, I am more then willing to help. Please contact me either by email: [email protected] or by private message.

Take care,

Wing Lum
www.boxwave.com

[chunkymonkey75]

I use the Boxwaves myself. I've been very happy with them and stuck with 'em. What I like about them is that they protect and help cut down on the glare.

[Kacey Green]

I bought a pack of the Belkin and haven't had any problems, (except that they are slightly too large) they were supposed to be temporary until I could order some write Shields, but now with the new devices around the corner and me only halfway through the pack, we'll have to wait and see. By the way these aren't very good protectors, you have to leave them for ~1 week before all of the bubbles go away.

[Jon Westfall]

WriteRights were the only kind I ever really liked, but some great links on here are making me reconsider. I empathize with your problems!

[Kacey Green]

@mcse if you are taking about the Fellowes writewrites thats the first good thing I've ever heard about them, Has anyone else had a positive experience with that brand?

[Zack Mahdavi]

@mcse if you are taking about the Fellowes writewrites thats the first good thing I've ever heard about them, Has anyone else had a positive experience with that brand?

I used to use them with my Palm IIIxe. They were great back then. Somehow, though, Fellowes never thought of redesigning them for color screens...

[Jacob]

I tried a Writeright when I first got a PDA - it degraded the screen incredibly. I won't buy another.

I have used Writeshields, boxwave's cleartouch and the G2s.

G2s are good if you don't want adhesive, but are a little bit of a pain to install.

Boxwaves and Writeshields cloud the screen a little, but are very good.

[wesley762]

I have been useing the writeshields from pocketpctechs for over a year now and will use nothing else.

[danesh]

I've used the Fellowes WriteRights and found them to be of poor quality. The visibility was impaired and there were bubbles present no matter how carefully I applied them. The only good thing was that they left the screen in a good shape without leaving any adhesive residue. Presently, I am not using any screen protector.

[felixdd]

A warning to those who use screen protectors (The adhesive kind, I know of no other), DO NOT leave it on for more than about a week. Either that or don't use the Belkin 'Professional' Pocket PC protectors for that period. And here's why.
I had one particularly good adhensive screen overlay protector protecting my 4350s screen for about two months (it had few wrinkles, unlike previous attempts), and when I peeled it off a few days ago (dust was getting into it), there are large pieces of adhesive (whatever material they use to make the sticky bit) still stuck to the screen! Infact, sometimes it appeared that the protector was tearing a thin film-like layer OFF the PPC screen! After removing it, I was left with ugly layers of sticky film on the screen.

Then things got worse. I don't think its just me, but I find it impossible to apply screen overlays: because it requires a tremendous amount of dedication and meticulacy. Part of the reason stems from the type of protector used, I don't know about other brands but the Belkin overlays (the only type available basically in any store in my city) are of shocking quality. Whenever I apply them, carefully smoothing them down with the included 'smoothie card' I still end up with many wrinkles and air-bubbles. I did, however, have one batch of good protectors (strangely, they were the same type) and they worked well. Well, anyway, I tried applying one overlay: it was so grainy you could hardly read any text on the screen:, a second time:again! I must have used at least 7-8 screen protectors and STILL the same result!! :evil: Now I've used two 20 packs (with about 3 successful attempts between them, 3!!), and am really tired of screen protectors. But there doesn't seem to be any other alternatives, other than to just ditch them and leave my screen exposed to the elements, or get an eyesore from staring at a grainy screen.

Anyway, is there anyway I can clean the film-like layers of adhesives from the screen without damaging the screen (Btw: does excessive touching damage the screen, which I assume is not LCD but TFT-non-reflective)? And are there any alternatives to those God-forsaken pieces of sticky plastic that they expect to PROTECT your $somethinghundred dollar ppc? In fact, those overlays have done more to damage my Pocket PC screen than to protect it. Sometimes I wonder...

My friend -- you need Goo-gone!

http://www.magicamerican.com/googone.shtml

Seriously...this stuff is the best for removing adhesive residues. It just melts it right off while leaving the surface smooth and shiny. It's not abrasive in any way either.

[apanther28]

I have never had any problems with the Fellows and I am a believer in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[mrd]

I tried a few different types of screen protector, but the thing I have used
now for about a year is overhead projector slide material cut to fit under
the bezel of the iPAQ.

