Seeing Things Clearly: The JavoScreen Review

[Kevin Remhof]

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-0.jpg" /><br /><br /><b>Product Category:</b> Screen Protectors<br /><b>Manufacturer:</b> <a href="http://www.javoedge.com">Javo Edge</a><br /><b>Where to Buy:</b> <a href="http://www.javoedge.com">Javo Edge</a><br /><b>Price:</b> $10.95 USD<br /><b>Specifications:</b> JavoScreen protectors are available for a <a href="http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/productMtce/jsp/productListScreenProtector.jsp">variety</a> of PDAs.<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b><li>Protect your screen;<br /><li>Prevent glare;<br /><li>Hide fingerprints.<b>Cons:</b><li>Like all adhesive protectors, a bit tricky to install.<br /><b>Summary:</b><br />The JavoScreen protectors are another great choice to keep your screen scratch-free and clean. They have a paper-like texture and prevent glare. <br /><br />Read on for the full review!<!><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>Overview</b></span><br />The JavoScreen is just another screen protector, right? Well... yes and no. Yes, it's a screen protector, but, it has enough features to keep it in the short list of my favorite screen protectors. I've had a JavoScreen on my iPAQ 1945 for a couple of weeks now to see how it performs.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-1.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: The JavoScreen on my iPAQ. Notice the nice glare protection.</i><br /><br />The best thing about the JavoScreen is that it blocks glare. I did not realize how important this was until I started reading eBooks on my iPAQ. When using the naked screen, it is like looking in a mirror while reading. Not a big deal but it does get annoying after a while. Also, I tend to touch the screen to flip pages, which leaves smudges. The textured JavoScreen prevents fingerprints from appearing on the screen.<br /><br /><span><b>Installation</b></span><br />I was plenty surprised to open the JavoScreen package. It includes not just the protector but a cleaning cloth and an installation card. Since I was already using a protector, my screen was pretty clean. I pulled off the old protector and used the JavoScreen cleaning cloth to touch up a couple of spots. The cleaning cloth is lint free and was just what I needed.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: The JavoScreen installation kit.</i><br /><br />After my last experience with a <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,24239">screen protector</a>, I knew that I had to be very careful installing the JavoScreen. Instead of waiting around for dust to settle, I immediately geared up to apply the JavoScreen. I carefully peeled off the backing and centered the protector on my iPAQ. I quickly applied the protector to my screen and voila, bubbles... now what?... wait... I grabbed the installation card (a thin cardstock tool) and smoothed out the JavoScreen. No bubbles, lint, or dust, a perfect installation. Whew! The cleaning cloth and installation card are a nice touch. Not really necessary but definitely a welcome addition.<br /><br /><span><b>Unique Features</b></span><br />The JavoScreen has all of the features you expect from a screen protector: thin, fairly easy to apply/remove, and durable. What makes the JavoScreen stand out is that it has both a glare-reducing coating and a textured surface. The JavoScreen does a fantastic job of reducing glare, especially outdoors. No more mirror effect. The glare reduction does not degrade the display quality of my screen. Some protectors tend to wash-out the picture, but not the JavoScreen. Everything looks as crisp and sharp as usual.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-3.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 3: Glare with my iPAQ off. (Extreme conditions)</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-4.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 4: Glare with my iPAQ on. (Extreme conditions)</i><br /><br />These two pictures show the worst possible glare you'll see with a JavoScreen. These were taken with my iPAQ about four inches from a powerful Halogen desk lamp. There's no way to get around seeing a reflection given these conditions. But, as you can see in the pictures, you don't see the light bulb or fixture. You only see the light emitted.<br /><br />I was not a fan of the texture on the JavoScreen at first. I thought I preferred a smooth screen. After a few days of using the JavoScreen though, I forgot all about the texture, and realized I was starting to like it. Jotting down memos is very natural with the texture; it feels like writing on paper instead of a screen. As I mentioned before, the texture also keeps your screen from collecting fingerprints. Now that I'm used to the texture, I really like it. It gives a nice tactile feedback when sliding around the screen.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />The JavoScreen is an excellent screen protector. In just a couple weeks I have become a big fan. The glare reduction and texture are my favorite features. I would miss them both if I were to switch to a different screen protector.

[Foo Fighter]

How does this compare to other screen protectors? Like Boxwave, or Martin Fields? Since this model has a matte finish, it sounds similar to Boxwave or Brando.

[maximum360]

How does it compare to Pocketpctechs Writeshields?

[garrans]

Help me out. I tried some screen protectors from Belkin I bought at my local Office Depot.

In a word... they sucked:

- Was like looking through a shower door
- Wasn't able to affix without bubbles (tried twice)

I returned them for a full refund, but I'd still like to protect my screen.

Are these any different ?

