Reviews

Brando Screen Protector

June 25, 2002

You see, I consider screen protection to be a necessary evil. I spend a lot of money on my toys, because I have to have the latest and greatest every time a new handheld comes out. And while I don’t really like using screen protectors, I know that I have to in order to protect my handheld investment. There’s simply nothing worse than a scratch or other small imperfection on the screen of your device, because you see it every time you turn it on. That’s why I didn’t even install any games on my new Sony NR70 when I got it a few weeks ago. I can tell from the wear and tear on the protector on my Palm m505 that endless hours of Bejeweled can really take a toll on your handheld’s screen if you aren’t careful. And I didn’t dare take any chances with the screen on my new $500 Clie.

Imagine my relief then when the opportunity arose to review the Brando screen protector for my Clie NR70. (Don’t despair if you don’t have one though, as the Brando is available for several different screen sizes.) I positively jumped at the chance, and awaited the package anxiously until it finally arrived. Inside a simple package I found the protector itself, along with instructions for its installation. Now if you’ve ever tried to use an adhesive screen protector before, you know that they can be an absolute bear to install- it requires the patience of Solomon and the dexterity of a neurosurgeon. And while the Brando screen protector does have some adhesive on it, it’s actually quite simple to install. Be sure to clean your handheld’s screen very thoroughly with a lint free cloth first, to make sure that there isn’t any lint ot dust. Then all you have to do is peel the protective backing off and then apply it to one edge of your screen and then smooth it down. It really is that easy, mainly because the protector itself has some body to it. It’s a little thicker than the average adhesive screen protector, and it doesn’t go limp when you take the backing off.

I installed my Brando screen protector perfectly the first time, and it only took about thirty seconds from start to finish. There weren’t any air bubbles at all, but if you find that you don’t get a perfect application right off the bat, don’t worry. It’s very easy to peel up and try again. Unlike most of its cousins, the Brando screen protector is reusable and washable. You probably won’t ever have to wash it unless you accidentally use a pen on your screen and get ink on the protector. I’ve found that after several days of very heavy use my Brando screen protector is completely unmarked and as good as new. While I don’t know yet exactly how long it will last, I expect at least several months out of it, based on the reports I’ve heard from happy customers on the mailing lists.

As far as size is concerned, the fit is absolutely perfect. It is only very slightly smaller than the screen itself, which makes it easy to install and remove. The protector itself has a slightly rough surface that makes for a “pen on paper” feel when using Graffiti. I like the feel, as it isn’t so “mushy” as some of the slicker plastic protectors I’ve used in the past. And while any screen protector does cut down at least a bit on screen clarity, the Brando screen protector is barely noticeable- colors are still bright and vibrant, and some of the screen glare is reduced. I can’t imagine not using screen protection at all, and the Brando is definitely the best I’ve ever tried. For that reason I’m awarding the Brando Screen Protector my first-ever “Perfect 10” award from the PocketGoddess. If you don’t already have a screen protector on your handheld device, (or even if you do and it’s another brand), get yourself a Brando screen protector today. You won’t be disappointed.

You can get the Brando screen protector for your own handheld at the Brando web site for the very reasonable price of $12, including shipping. Models are available for just about every Palm OS and Pocket PC device on the market today.

PocketGoddess Rating for the Brando Screen Protector:

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