Introduction
JAVOedge was kind enough to send me some of their screen protectors to try out on the new iPAQ 200 series. The iPAQ 200 series (210, 211, 212, 214) out earlier this year, is starting to get more and more accessories for it. I wanted to provide other iPAQ users some examples of some great quality accessories for their new toy. Please note though, that anyone with a mobile device requiring a screen protector should take notice of this review, as it applies to your device as well. JAVOedge sent me a sample of their JAVOScreen 2.0 Ultra Clear and their Anti-Glare screen protector.
Over the past several years, I have been using a different brand of screen protector
When I got my new 210, I had to start using the universal size of this brand and had to cut to fit my screen size. To me, this is a real pain in the neck. I have also never been a fan of putting on the screen protectors, because of the possible dust, bubbles and repositioning. I get irritated very easily with it. But with that said, I will not use my screen without a screen protector on it. The first one I tried from JAVOedge was the Ultra Clear protector. I had visited their website to see what the actual install process was before I opened the package.
The 5 steps they list are:
1) Clean the screen with the provided cleaning cloth
2) Remove and fold the plastic backing on the new protector
3) Align the protector with the screen
4) Gently pull the full backing off
5) Gently use the application card to get rid of the bubbles
Seems simple right? I was not fully convinced yet. I opened the package to look at the contents. Inside the package were the following pieces.
1) Screen protector inside a plastic sleeve. The protector has separate plastic coverings on the front and back, which are taken off for the installation process. There are also a couple tabs that tell you which is the back and front, with the appropriate steps
2) Instruction sheet insert
3) Cleaning cloth in a separate wrap
4) Application tool in a separate plastic wrap attached to the inside of the cardboard packaging
It truly is a real nice and thought out package and kit.
Installation
I removed the old screen protector from my device. Just as JAVOedge advertised, within seconds, I followed the easy installation steps and had successfully installed the Ultra Clear screen protector. There were not many bubbles. There were 4 bubbles that remained after I used the application tool to finish. The instructions said to “allow up to 48 hours for additional air bubbles to work their way out.” I looked at my device approximately 90 minutes later, and there was absolutely no air bubbles remaining. This is incredible for me because, I have always had an air bubble or two in my previous brand and they never seemed to go away. This seemed to go easier than I thought. Could it be this easy to put on a screen protector?
Now you are probably asking what the screen looked like. It looked awesome. My iPAQ 210 has VGA, so this in itself is a great screen resolution and I wanted to keep it that way. Looking at the iPAQ with the power on, you cannot even tell there is a screen protector on it. I even showed my wife, and she could not tell there was anything on the screen either It is also very smooth and very clean looking. Putting the protector on initially, I got a sense that this would be a durable product based on the design, flexing, and general construction of the screen protector. The images and words on the screen are very crisp and clean. My stylus moves smooth on the screen and I had no tapping responsive issues.
I spent a few days with the clear protector on going through my daily routine, using GPS playing some games, surfing the web, etc, and decided to switch it out with the antiglare protector. Did I mention earlier that I disliked the changing process. It took me a little while to remove the clear protector. I tried the tape trick (# 2 on the FAQ page) unsuccessfully. I even tried using the applicator corners to get under the edge, to no avail. I ended up using the point on a needle (no need to cringe and I suggest that you do not use the needle on your device either). I took it off and cleaned the screen with the provided cloth and used an air canister to get rid of any dust. The Anti-glare protector has only one tab and one plastic covering on the protector itself (as compared to the Ultra clear one). I removed some of the backing and fit the product to the iPAQ corners and finished the install. I had a bunch of bubbles this time so I lifted it up, and reapplied. Looked good to me, no bubbles, perfect straight fit, clean looking.
In comparison to the Ultra Clear, in my opinion, the Anti-Glare does not seem to be as clear to me, which I think is the way it was designed and constructed. Don’t get me wrong though, as the screen still looked mighty fine to my aging eyes with it on. But after spending more time with it, it is actually very clear that I initially thought. During this test, I was also testing out a GPS system as well. What better accessory to be used with the GPS than the Antiglare screen. I took to the road both in car and pedestrian GPS mode. The anti-glare protector does help in relation to glare. I was in both general sunny area and in very direct sunlight with full sun glaring on the device. It will not help if you have the full sun blasting on your device, but for realistic use, I thought it made a difference in most areas outside and inside.
Product Features and Highlights (of both types)
- Ultra Clear and Anti Glare versions available
- Helps keeps your screen smudge and scratch free
- Removable, Washable, and Reusable
- Durable
- JAVOedge supports many devices
I have included the links to each product that explains the way they are constructed. I cannot put these in better words or descriptions than JAVOedge has already done.
Ultra Clear Specs
Anti-Glare Specs
I have also provided the FAQ link on how to take care of your protector, especially for reusability. There is some good stuff in here.
PROS
Great Fit
Easy Install
Reusability
Cost Friendly
CONS
This may not be a con of the product, but more user error, but I had a challenge removing it from the device screen.
Pricing and availability
All of the JAVOedge products mentioned above and more can be purchased from www.JAVOedge.com. As it relates to the screen protectors reviewed, you can purchase different configurations. The single protector packs cost $10.95. You can also purchase a 3 pack set for $26.28. These can last for a very long time. The costs may vary for other models, so you should check it out.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, these were very nice and easy products to use. I want to Thank JAVOedge very much for the review samples. This product review is coming from a pocket PC user that I would say is in the level between mid to expert user. With that said though, I cannot test out every possible situation that the screen protectors can be subjected to based on everyone’s varying needs. Their quality seems top notch. It is definitely worth checking out, as I think you will be happy you did. For the price of the product, you have nothing to lose.