NuShield PDA Screen Protector

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

October 07, 2002

Device:
Available for Palm, Handspring Visor, HP Jornada, Compaq iPAQ, Sony CLIÉ, Casio, Sharp Zaurus, Toshiba, as well as the Samsung, Kyocera and Visor PDA/phones and Newton handhelds

By now, every Gadgeteer reader knows that I am a firm believer in PDA screen protection. If you have read some of my previous reviews on this subject, then you also know that there are basically two types of protection available: the type that sticks to your screen by the use of varying strengths of adhesive, and the type protector that slides under the case edges bordering your PDA's screen.

It is inevitable that everybody that tries each type of protection will decide upon a favorite style; mine happens to be the non-adhesive type.

NuShield is the latest company to bring a non-adhesive style screen protector to the market. Similar to the G2 protectors I reviewed last year, they are made of a  tough, scratch-resistant material. Like the G2s, you can expect the NuShields to last much longer than most of the softer adhesive protectors that are available.

Unlike the G2, which is more of a rectangle shape, the NuShield is slightly "bowed" out in the middle. As you probably noticed in the picture above, there is a thin film that must be peeled off before you can use the NuShield. This film covers the glossy writing surface of the protector. The other, "rougher" side must be installed facing the PDA's screen.

For this review, I was sent protectors that were made to fit the iPAQ. A sticker on the packaging also stated that the same protector would fit the CLIÉ. While I had no trouble installing the NuShield on my iPAQ 3650, it was near impossible to get it to fit properly on my CLIÉ NR70V. But when I tried it on my CLIÉ N710C, it fit perfectly.

  

As you can see in this picture, the NuShield is very clear. It does not have the milky appearance that I don't like (unlike some of the other screen protectors I have reviewed). This protector also provides a smooth, glossy writing surface for your stylus.

A common problem encountered while installing any screen protector involves dust; specifically the dust that can become trapped on the PDA's screen under the protector. To ensure that you start with a squeaky clean screen, NuShield also offers Kleer Screen and Kleer Kloth combo packages.

These are similar to other screen cleaners I have reviewed in the past (CompanionLink and Tech Media), in that they are a two step cleaning process involving a wet towel followed by a dry lint-free one. I found that these products worked quite well, and did not leave any lint on my screens.

If you are looking for a non-adhesive screen protector, then you might want to give the NuShield a try. Be sure to get the screen cleaners while you are at it.

Price: $14.99
Includes three NuShields, which should last for one year. Add three Klear Screen and Klear Kloth combo packages for $1.99

Pros:
Economical
Does not show scratches under "normal" usage
Can be removed for cleaning, then reinstalled

Cons:
Must completely clean screen before application, or you will be able to see trapped dust