Hi All,
I'm looking for opinions on screen protectors. Which is the best for the G-Tab in your opinion and why? I see Skinomi has some specifically for the G tab, are they any good? What are you thoughts?
If you use the search feature, you will find talk about this subject. Then you will not need to start a brand new thread in the wrong place.
I got a skinomi and I love the carbon fiber protective back the most, it adds a ton of grip to the back and sides. The screen protector is good but its a wet application and is a little hard to do. You also can't use your gtablet for at least 4 hours after application. I let it sit over night and it was still a little weird for the next day. After 4 days it was perfect. I ended up with 2 specs under the surface but its almost unavoidable unless you have a clean room and body suit to apply it. The self healing aspect is totally cool. I scratched the protector with my keys on accident and all I had to do was get it. A little hot with a hair dryer and buff it out with the cleaning cloth. Over all happy with the company and product even though the first screen I was sent had surface artifacts and ridges. I received a free replacement within a week.
Go to http://electroniccrap.com/store/index.php?main_page=products_new you wii get the one you want
1 for the Skinomi
You can't beat the price, nor the durability of the skinomi protectors (and in general the skin protectors like ZAGGs, BSE ..), its no where comparable to the plastic stick-me-on sheets.
The Skinomi is even cheaper than the plastic one linked above
You don't have to freak out about the installation, if you can read/see and follow instructions there should be no room to do it wrong (some people try to smart it out and that way doesn't usually work)
There is a whole thread about it here.
Do you think the plastic sheets would servive that ? Think again
Like many of you I got my Gtab from woot.com I searched around for a screen protector with the perfect fit and couldn't find one until someone on here posted that xoskins.com made one for them http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005240 where I said I would write a review once I got it. Its a holiday so I have time, here we go. I have used their skins in the past and I am a huge fan. At the time they were the only ones who did the cutouts correctly and their stuff is by far the best. No orange peel, no rubbery texture, and a lifetime warranty.
Packaging:
The skin came in a padded envelope with a snakeskin (not real snakeskin, but some texture printing very cool) box inside. The box had the skin, a spray bottle, squeegee, and instructions. The instructions are detailed and show you how to do it. They also have a youtube channel with install videos/guides if this is your first time.
Installation:
The install took me about 5 minutes. I have done these before so I am not a n00b. Just take your time and installing any skins are easy. Try and do this at night so that way you will leave your skin time to dry over night. I always steam up my bathroom before installing a skin, this drops all the dust out of the air. Wash your hands very well so that you don't have oils that will leave a finger print. Spray a fair amount of the spray on the sticky side to make sure its completely covered. Lay it down on the gtab and line it up. Then spray a lil on the surface of the skin where you will squeegee. I make one light pass over the whole screen to get it lightly tacked down and once I know its in place I press firmly and squeegee out the rest of the spray. It may leave some streaks but those go away after a day or so.
Look and Feel:
These usually take a day or two to completely cure. After they are installed they sometimes look hazy but after the day or so they clear up and look crystal. These skins are my fav because they don't have an orange peel/rubber texture to them. They feel as smooth as the plastic skins, but they are as strong as any polyurethane one. They do not turn yellow because of a uv coating which is also what hides fingerprints. On a big reader screen these are a must because of that alone.
Care:
DO NOT spray windex on these! I sprayed some on my evo skin and it kind of eats at it. I contacted their customer service and they sent me a new one and recommended using just the spray it came with to clean the screen. Windex has some acidic properties to it that are not nice to any urethane or plastic. They also said if it runs out fill it back up with water and a drop or two of dish soap.
I highly recommend these skins. I have used many in the past and I install these for everyone at work. Check them out.
The following will run through the experience of the installation process and comparison with EXiM PET dry install screen protectors and Wrapsol Wet apply body protection.
(Reportedly, Zagg is also similar to Skinomi)
Type:
Installation: WET
Light Permeability: High (ultra clear, glossy)
Prior to Installation:
The protector material is packaged in a tube. Opening the package cap reveals a rolled up screen protector, an instruction guide, squeegee and spray solution. The protector was unrolled and flattened for several days prior to installation.
Installation:
bathroom was steamed up to settle the dust, the screen was cleaned with a mircofibre cloth dipped in 99% Isopropyl.
Compressed air was used to blast off any dust particles on the screen
The protector material was peeled and sprayed with solution
The protector material is elastic / stretchy.
