Screen protectors

[Varjak]

I need to buy a few new screen protectors for my Lifedrive. I've used Boxwave SP's in the past; but to be honest, I'm not that happy with them. First, I think they are unduly expensive for something that doesn't last all that long (6 months or so). And for some reason, they seem to develop rough spots (not worn areas; but actual raised areas) and I can't quite figure out why. I ONLY use the stock Palm stylus. Maybe it's because I use the 'matte' versions instead of the Crystals. Anyway, any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

[hal]

I need to buy a few new screen protectors for my Lifedrive. I've used Boxwave SP's in the past; but to be honest, I'm not that happy with them. First, I think they are unduly expensive for something that doesn't last all that long (6 months or so). And for some reason, they seem to develop rough spots (not worn areas; but actual raised areas) and I can't quite figure out why. I ONLY use the stock Palm stylus. Maybe it's because I use the 'matte' versions instead of the Crystals. Anyway, any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

It's been a while since I started either DIY my own screen protectors, or installing whatever I can find at retailers. Among the few screen protectors that reach 100 score IME are those bundled with the Palm AirCase of my Treo; you see, even the OEM protector bundled with my Treo sucked. But that one that came in with the AirCase was incredible. There's a thread around here where somebody discusses a fine way to DIY the screen protectors.

Besides, I'd suggest you do a little maintenance on your stylus. Check it with a magnifying glass looking for any protuberance or itty splint. Were any there, a #300 black sandpaper would do the job; I'd suggest no coarser sandpaper than that, and be it black. Or maybe as coarse as #200 but no lesser. After a soft grinding and of a very short duration, just some 5 short passes (say 2 inches or less) with light pressure, you can finish by pressing the sylus against a clean glass (meaning a kitchen glass for water), when pressing against the glass, hold the stylus near the tip and press a bit harder than you did against the sandpaper, not too hard though. Grinding will eliminate the protuberances, and glass will make the surface smooth.

[Mi An]

Clarivue is what I've always used. My TX Clairivue had just reached the point of replacement after about 4 years. To someone more exacting than I, perhaps it could have used a 2 year replacement. They come 2 for $11. If you still prefer a matte finish, go with the "anti-glare", but beware that white backgrounds can defract into rainbow pixels. I don't even notice the effect anymore as it's more like "noise" than anything, but I definitely noticed it when I first put them on.

[Varjak]

Clarivue is what I've always used. My TX Clairivue had just reached the point of replacement after about 4 years. To someone more exacting than I, perhaps it could have used a 2 year replacement. They come 2 for $11. If you still prefer a matte finish, go with the "anti-glare", but beware that white backgrounds can defract into rainbow pixels. I don't even notice the effect anymore as it's more like "noise" than anything, but I definitely noticed it when I first put them on.

Thanks Mi An, those were the other brand I seem to remember people recommending. I couldn't remember it myself. Plus, the price is substantially better. I think if Boxwave sold them for $5-10 each, more people would end up buying more anyway.

This last Boxwave, I turned around, putting the unworn area over the area I use most. Unfortunately, it developed one of these rough patches much more quickly.

I'd already done what Hal suggested and looked very closely at my stylus under magnification and I felt it and there's no rough spot I can see or feel.

[Mi An]

I can't imagine that clarivue would be more durable than boxwaves, so I can't promise they won't develop a similar problem. Also, I didn't do a ton of writing on mine, so the total amount of stylus rubbing might be less than yours.

But from what I've read from people who've used both, they are at least comparable quality at the lower price. Good luck.