Wasn't happy with any of the purpose built protectors I bought.

Image quality for the slide material is excellent and even though the
material is fairly stiff, no problems with the pen at all. Seems to last a long
time too. If I hold it up at an angle to the light, I can just about make out
some wear marks along the right hand scrollbar position. Not bad for nearly a year's worth of wear.

[ctmagnus]

I've got a strip of duct tape on my desk now (cheaper than buying a whole new desk ;) ) and, having used Fellowes screen protectors, I must say that they feel like the unsticky side of duct tape!

[Trimac20]

Thanks for your advice. It's been awhile since I've posted, been a little busy. But now something strange has happened. The 'sticky' layer of residue I talked about has hardened (I really should have removed it earlier, but nothing worked). In fact, come to think of it, even when I just peeled off the protector the layer of film wasn't really sticky; it was a little stickyish but very firm (I hope I'm not mistaken and a layer of the ACTUAL SCREEN hasn't been ripped off :( ). I don't know how I'd describe it, but wet glass is a good comparison. Anyway, the adhesive covers about half the screen and its beginning to flake off at the edges, but their are no signs that it is going. I've continued to use my PPC without the protector (since I don't have a credit card, paying over the internet is problematic), but whenever I use my stylus on the affected area (the area covered in the adhesive) it leaves unsightly scratches and marks. Sticky tape doesn't seem to work. I'll keep trying other things, in the meantime your advice is much appreciated.

Ps, if say I wanted a screen replacement (is such a thing available - without having to get another unit), or the screen repaired what would that involve? Would I have to send it to hp, or is there anywhere that specialises in repair screens of the type used in PPCs? How much would I be looking at spending? Thanks.

[Pony99CA]

Ps, if say I wanted a screen replacement (is such a thing available - without having to get another unit), or the screen repaired what would that involve? Would I have to send it to hp, or is there anywhere that specialises in repair screens of the type used in PPCs? How much would I be looking at spending?
You can fix the screen yourself if you get replacement parts, or you can have somebody fix it for you. Check my Web site's Service and Upgrade section (http://links.svpocketpc.com#LINKS_SERVICE) for links to some companies. Most of them seem to list prices, too. However, I think they're all in the U.S., not Australia.

The LCD screen is likely the most expensive part of a Pocket PC, so it won't be cheap. However, you may not need the whole LCD replaced, but just the touch screen. You may even just need the screen cleaned, which wouldn't be so bad.

I would take a digital picture of your screen showing the problem, contact one of those companies, E-mail them the picture and ask for an estimate.

Steve

[milkman dan]

Honestly, I shouldn't own any elecronics much less a pda. my $400 LG cell phone has been dropped soo many times I am amazed it still works (well, it jsut died over the weekend but you get my drift) Anyways, I find screen protectors one of the most useless things. my e-100 had no scratches whatsoever. I mean bloody crystal clear surface, AND I got the sucker second hand, with the previous owner using it ALOT. Never had a case or anythign for it, and it lived in my pocket most its life. PDA's have been manufactured considerably cheaper now a days, but I am pretty sure the screen on my 2215 will stay mint, specifically becuase I am usign the nylon case provided with the unit which supprisngly is about perfect for my needs

[Kacey Green]

www.pocketpctechs.com has the iPAQ line well within their focus, give them a try.

[Pony99CA]

Honestly, I shouldn't own any elecronics much less a pda. my $400 LG cell phone has been dropped soo many times I am amazed it still works (well, it jsut died over the weekend but you get my drift) Anyways, I find screen protectors one of the most useless things. my e-100 had no scratches whatsoever. I mean bloody crystal clear surface, AND I got the sucker second hand, with the previous owner using it ALOT. Never had a case or anythign for it, and it lived in my pocket most its life. PDA's have been manufactured considerably cheaper now a days, but I am pretty sure the screen on my 2215 will stay mint, specifically becuase I am usign the nylon case provided with the unit which supprisngly is about perfect for my needs
Screen protectors aren't really meant for when your Pocket PC is being carried (although, if you don't use any kind of case, they'll help). They're meant more to protect against day-to-day usage. Dragging the stylus across your screen leaves marks and scratches. Worse, if you get a piece of grit on your stylus, you'll get a nasty scratch.

