Okay, we're going to start by laying it on the line. You can buy the ClearTouch protectors for most PDA sizes and types from Boxwave's site. One ClearTouch from Boxwave will cost you $12.95, Three screen protectors will cost you $27.95. Is any one piece of plastic worth almost $13. That's what I wanted to find out.
When I removed the ClearTouch protector from the packaging, I was suprised by the feel. The protector was thicker and more rigid than the standard screen protector. The other unique thing was that there was no stickiness to the side that adheres to the PDA. I cleaned off my screen with a lint free cloth and went to work. The ClearTouch protector went on extremely easy and I only had to smooth out a few bubbles. The protector was the perfect size and looked really good. So good in fact, that you really couldn't tell that there was a screen protector on my PDA. I've used the ClearTouch for about a month and still don't see the little scratches that you get on other screen protectors. Overall I was quite impressed.
Now, before we go further lets talk about a few issues I did have.
- The corner that slightly bent now caused the whole corner not to seal to the PDA.
- The finger smudge and water spots stood out like a beacon.
- I swear I was 100 miles from any lint (my wife made me say that) but lint was everywhere between the screen and protector.
I took the protector off and rewashed it but nothing helped, it just looked worse the more I did.
So, does that mean it's not a good product? No! In fact this is the best screen protector I've ever used. I gave you the example of what happened to me to make you aware that it may not be as easy to clean and reuse as Boxwave claims. It is possible, although unstated on Boxwave's website, that you should only try to wash it if you get smudges on it when you first try to apply it, not after using it for a month.
Will I pay $13 for one protector? Yes! this protector looks and works better than any I've ever used and I think it's worth the investment. In the long run I would bet one ClearTouch would last longer than a 5 pack of normal screen protectors while having a much better look and feel than the average screen protector.
Here's the moral of the story. If you are careful and precise when you install a screen protector, buy this one. If you're a little careless and like to have a few beers before you start a project, you might want to stick to the cheap protectors.