Screen Patronus 7130c Screen Protector

Hands on review by: lgreenberg

July 7, 2006

Price as reviewed: $6.50 for 3

Please note…. I’ve taken most of the text for this review from my review of the Screen Patronus product for the 8700. Since they are identical except in shape the comments apply to both.

I’ve probably owned over a hundred handheld devices over the years. From cell phones to PDAs, Blackberries, Mp3 players and more. I’ve also tried just about every screen protector on the market. This includes Fellowes Right Writes, Pocket PC Techs, Invisible Shield, The Best Skins Ever, Boxwave, Brando, Martin Fields and more.

Of all the ones I’ve tried I’ve yet to find one that installs easier and remains undetectable like the Screen Patronus product does.

Many of the other screen protectors on the market claim they install bubble free but often they do not. The Screen Patronus product installs without bubbles every time.

Once it’s installed it’s so clear (I’m reviewing the clear version, they also make an anti glare product) that it’s honestly hard to tell it’s even on.

The product comes 3 to a package. All that’s included is the three protectors and a business card.



Each individual screen protector has a backing piece to it which must be removed during application.

For the 7130c version there is a cut out for the phone’s earpiece and for the LED.

The Screen Patronus screen protector is cut to fit the 7130c’s screen perfectly.



As with most screen protectors installation is the most important part.

I personally start by cleaning my screen with a Endust for Electronics wipe and then drying it with a lint free cloth.

Then I use a can of compressed air to blow away any dirt and dust particles that might be present on the screen or on the protector.

I then remove the protector from the backing starting at the top, peeling back only about ½ inch of the backing. Then I place the protector onto the screen and using a stiff card smooth the protector onto the screen slowly, making sure no bubbles have formed.

Often the smallest speck of dust getting trapped under the protector will create a dust bubble. If that happens I’ll remove the protector, blow it with compressed air and reapply.

The tools for a successful screen protector install.



Once it’s installed you can’t even tell the Screen Patronus product is there.

Pictures just don’t do this product justice, but take my word for it, they’re crystal clear.

Yes, these pictures are taken with the screen protector installed. You can't even tell it's there.







Other screen protectors come with a lifetime guarantee. Some come with cards used to apply them or cleaning cloths. Some allow you to remove them clean them and reapply them. These are all significantly more expensive than the Screen Patronus product. At just $2.31 each you can buy a dozen of the Screen Patronus product for what one of the higher end products go for. And remember, in my experience nothing gets as clear as the Screen Patronus.

The only negative thing I can say about the Screen Patronus product is it’s not as tough as some of the more expensive products out there. It’ll probably have to be replaced sooner than say a Boxwave protector. But for under $3 a protector replacing them more often isn’t a problem.

If you’re looking for a no nonsense screen protector. One that’s inexpensive and one that works as good as anything on the market than look no further. Buy the Screen Patronus.

This product gets my highest rating. 5 out of 5 Blackberries.



Pros: Crystal clear, easy to install, no bubbles, inexpensive.
Cons: Need to be replaced more often.

My lord, lgreenberg, your macro photography has truly improved. I seem to remember that in your previous review the Screen Patronus made the 8700 screen look all blurry and out of focus.

I'm learning.

So when you crack your screen we will expect nice macros eh?

Now why would I crack my screen?

I ordered me one...but its back ordered!!!! 2-3 weeks

I shall be receiving a second order shortly...Muhahaha...

Thread back from the dead...

I really hate to bad mouth a product, and perhaps it's that I'm just frustrated. But I've gone through 6 of these trying to get a satisfactory fit. Perhaps I'm frustrated AND a perfectionist, but these just don't work out for me.

The tolerance is so tight on the sides that if you are so much as half a mm to either side, the protector will not lay flat. Unfortunately, you can't really tell until it's too late and the whole side of the screen is one long air bubble. Ok.. not a big deal right? Pull it back up a bit and begin again. Wrong. The adheisive is such that just by having it exposed to open air, any sort of dust particle will stick. You need to install these in an absolutely dust-free clean room which I don't think anyone has in their home. If you take too long trying to be perfect or have to adjust the sides you are almost certain to get a dust bubble.

I orderd one set, gave them all a shot and couldn't get it done. I figured I'd order another set and give it another go. I've now gone through 6 of these and won't be ordering anymore.

When you get them down, they are absolutely brilliant looking.. but there will always be a blemish or two.

I love the tight tolerances. Makes for a superb finished product. Curl a piece of scotch tape around a finger to dab at foreign particles. No more dust bubbles. Period. So far I have ordred three sets for a 7130c, one set for a 8700c and another set for a 700p. I have been that satisfied with the product.

There is actually a certain amount of fringing on the edges of the Screen Patronus that is unavoidable even with a perfect install. But you can't see it with the screen lit. I think that your mistake was looking for imperfections instead of just installing it and trying it in real life use. Your unprotected screen will not be blemish free for long...
My opinion: the Screen Patronus is a great product. Can't imagine not using it.