N800, the original "screen protector film" and screen scratches [Archive] - maemo.org

febb

02-27-2007, 11:14 AM

On a brand new n800, it had towards the bottom left side of the screen, a silver squared tab. I assumed this tab was there to pull out the whole plastic that commonly covers the whole screen and comes from factory, to protect the screen during transportation.

So, I pulled it and suddenly, only the silver tab, came off the screen. This really seemd strange but, I tought, oh well, there was no factory plastic after all, just a little silver tab sticker.... I really didn't notice, until days later, that there was left something that looked like some kind of "screen protector" film.

I noticed that "protective film" since, after a week of normal use, the screen appeared to look scratched. There has been no real heavy use of the n800 device, nevertheless the screen looks with scratches. I tought of removing the "film" that was left in place, but now I do not really know if this "protective film" is meant to stay there of, if it is even "user removable" after all. If so, how to do it properly now that there is no "silver pulling tab" anymore.?

I'd like to hear your experiences with this "original screen protective film" and its pulling silver tab and what are the recommendations as to remove it or leave it there.

As a side comment I'd also mention that it appears to me that regarding screen scratches, the old 770 had a much more resistant screen, for the same one week period and same use style, compared to what I've seen so far on the n800 (with that "original protective film" still on). Any comments on this ?

Looking forward to your comments.

DCr33P

02-27-2007, 11:29 AM

Texrat

02-27-2007, 11:30 AM

If you think about it, the explanation is fairly obvious. Your initial assumption was correct: the N800 ships with a temporary screen protector and the silver tab is intended to remove it. However, the tab can on occasion itself fail and separate from the temporary protector. No real catastrophe, just an inconvenience.

The N800's screen is said to be more responsive than the 770's, which could explain it being more pliable. That being the case, I highly recommend using disposable screen protectors. My son has already damaged his badly in just a few week's use...

GeneralAntilles

02-27-2007, 12:17 PM

As a side comment I'd also mention that it appears to me that regarding screen scratches, the old 770 had a much more resistant screen, for the same one week period and same use style, compared to what I've seen so far on the n800 (with that "original protective film" still on). Any comments on this ?

You've got the original screen protector on there, that's why it is scratched. I still have the original on from back in January, and it's incredibly scratched up (gonna get around to ordering a real protector at some point). The N800 screen's touch layer is much closer to the LCD and probably a little thinner, so it's more responsive. I doubt Nokia downgraded the durability of the screen and I'm not sure why you believe that they have. Other than, perhaps, a misconception that the screen protector on your unit was not present and you're currently scratching up the screen itself, which is not true.

Karel Jansens

02-27-2007, 12:46 PM

My screen has many scratches, too. I still have this joke of a screenprotector and I am waiting for real screenprotectors to come to the market(germany).
The device looks horrible with these scratches...

These

http://www.schutzfolien24.de/

are really good, if a tad expensive. I got a 3-for2 deal, which made it bearable. The deal is apparently still on.

It's been on my NaB00 for about a month without a single scratch and the anti-glare coating is very useful.

Make sure you check for "handys", as the company shares the world's scepsis about Nokia being able to produce anything but phones.:D

Tabster

02-27-2007, 12:52 PM

I have had my n800 a couple of weeks now. I removed the original film from the screen immediately. After 2 weeks of 'normal' use I see no marks on the screen :)
My kids have even used the Sketch application and played games on the web!

I purchased a screen protector from eBay and it arrived today. I got a EXiM SPUC Screen Protector for Nokia N800 from pda-now

I wasn't sure if I was going to put it on as the screen is holding up well so far. Anyway, I figured I would try it since I had nothing to lose. It was easy to put on, but there was a bit of dust under it, so I removed it and removed the dust and reapplied and then got about 5 specks of dust ! A few minutes later after cleaning with scotch tape I am happy with the installation. OK, maybe not so easy to install.

My point is, with the SPUC film on there, the display is still as bright as ever and there seems to be no problem using the stylus.

febb

02-27-2007, 01:00 PM

Interesting comments:

Now, once the silver tab is gone, but the "original screen protector" is still there:

1.- Is it recommended to remove it? If so, what is your experience? What is the best technique for doing so ?