-If my experience with Wrapsol's body protection material that was also stretchy is any indication, caution must be used during installation to avoid accidental excessive stretching which caused permanent deformation of the material. Once the material is over stretched, the holes, edges, etc will be unaligned, rendering the protector useless.
-There is no stretchiness with EXiM PET or any dry install screen protectors
Installation took a few tries before perfect alignment was achieved.
-on several occasions when I tried to realign one part of the screen protector (hoping the rest of the material would follow as with ridged dry PET protectors), the material would instead stretch, so I had to lift the whole screen protector for alignment to avoid stretching and deformation.
After alignment, I used a micro cloth to push all the solution (which is hopefully demineralized to prevent electrical conductivity)
-a micro cloth was used instead of the squeegee provided to minimize damage to the overly soft protector material.
-the material is dentable even with mere accidental stab of a finger nail (not so with ridged dry install PET protectors).
I noticed it's almost impossible to see remaining dust specs due to under lying liquid solution, so you'll just have to hope you did a good job of cleaning prior to installation
First day of application:
-Foggy screen (reportedly disappears after a few days)
-Dented protector (the material is too soft and is pretty much useless to protect itself) (unless this characteristic ALSO disappears and becomes hard material in a few days..., can't recommend)
Second day:
-Majority of the fogginess from the microbubbles have disappeared, a minority of it remains, ~2% of the screen
-material remains soft and malleable
-one dust spec found
Fourth Day:
-Several dents on the screen protector remain from the installation process and more will come from even the slightest impact of a pointy object.
-This material is simply too soft. It is a poor choice of material if longevity is the aim of the protector.
-all microbubbles disappeared
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This stuff is a joke.
the EXiM PET protectors are half the price and twice the quality.
I used to have a manually modified Apple IPAD EXiM PET protector installed for their lack of the Transformer version available on eBay for $12. Now I can tell the EXiM is definitely better both in installation process and usability.
Light permeability might be a little better with this Skinomi protector as it is thinner than the PET dry install protectors. But I can not be completely sure. I am comparing an old PET installation with weeks of accumulated finger prints and other grime to a brand new installation of Skinomi. So the comparison isn't on equal footing.
PROs:
high light permeability, thin
more Fingerprint resistant (more so than Dry Apply EXiM)
CONs:
difficult installation
-hard to realign (due to stretchiness, requires total lift of material for realignment)
-stretchiness (prone to accidental deformation during installation)
-difficult to see dust specs until a while after installation due to necessary spray solution
poor usability on 1st day post installation (delay in fog dissipation)
poor longevity (soft material very vulnerable to dents and scratches)
-extremely vulnerable to vinegar (cause permanent blur smear)
-extremely vulnerable to isopropyl (cause permanent blur smear)
RECOMMENDED?: No
I just bought my Eee Pad Transformer about two weeks ago and finally got the keyboard dock with it also. I also got this purchase on the Skinomi Screen Protector but has yet to arrive to my doorstep but thank you for the review. I'll see if I want to to test this on my Eee pad Transformer.
Thanks again for a good detailed review.
klau1 sorry if the Skinomi didn't work out for you. The vulnerability to dents is one of the problems I have with it, but I can live with it. Thanks for the review. Oh well if anyone else need a video how-to I have made one below for reference.
http://youtu.be/vWj9Uss65cQ
I would add to the cons... getting the thing off after you've had it on for a few weeks is ridiculous... I thought I was going to break the damn screen. To me that's just unacceptable. I replaced mine because where it touched the dock, the surface marred... agreed that this is crap.
I did end up buying this one on amazon and am very happy http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-P...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1309202152&sr=8-1
Easy to install, no fingerprints, cuts the glare, and easy to lift up with scotch tape and remove any dust deposited during install.. and it's not that expensive.
lopan said:
I would add to the cons... getting the thing off after you've had it on for a few weeks is ridiculous... I thought I was going to break the damn screen. To me that's just unacceptable. I replaced mine because where it touched the dock, the surface marred... agreed that this is crap.
I did end up buying this one on amazon and am very happy http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-P...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1309202152&sr=8-1
Easy to install, no fingerprints, cuts the glare, and easy to lift up with scotch tape and remove any dust deposited during install.. and it's not that expensive.
