by boysbytes, 26 August 2003.

The screen protector is an indispensible accessory for touch screen users. But how do you choose from the myriad of screen protectors claiming to be the best? When is a screen protector a good screen protector? Who is Martin Fields?

Who's Martin Fields?

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to use two popular brands of screen protectors, so when I got wind of a new player in the field, I was naturally curious. People in MyPDACafe's forums were pretty excited about a new screen protector called the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector. Who?

The screen protector comes packaged in a plastic display case. This is a plus point because the screen protector is well protected during delivery.



The view from the front of the display packaging...



and the back with instructions.

The Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector is a static type of screen protector. It's cut perfectly to fit the screen with neat curved corners (I like!). There's a clear plastic backing which you need to remove before installing the screen protector. The backing is clearly labelled, so you don't get confused. Don't laugh because I didn't know there was a backing on the G2 until after I installed it.



A clearly labelled adhesive backing.

Field Testing

Installing a screen protector is always nerve wrecking for me. The environment has to be perfectly dust free, or you'll get dust particles under the screen. This is not so much an issue for screen protectors like the G2 because it's not adhesive. Just remove and reinstall.

Not so for the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protectors. They are reuseable and washable so you just need to give them a wash if dust particles get trapped. The benefit of static types of screen protectors is that once you've got it installed right, you don't have to worry about dust particles finding its way under the screen protector, unlike the G2. Installing the screen protector is easy. Just make sure you've found a dust free area. Remove the plastic backing and align the screen protector to the PDA screen. You don't have to worry about bubbles forming under the screen protector. If you made a mistake, just lift the screen protector and try again.

Once I've got it installed right, the clarity is impressive. Some screen protectors have a milky surface which reduces glare and reflection, but at the expense of clarity. Others have clear surfaces, but users have to deal with distracting reflection off the surface. But the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector is in a class of its own.

I can see clearly now...

The Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector has impressive clarity. A close up shot of an iPAQ with and without a screen protector is testimony to its claim of 90% light transmittance. It almost looks as good as without a screen protector! But that about the glare? There is some reflection but it's not as visible as the G2. Glare is still there, but is muted.



This is the iPAQ h3800 screen without any screen protector...



and this is the same screen with the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector. It's not a scientific comparison, but I tried my best to keep things as constant as possible. Visually, it almost looks like there isn't any screen protector installed!

The surface is smooth. Some prefer textured surface, but I'm fine with either one. The stylus glides smoothly across the surface, so I expect the surface to resist scratches pretty well. I've only been using the screen protector for a couple of weeks, and written four reviews on it. No sign of any wear and tear.

There isn't much to complain about the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector, as long as you get the installation right. If I had to find fault, it would be on the packaging. I'd prefer the plastic backing could have a flap to make it easier for the user to remove it.

Conclusion

The iPAQ h3870 has poor colour reproduction, so I have to make sure my screen protector is as clear as possible. The Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector is perfect for my needs. It offers impressive clarity, and is easy to install. And once properly installed, ie. dust free, you don't have to worry about dust finding its way under the screen protector.

The reflection off the surface is also visibly reduced when you compare it with the G2. There's so much to like about the Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector that I have to wholly recommend it if you're looking to replace your existing screen protector.

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Pros

• Impressive clarity.
• Reuseable.
• Smooth surface that resists scratches.
• Static type, so no dust will get trapped under the screen protector after installation.
• Reduced reflection off the clear surface.
• Good packaging for protection during delivery.

Cons

• Plastic backing is a little difficult to remove.
• Have to ensure dust free area when installing for best results.
• The price may deter some people, but it's worth it.

Coffee Cups



Product Details

Product: Martin Fields Overlayplus Screen Protector

Website: http://www.overlayplus.com

Price: USD12.99

Available for:

Pocket PC iPAQ h3600-h3900, h1900, h5400-h5500, h2210, O2 XDA.

PalmOS device Tungsten W, Tungsten C, Tungsten T, Zire 71, Sony NX73, Sony NX80.

Others iPod, Sony Ericsson P800.