Thanks for your comments.

GeneralAntilles

02-27-2007, 01:07 PM

Interesting comments:
1.- Is it recommended to remove it? If so, what is your experience? What is the best technique for doing so ?

Peal it up with a finger nail and pull it off? :-\

schmots

02-27-2007, 01:24 PM

Peal it up with a finger nail and pull it off? :-\

Thats what I did. My "first screen protector" looked like crap after two days.. I ordered some screen protectors from a yahoo shop.. don't remember which one.. they came and are good.. I peeled off the orginal and put the new ones on.. I trapped about 8 tiny airbubbles in the top right corner.. but they are hardly noticeable and in about 3 weeks when I change the cover I will watch for those.

Texrat

02-27-2007, 01:46 PM

I honestly don't believe the original screen protector was ever intended to function as an *official* protector during use. Nokia puts this sort of cling film on every device with a screen, hard or soft, to protect during transit and prior to sale. The fact that the original protector scratches so easily supports my assumption.

Deer_Hunter

02-27-2007, 02:07 PM

I use the Fellows WriteRight screen protectors, Just cut them to size. There's a grid on the screen protector so its pretty easy to cut consistently. 16 x 28 is what's required for N800.

Karel Jansens

02-27-2007, 03:27 PM

GeneralAntilles

02-27-2007, 03:37 PM

Texrat

02-27-2007, 03:41 PM

Of course they didn't. I'm just incredibly lazy. :cool:

You can't possibly be lazier than I am. I know I should buy authentic protectors and have been too lazy to do so.

Beat that. :p

rattis

02-27-2007, 03:47 PM

You can't possibly be lazier than I am. I know I should buy authentic protectors and have been too lazy to do so.

Beat that. :p

I know I should care, but that's just too much work ;)

sapporobaby

02-27-2007, 03:47 PM

The best protector that I have ever used comes from a company called: boxwave

These bad boys are reusable. Just wash them and re-apply them. They are not to expensive as well. I have them on my GPS, E-61, iPod, N800. Anything that needs protection is fair game. :)

Texrat

02-27-2007, 03:50 PM

I know I should care, but that's just too much work ;)

Crap, you win. I actually overcame my laziness to reply! Gawd, I suck at this... :o

BobF4321

02-27-2007, 04:31 PM

Karel Jansens

02-27-2007, 04:41 PM

Does anybody from Nokia read this forum? Maybe the designers can tell us if the film is intended to be permanent, or just a screen protector for shipping (mine has scratches too, after a month of use).

As one who has used both the supplied "protector" and a real one, I can tell you that it is most certainly not intended to be permanent. The factory-applied protector scratches quite easily and becomes next to useless after a few weeks.

A good "professional" screen protector can go for months to years (the one on my P910 phone, bought in Thailand, is still pristine after eightteen months heavy use).

sapporobaby

02-27-2007, 04:44 PM

I agree. The film is meant as a packing and shipping protective. Do check out the boxwave's at www.boxwave.com. You can cut them to fit the way you want.

Texrat

02-27-2007, 04:47 PM

Does anybody from Nokia read this forum? Maybe the designers can tell us if the film is intended to be permanent, or just a screen protector for shipping (mine has scratches too, after a month of use).

Yeah, Nokia folks read the forum. ;)

I have good reason to think my suspicion is correct. No ironclad confirmation, but reasonable suspicion.

fldude99

02-27-2007, 05:51 PM

I also had the same experience of pulling the tab and leaving the "protector" in place. I didn't notice it until it got pretty scratched after a couple wks..but it only appears scratched when the unit is off..when on it's hardly noticeable, so my take is just to leave it there-doesn't bother me any

SkwrHdz

02-27-2007, 06:17 PM

... ... ...
Do check out the boxwave's at www.boxwave.com. You can cut them to fit the way you want.
.

.
After this suggestion I went to the Boxware site and checked their screen protectors.

