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Go Back   Thoughts Media Forums > WINDOWS PHONE THOUGHTS > Windows Phone Hardware

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  #1  
Old 02-07-2003, 09:00 PM
Andy Whiteford
Sage
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 813
Default Brando Workshop's Protector Plus reviewed

Ask any veteran user of a Pocket PC what the first items they purchase for their device are and nine times out of 10, a screen protector will be amongst them. Through time, even the most careful of users will notice small marks and scratches appearing on the screen of their beloved PDA. To combat this, there are many third party solutions offering their own brand of protection. Unfortunately, the quality of these protectors is as varied as the choice available. Having tried out a few, only a couple of makes have left me feeling genuinely happy, Brando Workshop being one of them.




The Protector Plus is a curious purchase upon first inspection. You get one protector in the small plastic bag and that�s it. You would be expecting perhaps three or more so you can apply them as required. Thankfully, I have been using these protectors for a while now and this is currently what�s looking after my HP Jornada so I know only receiving one is a sign of the quality. I will explain this a little more later. The screen guard comes with full instructions for fitting to your device and it is really very straightforward. The first step is to clean the screen, ensuring there is no residue or dust. Next you remove the Protector from its packaging, strip off the protective backing using the attached highlight strip. Aligning one edge of the protector with the side of the screen, you apply the guard and smooth over the entire screen. If you get any air bubbles under the screen, you can just peel it back and reapply or smooth them out with the edge of a credit card. The Protector Plus is quite rigid for a stick on guard and this makes application very quick and simple. Once in place, it stays in place and has no give when in use. I would recommend doing the application process in a clean environment such as a bathroom or kitchen, where there is less chance of dust getting under the protector as you apply it. If you do though, the guard is easily removed so it can be cleaned and reapplied.



Figure 1: There is a screen protector there, honest

So what are the benefits of the Protector Plus?
Well, the obvious reason for applying such a product is to protect your screen from the wear and tear of the stylus. The Brando Workshop excels here offering excellent protection for your screen but also repelling these marks and scratches, meaning no visible deterioration due to extensive use. There are two other clear benefits that I can see from using this protector, however I must point out that these are personal things and others may not consider them as beneficial.

As much as I love the bright, clear screens of Pocket PCs, I don�t particularly care for the glare and reflections you get from the shiny finish. I find this very distracting and rather annoying under certain lighting conditions; you really don�t want to be staring too long at my face. With the Protector in place, you eliminate most of the glare and reflections while still allowing the screen to appear bright and vibrant. There is a small trade off though as this anti-reflective finish does dampen down the screen a little and things do not look quite as vibrant as an unprotected screen. The difference, hoewever, is minimal and once you get used to the guard in place, you tend to not notice the change.

The other benefit I see is in the finish of the protector. This textured topside gives the feel of writing on paper when using the stylus, as opposed to the super smooth finish of the standard Pocket PC screen. At first, I wasn�t sure which I preferred but through use, I grew to enjoy the feedback this provides. It does feel quite a bit different from a naked screen but in a way seems more natural as you will have grown used to writing on paper long before a Pocket PC. I know there will be people out there who prefer the smooth finish of a standard screen but it isn�t hard to adjust to this protective guard.


Figure 2: Applying the protector to the screen

Long term?
As mentioned earlier, I have been using one of these very protectors on my HP Jornada for the past six months now and it really has served me well. The Protector Plus is washable if you need to remove any stains you may get on the device, but will still remain sticky afterwards. Removing the guards leaves no residue whatsoever which is a good sign. If you are as protective towards your PDA as I am, nothing to cause a stain will get near enough to blemish that screen so I haven�t tested out this aspect of the Protector Plus. I fear I may just have jinxed myself by saying that though!

Gotchas
The only real issue I can see people having with this screen guard is the slight dampening effect on the screen. It�s not very obvious, unless you compare it side by side with an unprotected screen and I consider it a small trade off for the protection it offers.

Where to buy
Protector Plus can be bought for $12 including shipping for a single protector from the Brando Workshop Web site. There is a great range and you will find a protector available for virtually any PDA on the market.

Conclusion
As far as screen protection goes, Brando Workshop�s Protector Plus is right up there with the best. I have tried a few different makes in my time and the very fact that I use this one speaks volumes. Personal taste may put you off the writing on paper feel but I do think the reduction in glare and reflections is worth the slight loss of image vibrancy. These screen protectors come highly recommended.
 