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Usually Matte ones that cut glare, also cut contrast or clarity. How does the picture quality compare with the Skinomi ?
lopan said:
I would add to the cons... getting the thing off after you've had it on for a few weeks is ridiculous... I thought I was going to break the damn screen. To me that's just unacceptable. I replaced mine because where it touched the dock, the surface marred... agreed that this is crap.
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Did you try to put a mild soap solution on the protector before removing it? It might help get it back to becoming more flexible.
klau1 said:
Usually Matte ones that cut glare, also cut contrast or clarity. How does the picture quality compare with the Skinomi ?
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I have one of these from posr.us. Really does cut on the glare, but is not very smooth on the fingers and also reduces clarity/contrast like you mentioned.
I think I am still going to try the skinomi.
THIS SH*T IS A JOKE and SCAM!!!
Use a bit of rubbing alcohol or 99% isopropyl and it blurs over.
There is now a blotch of blurriness on the spot I briefly rubbed with the alcohol and quickly stopped.
DO NOT BUY!
klau1 said:
THIS SH*T IS A JOKE and SCAM!!!
Use a bit of rubbing alcohol or 99% isopropyl and it blurs over.
There is now a blotch of blurriness on the spot I briefly rubbed with the alcohol and quickly stopped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This also happened to me - don't use anything other than a mild vinegar solution to clean the screen w/ this protector on it or else you'll get this blur/white patch effect - it ruins the entire screen protector.
Great review, thanks lots of useful information.
I got the silver carbon fiber back from skinomi and I love it. It makes the back of the TF look so cool. I only installed the back because I didn't like the pieces for the side and stuff. I kept the screen protector for future use because I got a SGP anti-glare protector which I love also. The finger prints just disappear, well almost lol.
I couldn't disagree more with this review. My skinomi went on without any problems and looks great, can't even tell there is a protector on it.
How on earth do you get 'dents' on it during installation is beyond me......did you put it on with a knife and fork? There are many reviews and installation videos showing how easy it is and how good the skinomi looks when installed properly.
klau1 said:
THIS SH*T IS A JOKE and SCAM!!!
Use a bit of rubbing alcohol or 99% isopropyl and it blurs over.
There is now a blotch of blurriness on the spot I briefly rubbed with the alcohol and quickly stopped.
DO NOT BUY!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE:
CAUTION
ANOTHER Blur smear created by SubWay's (TM) Sweat Onion Chicken Terriakyi sub.
I was eating a sub when I accidentally made contact between the sub and the skinomi protector screen, some "sweet onion sauce" was smeared on the screen, when I wiped it with a napkin, ANOTHER blur was left behind just like with the isopropyl.
so even light vinegar will ruin this piece of crap.
I got the Skinomi for its full body skin... of course im already using something else as a screen protector...
thanks for the update!
would love to read anyone else's reviews on this product!
Added:
After weeks of usage, it's proven to be:
Pro:
more Fingerprint resistant (more so than Dry Apply EXiM)
I bought two for my gtab....the first one had a deep scratch in it right out of the box and the second one went on like crap. I also see what appears to be bubbles in the material in spots.
you can pretty much just duplicate this review for the bodyguardz ultra clear screen protector. the same rolled up packaging. the same pain in the ass installation with alignment issues(although this isnt their fault ill admit.) i did the same tactics minus the cleaning with alcohol before hand and after a week I still had these ugly " blotches" on my screen. after a week. emailed bodyguardz and the rep said it was from lack of solution used. thats funny because i used 2 vials of the solution. ( i had one left over from my phone screen protector) anyways, i think im just gonna rock the tab without a screen protector. i have a decent case which it never leaves, i should be good.
while the Zagg is similar in installation i never had any of the problems you had installing it. The zagg doesnt come in a tube its flat out of the box. i Swear by the zagg, i have installed it on 4 iphones , a n1, ipad, Inspire 4g and now my transformer. while the zagg stretches ever so slightly you shouldnt be pushing so hard on it with the squeegee thiers is a rubber squeegee and works great. The Zagg also allows alot of light to come through and seems almost as good screen clarity as if it wasnt on. It cleans easily and resist finger prints, i have never noticed any denting either with the Zagg.
^ if you can confirm that the zagg doesnt have the " orange peel" feel on the transformer screen protector i will order one right now.
Iirc, zagg will yelow over time, and it is thicker so might result in lower light permeability
I am mainly concerned about fingerprints and smoothness of the operation. Clarity is an important factor also so appears matte finish isn't what I'm looking for since you have that moire over text and such. What would be the optimal screen protector?
