Screenguardz

Hands on review by lgreenberg

April 21, 2006

Price as reviewed: 15 for $9.99

A fellow Blackberry Forums moderator was recently singing the praises of Screenguardz to me. So I figured I’d better go ahead and order some for myself so I could see if they were really “all that.”

Well my order arrived today. Shipping was quick. I received my USPS Priority shipment in just two days.



Each package of Screenguardz contains 15 specially sized protectors and a small squeegee used for application of the protector.



Written on the squeegee is a note saying:

”If I can’t remove them (referring to the images of bubbles on the card) wait 24 hours and the bubbles will disappear.”

These screen protectors use no adhesive and rely on static to adhere themselves to the screen.

The package also includes instructions on how to go about applying the Screenguardz.



Each protector has a white cardboard backing. I peeled the protector off the backing about ½ way and then applied it to the 8700 making sure the cut out for the ear piece line up properly.

Then using the squeegee I carefully smoothed out the protector until it was completely covering the screen.

Here’s how my screen looked naked:



And here’s how it looked immediately after applying the Screenguardz:



You can clearly see a good amount of bubbles which were not removed by the squeegee.

However, true to it’s word the card was right. Just six hours later and most of the bubbles are gone.



Having used this type of screen protector before I’m not sure every single bubble will disappear. Time will tell of course. I’m sure if I was really anal about it I could apply the Screenguardz bubble free the first time but it would take a dust free environment and a lot of patience.

The Screenguardz is a nice screen protector solution. It’s good for someone who likes to change their screen protector often and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. Anyone familar with the original PDA screen protector made by Fellowes will recognize this product as being very similar.



Pros: Inexpensive, easy to apply, clear.
Cons: Hard to install bubble free.

Nice review~ I've tried these in the past and have mixed feelings about the ease of application. I'm anxious to see if the screenpatronus screens are any easier/better.

I know you've reviewed them as well - how would you compare the two on the following factors:
- legibility through the screen
- ease of installation
- apparent protection (thickness/resistance to puncture)

Fireproof,

The Screenpatronus product is definetly easier to install. It's more rigid which I think helps make it easier to install bubble free. I have some Screenpatronus ones on order so I'll be reviewing them next week.

Legibility through the screen - advantage Screenpatronus

Ease of installation - advantage Screenpatronus

Apparent protection - avantage Sreenguardz

The Screenguardz product does adhere to the screen better. Since the Screenpatronus is more rigid it's also easier to remove or come up. Also I found the Screenpatronus product too thin around the earpiece. Once I was cleaning my screen on my pant leg softly and it caused the Screenpatronus to come right up.

Thanks for the quick reply. I should get my screenpatronus next week, so that will be great.

Berry rating???

I use them myself, and I have found that after installing a couple of them, I can get all the bubbles out. They don't all come out in the initial installation, but overnight they disappear when you install firmly and evenly. My screen looks very clear, bubble-free, and reasonably protected.

Great review!

I gave up on any screen film. I went to my local Glass Doctor and had them install the 3m clear bra for heardlights. They charged me $22.00. It has zero Bubbles and so far has lasted almost 5 months.

Good thing you brought this up cause I found more cons with my screenguardz (I think I posted this somewhere else too) than pros. I can get the guardz I bought to work with my 7100t but not with my 7105t (which is the phone I bought them for).

1) The bubbles don't completely resolve themselves on my 7105t. They do on the 7100t (I realize this is a known con about the guardz but I didn't know it when I bought them).
2) The guardz don't stay on straight on the 7105t. I have zero problems with the 7100t.
3) The 7105t looks cleaner without the guardz and the 7100t looks better with the guardz.

$22.... seems kind of expensive, but hey, I'm sure it works great.

Personally, I don't see why anyone would bother with replaceable, (seemingly) more flimsy screen guards when you can invest a couple of bucks in an invisible shield, or a best skins ever. is there a good reason?

I've gone back to using the Screenguardz. They're just easier to put on than the wet adhesive product and I don't really notice much different. I can change them often becuase you get so many in a pack and they're cheap.

They're not as tough as IS/BSE but they're definitely not flimsy. I've used 3 out of my 15 pack so far and I bought the pack back when they first offered the updated 8700c style. I messed up the install of the first one. The second one started to peel at the edges after several weeks. The third time was a charm, apparently. There are maybe 6 tiny, tiny bubbles that have never gone away but you'd have to be really picky to even notice them.

Granted, IS does have the lifetime replacement and full-body coverage. The latter might have helped when I dropped my 8700c on concrete but it's really academic IMO until someone with an 8700 and IS actually drops one onto a hard, rough surface.