They only list for the 770. Does the N800 have exactly the same size screen as the 770? If you get the 770 then surely you don't have to cut them to fit the N800 do you?

They offer two (2) different protectors for the 770. Here are the descriptions they give, I left only those items that were different between the two.

Boxware "Anti-Glare"

Dust Repelling
Fingerprint Free
Improves Handwriting Recognition
Reduces 90% of UV Rays Caused by Reflected Light, Protecting your Eyes

Boxware "Crystal"

99% Visual Transparency
Ultra-high Transparency Produces Vibrant Colors
Super Durable, Long Lasting Protection
Reduces 99% of UV Rays Caused by Reflected Light, Protecting Your Eyes

.
My guess is that the "Anti-Glare" would be the better for the N800 if used mainly by people putting in a lot of input, and the "Crystal" for people using the N800 to watch video. Think I'll go for the "Anti-Glare"; I don't want to reduce the sensitivity of the touch screen.

For people who have already purchased a Boxware for their N800 which of the two versions did you buy? Did you get the "770" size and did it fit perfectly?

I have a Tungsten T3 and have had one of Boxware's 'screen protectors' on it since I first got it years and years ago. It has stood up remarkably well!
.

Texrat

02-28-2007, 10:55 AM

770 and N800 screens are identical in size.

alvindd

03-21-2007, 05:44 PM

So I left the original factory installed screen protector on my N800.
A couple weeks later it is badly scratched; minor scratches come out with small amount of Meguiar's Scratch X.(yes car polish, works on iPod too)
I will get a true screen protector; but not sure of which brand.
The new screen protector must have no glue and does not scratch easily.
I just hate taking off the factory protector, anything I apply will most certainly have bubbles.

tabletfan

03-21-2007, 06:13 PM

Tabster

03-21-2007, 09:28 PM

I just put an EXiM Screen Protector on my N800 and it works great. It is re-usable, and so clear I can't tell it is there. You can find them on Ebay for a pretty good price.

EXiM Screen Protector (http://www.pda-now.com/screenprotector.php)

I removed my EXiM protector after a few days. It started making my blue text very 'blotchy'. In the RSS reader for example, the links were very hard to read. I think some static on the plastic caused the pigment in the screen to act funny.

Anyway, the EXiM was very clear and strong, but it did not work too well on the touch screen for me.

I decided against adding another protector. the screen is holding up very well so far ..

tabletfan

03-21-2007, 10:52 PM

I removed my EXiM protector after a few days. It started making my blue text very 'blotchy'. In the RSS reader for example, the links were very hard to read. I think some static on the plastic caused the pigment in the screen to act funny.

Anyway, the EXiM was very clear and strong, but it did not work too well on the touch screen for me.

I decided against adding another protector. the screen is holding up very well so far ..

That is strange. My 770 has had an EXiM protector on it for a year with no problems. I will keep an eye out for problems on my N800.

ascherjim

03-22-2007, 12:05 AM

I've ordered a three-pack of Boxware's Crystal. I'll put them on both my N800 and 770 and have one left over for emergencies. Thanks SkwrHdz for bringing these to the forum's attention.

Keyser.Soze

03-22-2007, 03:16 AM

I am a big fan of Martin Fields' Overlay Plus screen protectors and I use them for all my devices that need protection. For the N800 I ordered a Martin Fields protector for the PSP and then cut it short a bit. The clarity is so good that you don't even notice there's a protector installed.

Texrat

03-22-2007, 10:20 AM

I need to break down and order some. After the scratching I saw occur on my son's device, I have to highly recommend everyone invest in some sort of screen protector.

John67

06-25-2007, 05:22 PM

Hello,
I order my display protection on this site www.keine-kratzer.de

The delivery time is great and the display protection is super.

Rider

06-26-2007, 07:41 AM

Hello,
I order my display protection on this site www.keine-kratzer.de

The delivery time is great and the display protection is super.

The only drawback is that this shop doesn't have any for either N800 or N770.

:eek:

maxilogan

06-26-2007, 07:46 AM

Go with Brando http://shop.brando.com.hk

I always used them starting from my old Tungsten E through Sony TH55 (still here), 770 and finally N800.

