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Clearest Anti-Glare Screen Protector

M

Mr. Glass

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 3, 2007
53
8
Hello Everyone,

I have a first generation iPad that I'm going to need to use frequently in sunlight for work.

Because of this, I want to invest in a good anti glare screen protector.

Has anyone had experience with one in particular that has less of a fuzzy effect on text visibility than others?

I understand that the diffused, fuzzy look is going to happen to some extent with any anti glare screen protector, but was wondering if some are worse/better than others.

If not, I will probably go with Zagg's anti glare variant for the increased protection.


Thank you,

Glass
 
Check out the SGP Ultra Optics. It is a new design, and does a decent job with glare and fingerprints without the grainy matte effect. I got one for my iPhone 4 and my iPad, and it is a great middle ground between shiny and fuzzy - which seem to be the two extremes.
 
I'm using one of the Switcheasy ones that came with my case, and I honestly can't tell that anything is even on my iPad. And it was free!
 
Powersuppot. Can't go wrong with that.
Expensive for just a piece of plastic, but worth it. IMO.
 

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MrMac'n'Cheese said:
Here's my iPad 2 anti-glare power-support

The clarity is great and the powered-ON picture does not do it justice
Click to expand...

I quite agree. Power Support is the ONLY anti glare screen shield to put on the iPad. I've used it on my first iPad and now again with the v. 2.
 
Ok, so here and everywhere else online, I have heard almost nothing but great reviews for the for the Power Support HD Anti-Glare Film.

It would run me about $42 after shipping on the Power Support website, as I cannot seem to find it cheaper anywhere else online.


My remaining questions:

1.) I have been tempted to go with the Zagg Shield anti glare screen protector, as it is about the same cost, I'd get the extra protection, and, most importantly, there is a local kiosk that would install it bubble free.

However...it has gotten terrible reviews online.


2.) I am eying this screen protector:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Anti-Glare-HD-L...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item1c1b663378

This would net me a $35 savings.

The iPad I am using is owned by my employer, and should I ever part ways, it is more painful for me to be investing in something that I do not actually own.

Thoughts on these options?
 
The Power Support protectors are great. I've used many of them in the past, both clear and matte.

They will install easily and cleanly.

What gives me pause this go-around is two things.

Their price has gone up considerably.

And, SGP came out with the Ultra Optics technology, which is a really great compromise between crystal and anti-glare.

I ended up getting SGP UO for both my phone and iPad, and will say this. The tech behind the SGP films is superior, but the cutting of the films is better by PS.

So, the PS installation will always be easier, and with a better final result. But, I'm still very happy with my choice because SGP has a better underlying antiglare/fingerprint solution.

Hope this helps. It isn't as clear-cut a decision as you might think.

Sean
 
Mr. Glass said:
1.) I have been tempted to go with the Zagg Shield anti glare screen protector, as it is about the same cost, I'd get the extra protection, and, most importantly, there is a local kiosk that would install it bubble free.

However...it has gotten terrible reviews online.
Click to expand...

If Zagg's "Anti-glare" shield for iPad 1 is as terrible as their iPad 2 model, do *NOT* bother wasting your money!

Since it was easily available and Best Buy was willing to install it (I can't put these things on to save my life), I let them do it. Zagg's shield puts this awful color noise/graininess over the entire screen, and makes the display look like crap.

I left it on until I could get the Steinheil (SGP) Ultra Optics shield several days later. Got it installed the other day at Best Buy again, and I returned the Zagg for a refund at the same time.

I totally agree with splogue - The UO version isn't 100% antiglare, but it cuts down on glare tremendously, while giving you a nearly perfect view of the screen, as though you had nothing on it. No more fingerprints, glare isn't an issue anymore.

Power Support is great, no doubt about it (had one for my iPhone 3G), but I've had SGP on both my iPad 1 and now on iPad 2, and the quality is outstanding.
 
I have just put the PS anti-glare on my iPad 2 and have to say that I think it is outstanding. I had previously tried BSE's front protector twice with poor results (I have a BSE on the back, it is great). The antiglare is superb, but I think the decrease in fingerprints might be the best part. The install was relatively easy. Just make sure there is not dust/fuzz around during your install. I think if you go with PS you will not be disappointed.
 
Try out SGP's optic lens ones. offers crystal clear screen with anti-fingerprint protection.
 
I'd really like to see some high quality comparison pics of the PS next to the SGP next to a naked iPad screen. No matter which I choose I know I'll still be wondering if the other brand is better.
 
I like the Anti-Glare Screen Protector for iPad 2 from Marware. It is a 2 pack and it is only $20. According to their site it is:

• 2 sheets of clear, protective anti-glare film for the iPad 2 display
• Ultra-precise fit - covers right to the edge of the glass
• Scratch resistant, military grade protection
• Anti-glare - improves viewing in bright light
• Sticks securely to glass tablet screen and does not leave residue
• 2 installation tabs for easy, precise alignment and application
• Soft, microfiber cloth for cleaning and preparing the display
• Includes: 2 sheets of film and cleaning cloth
 
Ps is great...but, they are now pricing their screens RIDICULOUSLY. $35 for NE FILM...it was a stretch at $25.

That said, cheap PED screens from eBay suck. You I'll spend more trying to get a decent one..and then it still wn't be as good. I know, I've tried.

I bought a 3 pack from amazon by shark or shield or something, can't remember. It was $18. The ag function is ok, but it scratches super easy, didn't have that issue in my iPad 1 with ps.

However

Ps on the iPad starts to show finger wear very very quickly..compared to the one I have now which scratches more easily..which makes me think their scratch protection changes are also the reason for the finger wear.

At the end of the day, I'm not paying ps $35 for screens. The one I got from amazon is fine, I have two more left. I anticipate that in 3-4 months I'll install a fresh one...so it's still half the price of the ps. I relly hope ps wakes up, but they won't so long s people allow themselves to get bent over on price.
 
I dont know about those ones from ebay. I got a "HD ANTIGLARE" one from Five Below and it looked all good until I put it on. Thin, and cheap looking and a nightmare to put on. The PS antiglares were so much better.
 
h00ligan said:
Ps is great...but, they are now pricing their screens RIDICULOUSLY. $35 for NE FILM...it was a stretch at $25.
Click to expand...

What is NE FILM? The only ipad 2 film I see them offering is Crystal and Anti-Glare which are both priced at $29.95.
 
I hope the speck shield view matte is good enough. I got it for 8 shipped for a pack of two after redeeming a 10 dollar coupon reimbursement.

It had to be a screen protector sold and shipped by amazon. This seemed to be the best of that limited selection.
 
Thanks for the recommendations - Power Support seems to be the clear favourite, so ordered one of those.

I should have read the thread before ordering a Zagg Invisible Shield - it's terrible. Horrible feel, and orange-peel texture visible on black areas of the screen. Invisible it is not ...
 
I too, was hesitant about the price. Then I realized if I could fork out $125 for the miniot wood smart cover then why not spend $35..well I ended up canceling the miniot wood cover due to the bad reviews, maybe ver.2 will be better. Purchased an SGP brown leather decal for the back, purchased an original tan leather smart cover that I dyed the same color as the SGP back decal. Received the power support AG screen protector today and I'm now so happy I made that choice. Got it lined up perfectly and it's wonderful. I love the feel and texture.
 
Last edited:
Can anyone comment on how any of the mentioned screen protectors feel? I had the Splash Masque AG for a little bit and was ok with how it looked, but I just couldn't stand the texture.
 
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