Screen protector worth it?

[1BadManVan]

i have a 6th gen ipad with a Smart Cover and a screen protector applied. Issue I have with the screen protector is it’s a major fingerprint magnet and definitely gets on my nerves some days. Reason it’s on is I travel a a lot for work and always have my iPad with me in my bag in a moko Smart Cover case.

Those of you with the Smart Cover, so you still feel it’s worth having a screen protector as well?

 

[mofunk]

If you're not hard on gadgets then don't worry. Just get a nice cleaning cloth.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I installed the Anker one. It lasted a day before I took it off. Made the iPad thicker heavier and more reflective. I use an Anker screen protector on my Xs Max. I can’t stand it on the iPad. And I use this iPad a lot. Like to type this. Lol

 

[1BadManVan]

Appreciate the input, it’s been on since day one so I forget what I’m missing lol.

If it wasn’t for the kind of work I do, it wouldn’t be on there, kids don’t touch it. But I work for the railroad so lots of time have dirt and grit on my hands. I usually make a point to only touch it when I have clean hands.

But I think for now I’ll just remove it and enjoy it with the smart case.

 

[mofunk]

If you have dirt and grit on your hands... I try to get those Purel Wipes packets, but sometimes those are hard to find. Keep them in the car or in my gadget bag. You can wipe your hands and your screen with them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LESGFGU/ref=dp_cerb_2

 

[1BadManVan]

Took the plunge and removed it, first thing I noticed was it was brighter and that little more crisp. Hopefully stays mint in the case and be a bit easier to see in the sunlight

 

[BigMcGuire]

Took the plunge and removed it, first thing I noticed was it was brighter and that little more crisp. Hopefully stays mint in the case and be a bit easier to see in the sunlight

What helped me make the decision was that, unlike my wife, I didn't get the iPad Pro. I got the 6th gen "budget" iPad as they call it. Easily three of my iPads are less cost than an iPad Pro (decked out). If I had a $1200 iPad Pro, I might invest in a screen protector. But for something around $300, I'm much more willing to use it nekkid.

 

[RevTEG]

I installed the Anker one. It lasted a day before I took it off. Made the iPad thicker heavier and more reflective. I use an Anker screen protector on my Xs Max. I can’t stand it on the iPad. And I use this iPad a lot. Like to type this. Lol

I haven't looked at the specs on the Anker screen protector. I use a lot of their products. You could really tell a thickness and weight difference from a screen protector? That thing must have been massive??

 

[BigMcGuire]

I haven't looked at the specs on the Anker screen protector. I use a lot of their products. You could really tell a thickness and weight difference from a screen protector? That thing must have been massive??

For the iPad it is. Could have been my mind playing tricks on me but a sheet of glass that big is definitely noticeable. Is it a lot? Not really, but I spend hours and hours reading on my iPad.

 

[RevTEG]

For the iPad it is. Could have been my mind playing tricks on me but a sheet of glass that big is definitely noticeable. Is it a lot? Not really, but I spend hours and hours reading on my iPad.

According to Apple I'm spending 7.33 hours per day on my iPad. I've never been able to tell the weight difference from a glass screen protector. I may have to weigh one on my wife's shipping scale. I'll for sure stay away from the Anker one.

 

[BigMcGuire]

According to Apple I'm spending 7.33 hours per day on my iPad. I've never been able to tell the weight difference from a glass screen protector. I may have to weigh one on my wife's shipping scale. I'll for sure stay away from the Anker one.

Yeah, I think I could have gotten used to it if I left it on. I just thought the weight difference + the reflection, I had to get rid of it. For $12, it wasn't a huge loss. I'm sure they're all similar - I usually buy Anker because they last the longest (at least on my XS Max).

 

[sracer]

i have a 6th gen ipad with a Smart Cover and a screen protector applied. Issue I have with the screen protector is it’s a major fingerprint magnet and definitely gets on my nerves some days. Reason it’s on is I travel a a lot for work and always have my iPad with me in my bag in a moko Smart Cover case.