[wesley762]

I would like to see them in a comparson to the writeshields to. I am a pretty die hard writeshield fan. this would be a intresting thing to see.

[Fuzzy John]

It may be too early for this, but is there anything to show the durability of this protector?

In the past I used WriteShields. About a month ago I got a BoxWave protector for my new HP 2215. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think I started seeing the slightly different texture in the writing area. If I remember right I started seeing this on the WriteShield protector about 3 to 4 months into use. That would make the WriteShield more durable. I had it on my Dell Axim X5 screen for over a year.

[ctmagnus]

this picture (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-mar04-jscreen-2.jpg) leads me to believe that
JavoEdge and BoxWave use the same OEM.

I currently have a BoxWave installed and I like it a lot better than the WriteShield I had previously. But then, I haven't been using it for too long so that impression may change as the months go past.[/img]

[ignar]

It may be too early for this, but is there anything to show the durability of this protector?

In the past I used WriteShields. About a month ago I got a BoxWave protector for my new HP 2215. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think I started seeing the slightly different texture in the writing area. If I remember right I started seeing this on the WriteShield protector about 3 to 4 months into use. That would make the WriteShield more durable. I had it on my Dell Axim X5 screen for over a year.

I got the same impression. Boxwave cleartouch is a good screen protector, but in terms of durability, I think Brando and WriteShields are better.

[Kevin Remhof]

How does this compare to other screen protectors? Like Boxwave, or Martin Fields? Since this model has a matte finish, it sounds similar to Boxwave or Brando.

Yes, these are similar to Boxwave or Brando. I tried out the Martin Fields protectors and really liked them. I'm still undecided as to which I like better though. I really like the smooth feel of the Martin Fields. But I like the glare protection of the JavoScreen.

The perfect screen protector for me would be smooth, glare reducing, and adhesive. I tried the G2 protectors a long time ago and had so much trouble installing them that I gave up.

[LWesson]

this picture leads me to believe that
JavoEdge and BoxWave use the same OEM.

I currently have a BoxWave installed and I like it a lot better than the WriteShield I had previously. But then, I haven't been using it for too long so that impression may change as the months go past.

Boxwave & javoedge are using the same product. Our WriteSHIELD is a different material that does last longer based on user feedback.

I'm curious as to why you like the Boxwave better than the WS.

[Kevin Remhof]

How does it compare to Pocketpctechs Writeshields?

I can't say for sure. I've never tried the WriteSHIELDs. Anyone else compared these?

[LWesson]

It may be too early for this, but is there anything to show the durability of this protector?

In the past I used WriteShields. About a month ago I got a BoxWave protector for my new HP 2215. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think I started seeing the slightly different texture in the writing area.

Yes, the texture is different between the WS and the Boxwave. The WS has been shown to last much longer based on user feedback. We have some users that have reported the WS lasting over a year. It really depends on the maintenance and environment. Using the Klearscreen, a polymer based cleaner included in our kits, will enhance the writing surface and extend the life of the WS.

[Fuzzy John]

It may be too early for this, but is there anything to show the durability of this protector?

In the past I used WriteShields. About a month ago I got a BoxWave protector for my new HP 2215. Maybe it is my imagination, but I think I started seeing the slightly different texture in the writing area.

Yes, the texture is different between the WS and the Boxwave. The WS has been shown to last much longer based on user feedback. We have some users that have reported the WS lasting over a year. It really depends on the maintenance and environment. Using the Klearscreen, a polymer based cleaner included in our kits, will enhance the writing surface and extend the life of the WS.
I can also vouch for the durability of the WS. I used one on the Dell Axim X5 for over a year. The writing area did develop 3 shinier spots after about 8 months but that did not interfere with the use.

I tried the BoxWave out of curiosity. The BoxWave protector for the HP 2215 is slightly larger than the WS. While I thought about that as a plus the larger size made it more difficult to install. Once past the installation I did like the fact that the uncovered area with the BoxWave was smaller.

I found the BoxWave more difficult to remove. Maybe I did not do it the proper way but removing the WS with the removal tool was so much easier.

The BoxWave adheres to the screen more than the WS. Could that be why the edges of the WS seem to not stick to the screen?

I found that the WS had some imperfections, either on the surface or internally. At first these looked like dust trapped under the protector but I was unable to remove them with scotch tape. Also there did not seem to be a small air pocket around them as I would expect to see if something was trapped under the protector.

Last comment would be about the clarity. The BoxWave seemed to have slightly better clarity, but this may have been at the expense of the glare reducing capability. However I base this on comparing the Dell Axim X5 with a WS installed with the HP 2215 with the BoxWave installed. The two screens are different to begin with.

[BoxWave]

Group,

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

BoxWave's Cleartouch = #1.

Thanks for the time,

Wing Lum

[ctmagnus]

I'm curious as to why you like the Boxwave better than the WS.