If you do not mind losing a (small) brightness, buy the "standard" one, which is unreflectable (bleah! Sorry for my bad english), ultraclear one is good too, but it reflects as the Nokia stock protector, which IMHO sucks.

Omar

Rebski

06-30-2007, 02:17 PM

I have tried Expert Shield Screen Protector bought on eBay from dxcoolguy. It seems to be an excellent adhesive-free product. The problem lies in my own cackhandness in fitting it. I just can't get rid of trapped air and dust.

So much so that my inclination is to avoid the hassle and use the screen unprotected, after all Nokia would provide protection if it was strictly necessary. My Sharp Zaurus screen has lasted several years scratch free although the N800 screen does get more use.

eCloths do a great job of gentle chemical free cleaning.

Does anyone know anything about DuraSec NanoTec?
http://www.durasec.com/catalog/index.php?language=en

The impression I have is that its affect is akin to Armor-All vinyl protector and conditioner (for you car & m/cycle buffs). The web site info is restricted to "This type of display sealing offers an optimal dirt protection (lotus leaf effect), a light scratch protection, raises the contrast and reduces the reflection-effect considerably."

I suppose the real question is, how to remove it if you want to.

yabbas

07-18-2007, 05:07 AM

resurrecting an old thread after JUST receiving my N800 now.

I've looked closely at the factory 'screen protector' - there's a strange tiny tab at the top that disappears under the plastic rim (top mid-right) - never removed it as I feared the screen protector may actually be the touchscreen film itself!

As for what I used - I just cut some plastic overhead projector acetate to a size larger than the screen; one corner was cut slightly so I could slip it under the plastic rim without using any glues. One day in and so far so good.

Lynoure

09-02-2007, 12:04 PM

You can use a following trick to remove the original protector film:

1. Take some low-tack tape (masking tape is good).
2. Smooth a piece of it, 6cm or so, diagonally at a corner so that half of it is hanging loose outside the screen area while the other 3cm is firmly attached to the film.
3. Grab the loose end and pull quickly towards the center of the screen. For those of you unfortunate enough to have waxed of hair, this movement should come quite naturally.
4. Throw away the useless film and enjoy your N800

This method is somewhat safer than trying to pry the film loose with your fingernails.

luca

09-17-2007, 06:20 AM

These

http://www.schutzfolien24.de/

are really good, if a tad expensive. I got a 3-for2 deal, which made it bearable. The deal is apparently still on.

It's been on my NaB00 for about a month without a single scratch and the anti-glare coating is very useful.

I suppose you refer to the Vikuiti ARMR200 (the only one listed for the n800). Is it still ok?

Karel Jansens

09-17-2007, 07:24 AM

I suppose you refer to the Vikuiti ARMR200 (the only one listed for the n800). Is it still ok?

Not a scratch on it.

Of course, I'm pretty anal-ret when it comes to my portable gear-with-screens...

xenochimera

11-27-2007, 12:44 PM

just got my boxwave protector, it absolutely sucks. so many air bubbles that i can not get rid off, actually, looking at it, there are two dents on the protector itself which explains the 2 major bubbles. ill give brando a try now.

jpt000

01-30-2008, 06:33 AM

Durasec nanotech anyone? Seems a pretty cool solutions, but does it work?
My original screen protector is now becomming unbearable, and going commando on my n810 bare screened scares me (maybe 6 months from now...).

dont

01-30-2008, 10:29 AM

It was easy to put on, but there was a bit of dust under it, so I removed it and removed the dust and reapplied and then got about 5 specks of dust ! A few minutes later after cleaning with scotch tape I am happy with the installation. OK, maybe not so easy to install.

I use a can of compressed air when installing a screen protector. Start from one edge and lay the protector down slowly squishing it down flat. If (when) you spot a speck of dust trapped under the protector then peel it back just enough to expose the dust particle and blast it away with compressed air.

Some folks recommend installing screen protectors in a steamy bathroom - apparently the dust particles become water droplets and fall to the floor. I have not tried this.