Trust me on this -- I wore out a screen on my Handheld PC playing a game. The screen eventually cracked from usage. With a Handheld PC, it wasn't so bad, because I could still use the keyboard for most tasks; with a Pocket PC, a cracked screen is a disaster.

Also, I've heard of people who accidentally draw on their screens (or screen protectors) using ink. I thought they were idiots -- until I used the wrong tip of my stylus/pen. Fortunately, I was able to just remove my screen protector and put a new one in place.

So I'm a staunch supporter of the need for screen protection. Given your admitted clumsiness with electronics, I think you would be, too. :-D I just wish it wasn't so expensive.

Steve

[milkman dan]

Also, I've heard of people who accidentally draw on their screens (or screen protectors) using ink. I thought they were idiots -- until I used the wrong tip of my stylus/pen. Fortunately, I was able to just remove my screen protector and put a new one in place.


that has to be one of the funiest things I have heard all day. I am thinking of picking up some screen protectors for my 2215, just becuase its alot nicer than the pda's I was used to :D

[Trimac20]

:? I'm getting worried now.

I think I may have indeed been mistaken. Maybe the problem is not that the protector left residue behind, but that it rippeded off part of the screen surface! Because I remember, when I removed the overlay there were very thin, plasticky shards (like something shattered) so it may have in fact took a bit of the screen material with it! It was like very thin, brittle and stiff clear plastic. Its probably something in between, but now a thin layer has been removed from half the screen.

Wish I could post some pics, but in Yahoo briefcase it doesn't show up :evil: . I could have, in fact, mistaken the damaged section of the screen for the adhesive residue. Anyway, after days of continually trying to remove the 'residue' I've left a lot of very unsightly scratches on the screen (you can't really see them when the unit is turned off, but in light they become extremely clear). Its not a big problem, but I'm very picky about these things and like them to be in good condition. What do you usually use to remove scratches (safe for using on exposed screen with no protector)? I've tried tissue paper and a sponge (with no success), but I am afraid to apply any kind of moisture to the screen.

I really hope I can fix it, but if not, I really think I have a case against Belkin. All this damaged (well, apart from me trying to fix) was caused by that screen protector. They should really pay the damages. They should at least put a warning on their screen protectors saying: do not use for extended periods on screen, as this may cause permanent damage when
the overlay is removed.'
Not happy :evil:

[felixdd]

:? I'm getting worried now.

I think I may have indeed been mistaken. Maybe the problem is not that the protector left residue behind, but that it rippeded off part of the screen surface! Because I remember, when I removed the overlay there were very thin, plasticky shards (like something shattered) so it may have in fact took a bit of the screen material with it! It was like very thin, brittle and stiff clear plastic. Its probably something in between, but now a thin layer has been removed from half the screen.

Wish I could post some pics, but in Yahoo briefcase it doesn't show up :evil: . I could have, in fact, mistaken the damaged section of the screen for the adhesive residue. Anyway, after days of continually trying to remove the 'residue' I've left a lot of very unsightly scratches on the screen (you can't really see them when the unit is turned off, but in light they become extremely clear). Its not a big problem, but I'm very picky about these things and like them to be in good condition. What do you usually use to remove scratches (safe for using on exposed screen with no protector)? I've tried tissue paper and a sponge (with no success), but I am afraid to apply any kind of moisture to the screen.

I really hope I can fix it, but if not, I really think I have a case against Belkin. All this damaged (well, apart from me trying to fix) was caused by that screen protector. They should really pay the damages. They should at least put a warning on their screen protectors saying: do not use for extended periods on screen, as this may cause permanent damage when
the overlay is removed.'
Not happy :evil:

Email me the pictures and I will host them for you.


As for the screen scratching/flaking -- try something similar to this

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1077625430652&skuId=6297018&type=product

First of all, use Goo Gone to remove any crusted adhesive that's left over. Afterwards, use the compound or something similar to the link above to fill in the scratches. Hopefully that should do the trick.

I'm a tad apprehensive about recommending you wipe it with ethanol. In theory there shouldn't be a problem with that as there is no antireflective coating on the screen -- but I don't know the extent of the damage that your screen has sustained.

[Kacey Green]

I too was going to say GooGone but I didn't want to tell him something if indeed his screen was missing a layer