EXiM Screen Protector: Ultra Protect

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

September 12, 2003

Product Requirements:
These protectors are available for just about every make of PDA. A complete list is here.

I am really impressed with the number of long-wearing PDA screen protectors that have cropped up over the last two years. It wasn't so long ago that I was buying WriteRights from the now defunct Concept Kitchen and cussing the fact that I would have to replace them every three weeks or less. If it wasn't the furrows that seemed to magically appear after a game of Text Twist or after any extended graffiti writing session, it was the bubbles that never seemed to completely disappear - even though I was very experienced at all the installation tricks. I would go through a pack of 12 in way less than the year they were supposed to last. Don't even get me started on the disgusting filmy residue that would be left on my PDA's screen every time I would strip off a used protector...what a mess! But in the end, I put up with the hassle because the alternative was to take a chance on scratching my screen every time I used my PDA. Been there, done that - never again.

Since then, I have had the good fortune of being able to try quite a few high quality protectors. Even though at first glance, this new generation seems more expensive than the old sticky one, it is actually a much better value for the money. Where I used to spend $20+ for a pack of 12 protectors that would last less than a year, I can now spend under $20 and get one to three protectors (depending on the brand) that will last up to a year each.

The latest that I have tried is the EXiM Screen Protector, from PDA-NOW. This protector is extremely similar to the Brando version that I previously reviewed. It is composed of a slightly thick sheet of plastic that can handle months of heavy usage.

When you open the package, you will note that there is a thin sheet of plastic that must be peeled off the actual protector. The surface that is revealed has a silicone coating, which will stay tightly affixed to your PDA's screen without the use of a sticky adhesive. An added bonus for this type of system is that it is almost impossible to get a bubble when installing - but if you do, you can just pull the protector up and lay it right back down. As many of you will remember, that was impossible with the old sticky protectors.

Once installed, the EXiM will provide a glare-free yet highly transparent protective cover for your PDA's screen. I did not feel that it affected the view of my PDA's screen, and I liked the slightly textured surface that created a "paper feel' when I would use a stylus on the screen.

The EXiM Screen Protector is a does exactly as promised and offers an economical way to protect your PDA's screen. If you are still not convinced that you need some type of screen protection, then check out the link that I found at the PDA Now site.

The EXiM Screen Protector is available from PDA-NOW.

 

Price: $12.99 includes free shipping

Pros:
Easy to install
Many sizes for many PDAs
Silicone based adhesive leaves no residue
Long lasting

Cons:
None