Screen protector

A screen protector is used to protect the LCD screens of digital, electronic devices. The personal digital assistant (PDA) is, perhaps, the most commonly used gadget for which screen protectors are used since PDAs are operated via a stylus. If not used carefully, the tip of the stylus can potentially mar or scratch the sensitive LCD screen surface, and so screen protectors were brought to market.

The "first generation" of screen protectors were made from very thin films based on the concept that an extra layer between the two surfaces (screen and stylus) would provide the needed protection to prolong the life of the device. These screen protectors came (and still come) in packs of 10 to 20 protectors and are hand-cut by the end consumer to fit the specific device. Such screen protectors, while offering extra protection, did not completely fill the need in the marketplace. They peeled up easily and they scratched almost as easily as the screens, causing the protector to be replaced often.

The newest generation of screen protectors are made from a much more durable film and are designed to be a more permanent part of the gadget which they protect. The material is a urethane based film which is a little thicker than traditional screen protectors (.008 inches compared to .005 or .003), but the film is hardly noticeable once installed. The film originated when the U.S. military was looking for a way to protect the leading edges of their military helicopter blades from abrasive airborne particles (sand) while traveling at hundreds of miles per hour. The negative is that it is hard to remove and leaves a sticky residue. It is also made in small sizes, not recommended for bigger than four inch diagonal screens. Since the film is clear, there are problems with UV rays eminating from the display to the eyes and bounce back from the sun. It also does not provide protection from glare and hard to read outdoors.

For less permament solutions there are screen protectors that are non-adhesive and work by sitting in the gap between the LCD screen and the case of the device. The film can be removed, cleaned and reinstalled without any problem. This new generation of film is available with antiglare coating to help users see the screen in daylight. The non-adhesive screen protector can cover LCD screens from one inch to 50 inch diagonal and is used on digital cameras to large HDTVs.

The newest screen protector on the market now is the antireflective film that blocks UV rays and allows users to see the display clearer, even outdoors. The film also allows users wearing polarized sunglasses to see the screen clearly even when they are not at a perfectly straight angle to the screen such as a GPS device when driving.

There are benefits to both sides of the proverbial screen protector fence. First-generation screen protectors are generally less expensive and can be purchased in packs, enabling the consumer to fit them to different devices themselves. Second-generation screen protectors are more expensive, but offer better long-term protection and are generally made specifically for each individual device, providing the end-consumer with a better fitting protector.