Nicer texture. That's it. Clarity, durability and application were all exactly the same, but the Boxwave has a slightly nicer texture. But I recieved the WS's before you were shipping them with Klearscreen. The Klearscreen may make the difference here.

[JonnoB]

I can vouch for WriteShields over all of the other screen protectors I have used. They are definately the easiest to install and remove. The anti-glare has been the best for me and that is important as I sit both in my den at home and at work below a light that would create annoying glare and only the WriteShield did a good enough job to get rid of it.

[foebea]

I've always used writerights myself, not because of choice, but because that is what is available at the local stores. After reading this, i may have to try a few of these.

Thanks for posting that link to the reviews of them.
if mine got a d, and others got an a, then this should be a real treat :)

[ignar]

I've always used writerights myself, not because of choice, but because that is what is available at the local stores. After reading this, i may have to try a few of these.

foebea, I respect your patience. :wink: I can't stand Writeright. I may write right on it, but definately I can't read right with it applied. Please go ahead and buy better protectors. They might look expensive, but your eyes and usability are much more valuable.

[Chucky]

Just wondering with all these screen protectors that you guys are talking about, how much distance is there between the edge of the screen protector and the screen?

My current screen protector (el cheapo :D) has about 3mm on every side!! It can get quite annoying - but yeah I guess newer screen protectors are a pretty snug fit?

[ctmagnus]

My current screen protector (el cheapo :D) has about 3mm on every side!! It can get quite annoying - but yeah I guess newer screen protectors are a pretty snug fit?

Sounds like you've got a model mis-match (ie, using a protector for a device smaller than yours) going on.

[enemy2k2]

whatever your preferece in screen protectors is, the thing that matters most is that you do use one! I believe it's the most important accessory ever invented for any PDA. I wish I went ahead and bought G2s for my Ax when I got it, but I didn't - figuring I didn't want to lose the crispness and feel of the naked screen. But in these dangerous times protection is a must! It wasn't long before the screen developed some light scratches here and there. Though honestly it doesn't bother me too much, they're also only visible with the backlight off in bright light. But there are some spots that developed that do bug me a bit, these really aren't visible with the light off either, I suspect that most of this stuff is from solitare. Pretty stupid idea to have to drag the cards rather than tap to select and tap to drop. Even stupider not to use screen protection though. Isn't the health of your unit worth using protection? Some guys probably still won't though even with this advice, using the excuse 'it doesn't feel as good'. tsk tsk

BTW, store bought screen protection sucks I tried some - didn't like them, wouldn't use them. Best to go with PDA specialists like one of the ones from the guys posting on this thread here. I won't make the mistake of going without them for my next device.

[OtoPA]

use protection, play safe, health of your unit.... we are touting screen protectors and not condoms, right ?? :D

[enemy2k2]

use protection, play safe, health of your unit.... we are touting screen protectors and not condoms, right ?? :D

8O That's so dirty, I'm surprised you would think something like that!

[JessicaBrillian]

I have to set the record straight, Cleartouch, Cleartouch, Cleartouch.

Logged in just to post this.

Don't waste your time with other screen protectors (Belkins and otherwise).

Jess :)

[LWesson]

I have to set the record straight, Cleartouch, Cleartouch, Cleartouch.

Logged in just to post this.

Don't waste your time with other screen protectors (Belkins and otherwise).

Jess :)

Hi Jess,

FYI, Cleartouch and Javoedge are the identical material. Our WriteSHIELD is similiar, but lasts longer.

[Frankyd00]

Looking for your first screen protector (I got an Axim X3) is something... believe me.

There is so many companies, so many different products (mostly by there specifications) that it's somehow difficult to choose. But I found a very good review (it's been posted in this newsgroup but here is the link anyway : http://www.brighthand.com/article/Protect_Your_Screen) From this site I've been informed on the most inportant thing : how those screen protector caracteristics have any effects on you PDA everyday use + their review is very professionnaly writen.

So I bough myself a Boxwave, it's been shipped in 5 days (I'm in Canada) and installing it was as quick as easy.

I've chosen that one cause it's a adhesiv (no glue... just the magic of silicon... and I'd never go with the cheap ones : FuturShop, etc...) and cauz it has glare reduction... what for I ask myself since I've never experience it.... but I don't regret it when I'm outside or under fluorescent light. I'd say that the ones that are clear sound slippier for the stylus witch seemed a down side of it for some experienced user I've read (glare reduction = paper feel). On the durability side... I can't comment yet.

My last comment : There is so few information/comment on (or absence off) lost of precision and sensibility linked to the protector your using... it seems that the soft ones have none and the ones like the Nushield and G2 have some... Can someone comment this !

So I'd say choose a screenprotector to your needs... :lol: ...but do protect it !