Skinomi. Awesome and very easy to apply. They also have the best customer service support!
I actually messed up while applying my screen protector and they sent me a new kit within 2 business days.
Where to get it: Amazon, nuff said.
Thanks for the tip. I think I'm going to try something cheapo like this just so my mother can see if she can live with a matte finish for about a week.
http://www.amazon.com/Anti-Glare-Sc...sformer/dp/tech-data/B005OUE8R2/ref=de_a_smtd
If she finds she can I will find a good high product one.. if not I will go straight with Skinomi most likely than. But I think buying a cheap matte one so she can experience and anti-glare, anti-fingerprint (most critical is fingerprint reduction) than she can make an intelligent decision without blowing $15 just to find she does not like it.
I tried the Zagg and it was a disaster. Application was messy and I personally didn't like the grippy feel. I just got my BodyGuardz put on a couple days ago though and I love it. I bought the combo carbon fiber skin/HD anti-glare screen protector and it's fantastic. Nice feel and definitely cuts down on glare and fingerprints.
Also, if you find them on facebook and post "BodyGuardz Me!" on their wall, they'll send you a 30% off coupon code.
Skinomi
Skinomi wet-apply screen protectors are pretty easy to apply, however they are grippy (like the Zagg's) and 'soft' as in an your fingernail can easily and accidentally leave an indent on the screen protector. It feels almost too soft, where things that leave an indent on the screen protector would never even damage the Gorilla Glass underneath.
Good thing is because it is soft like rubber, most indents un-indent themselves after a while.
Screen Protector
got my screen protector for my Asus Eee Pad made by http://secondshells.com/screen-prot...n-protector-anti-glare-anti-finger-print.html I ordered the anti-glare screen protectors through SecondShells. I have used simply because the touch screen did not lose any sensitivity after I applied it.
The protector had a nice rectangular notch cutout for the camera and for the light sensor(I think that's what it is), I had purchased other protectors and they had these small circular holes, you had to be perfect to install it right, this larger opening made my life a lot easier. Overall very easy to apply, a peel and stick type of protector, with protective covers.. I am very happy. I also recommend getting a stylus like the nano fiber stylus I also ordered from SecondShells responds great with my tablet. http://secondshells.com/touch-stylu...n-with-nano-fabric-retractable-tip-black.html
The Skinomi is nice. Just installed it today. It doesn't reduce glare but the touch is nice. I only wish it were oleophobic...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
I installed the Ghost Armor clear front an back on mine and love it. It is a little bit grippy, but no where near as bad as Zagg, which I can't stand!! Ordered mine direct from them for less than $35 shipped. Install is your standard wet install which is super easy in my opinion. Clarity is great and does NOT have the orange peel look like Zagg does. The full body kit comes with front, back, and even pieces to cover the sides. True full body protection!!! They offer many different colors for the back including carbon fiber. http://www.ghost-armor.com/Asus/743.html
I've never been able to get the wet app to work successfully. That's why I chose the dry application secondshells offers.
I've owned several smartphones, but I've never put a screen protector on any of them... With the Note being as large as it is, it's only a matter of time before something scratches the screen. Therefore, I got a hold of the Cellet Screen Guard.
I purchased it from Frys electronics, however, there are several other places online to get it as well (such as Amazon). I paid about $8 tax included. Amazon has it for roughly the same price after shipping.
Package contents include: Screen protector with two removable films (front and back of the protector), microfiber cloth, and a little "squeegee." The instructions are listed right on the back of the packaging, very straight forward. Again, I'm not experienced with screen protectors, but applying this protector was very easy. The first time I put it on, it was a little crooked, but I got it the second time around (hah). I'm not exactly sure what that's going to mean down the road, but as of now, the screen looks great. There is a small portion on the bottom right of the screen where it seems like a small flap is elevated by the edge of the phone. I have the Seidio Active case which surrounds the phone enough to cover the outside edges of the film, which completely covers the fact that there is a protector on the screen. The squeegee process went fairly quickly, which I wasn't expecting. I thought I was going to spend a good ten minutes just getting bubbles out of the surface. This was not the case, since most of the bubbles came out with a few good swipes of the squeegee.
All in all, this was an easy application and the phone looks great with the new protective film. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fairly inexpensive product to give a little more protection to their devices.