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  #2  
Old 02-08-2003, 03:00 AM
Umberto
Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 5

:cry:
Interesting timing for the review as I struggled this afternoon trying to install the very protector on my 1910. I found it difficult to keep the sticky side clean free from particles once I removed the backing, and while their suggestion to apply scotch tape to remove particles works, it's easier said than done to keep it clean because of the handling. I also found it somewhat difficult to keep small air bubbles out while applying it, and found that I was more likely to scratch the screen simply from trying to remove the protector than from regular use without one. FYI - I later found that applying scotch tape to the protector to "lift" it off was the safest method of removal. In the end, I wasn't happy with the look of it and so I've decided to keep the protector in a drawer for now instead of on my 1910.
 
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  #3  
Old 02-08-2003, 03:09 AM
Kati Compton
5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,133

FYI - I just got the WriteShields for my Axim. Dust did tend to want to stick to the sticky side of those, but it worked well to use the tape to remove it. I also did not have any problems with air bubbles whatsoever. Its amazing how much better this one is than the Fellowes WriteRights or whatever. I have not tested the Brando, though.
 
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  #4  
Old 02-08-2003, 04:30 AM
baker
Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 426

Try the screen protectors at PPCTechs http://www.pocketpctechs.com/ws.asp
Or after you take a shower, place the screen protector on in the bathroom, the humidity will keep down the dust and lint.
 
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  #5  
Old 02-08-2003, 05:20 AM
MonkeyGrass
Pupil
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 39
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I've used the Brando exclusively on every PDA I've ever owned. Tried a couple other brands, they were either "squishy" or so bubble ridden I couln't stand the look of them obscuring my screen! :evil:

Not to sound like a commercial, but the Brando's are the best out there. I've had one on a Clie for almost a year of moderate daily use, and it still looks like a fresh, new screen. The protector itself doesn't even show any scratches. As soon as I get a new PDA - the Brando goes on ASAP! :lol:

FYI - the InnoPocket protectors are also made out of the exact same material, and they tend to be easier to find in the states.
 
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  #6  
Old 02-08-2003, 08:53 AM
wizardmaster2k
Intellectual
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 151

i am also a fan of them. it is great, you only need one! the first one cam defective, so i asked for a replacement. they shipped another one overnight, and i got it the next day. it came with 2 of them. so in the end, i had 3. i like the feel of them, like paper, i also like how they deflect glare. great product.
 
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  #7  
Old 02-08-2003, 05:44 PM
Ekkie Tepsupornchai
Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386

I've tried on three separate occasions to use various screen protectors. My complaint isn't bubbles or dust, it's just the loss of screen sensitivity. I love my screens to be sensitive enough that all I have to do is lightly tap with my stylus to get a response.

The trade off is that I'm constantly wiping the thing down.
 
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  #8  
Old 02-08-2003, 05:54 PM
etron
Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 13

so do I go for the boxwave ones or this one? I have tried several ones on my e740 including the one that came with it, and the ones that came with my compusa extended warranty kit, they all had serious issues. I was getting close to getting the Boxwave (cleartouch?) one, now, I don't know since they are both the same price.
 
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  #9  
Old 02-08-2003, 07:23 PM
Andy Whiteford
Sage
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 813

As long as the slight loss of screen vibrancy is an acceptable compromise, these really are excellent protectors. I can't comment on the Boxwave ones as I have never used them.

As always with stick on protectors, you really need to find a suitable place to apply them to help avoid dust. The bathroom idea works well as the humid conditions help to supress dust. Once you get one installed dust free, you will never look back.
 
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  #10  
Old 02-10-2003, 10:20 PM
jlp
Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,079

I've used protection on my screen since my first Apple Newton way back in 1994. I never liked the rubbery types that glues to the screen, but rather the firm types you stick under the side of the screens.

For more than 3 years now I've used the ones sold by Casio for my Cassiopeia E-105, then my E-125. They are tough as nails and are very inexpensive, like $12 for 5 protectors (they are now on sale on Casio's site for $1.99 for 5 pieces!!!).

Therefore I'm very concerned about these extremely priced things sold by PPCtech, etc. These guys sell them for 500% to 3,000% the price!!! D@mit!!!

On the other hand, I'm very interested in getting the Dell Axim to replace my trusty 2.5 years old Casio E-125 that just started a couple days ago to show a small cracking in the lower left corner. The crack is rapidly expanding and severely affects the digitizer.

Anyway Dell is selling screen protectors for the Axim as well; they go for $20 for a pack of 12 pieces and I was wondering what type they are? The rubbery types that glues on the screen or the solid type you stick between the screen and the case?
 
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