Those of you with the Smart Cover, so you still feel it’s worth having a screen protector as well?

I do... but I use a matte screen protector. Not only does it cut down glare, but it eliminates fingerprint smudges, and even offers an ever-so-slight "bite" to give the Pencil a little more realistic-feeling drag.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I do... but I use a matte screen protector. Not only does it cut down glare, but it eliminates fingerprint smudges, and even offers an ever-so-slight "bite" to give the Pencil a little more realistic-feeling drag.

Can I get a link for the one you use for the 6th gen? Thank you!

 

[sracer]

Can I get a link for the one you use for the 6th gen? Thank you!

Sure! Unfortunately, they are no longer being sold. I bought Mr Shield matte screen protectors (3 for $8). I put their matte protectors on every tablet I own. Really quite good.

When I was looking for a matte protector for my Google Pixelbook, I found iCarez brand. (the only company to make them for the PB). Quality-wise it is a hair's-breadth lower in quality (not noticeable on its own but compared to the Mr Shield, ever so slight) but I'm fine with it on my PB.

iCarez makes them for the 2018 iPad.

https://www.amazon.com/iCarez-Anti-Glare-Anti-Fingerprint-Screen-Protector/dp/B00G4SA1FG/

I'm just about ready to replace my current protector and will be buying the iCarez for my iPad.

All my career I've been a huge fan of matte screens. From matte screen overlays on 3277 terminals, overlays on CRTs, ThinkPads, always bought the matte option for my Macbook Pros (until they stopped offering them). Now on all my iPads, Android tablets, and 2-in-1s. Even my cheapo ($120) Asus Vivobook E203MA has a matte screen.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Sure! Unfortunately, they are no longer being sold. I bought Mr Shield matte screen protectors (3 for $8). I put their matte protectors on every tablet I own. Really quite good.

When I was looking for a matte protector for my Google Pixelbook, I found iCarez brand. (the only company to make them for the PB). Quality-wise it is a hair's-breadth lower in quality (not noticeable on its own but compared to the Mr Shield, ever so slight) but I'm fine with it on my PB.

iCarez makes them for the 2018 iPad.

https://www.amazon.com/iCarez-Anti-Glare-Anti-Fingerprint-Screen-Protector/dp/B00G4SA1FG/

I'm just about ready to replace my current protector and will be buying the iCarez for my iPad.

All my career I've been a huge fan of matte screens. From matte screen overlays on 3277 terminals, overlays on CRTs, ThinkPads, always bought the matte option for my Macbook Pros (until they stopped offering them). Now on all my iPads, Android tablets, and 2-in-1s. Even my cheapo ($120) Asus Vivobook E203MA has a matte screen.
View attachment 824041

Purchased. Thank you for taking the time to write all that! I'm looking forward to it! I'm looking forward to see how this works with the Apple Pencil - I prefer a slight drag myself. The price can't be beat. Just did same day delivery + tax for $15.

 

[sracer]

Purchased. Thank you for taking the time to write all that! I'm looking forward to it! I'm looking forward to see how this works with the Apple Pencil - I prefer a slight drag myself. The price can't be beat. Just did same day delivery + tax for $15.

LOL impatience is a killer! Please post your experiences with it.

 

[BigMcGuire]

LOL impatience is a killer! Please post your experiences with it.

Installation was easier than a tempered glass protector. The matte definitely affects view but I like it. I love the feel of the screen and the lack of glare. I’m hooked. Thanks for the recommendation. I love it. Ordered two more for when this dies if it does. Does it last With the Apple Pencil? Thanks for the recommendation! Makes it feel like an eink screen.

Tempered glass protectors for the iPad reflect too much. This matte one definitely affects the clarity of the screen but I think it is an acceptable tradeoff. I like it. I didn't think I would but I really do.

 

[sracer]

Installation was easier than a tempered glass protector. The matte definitely affects view but I like it. I love the feel of the screen and the lack of glare. I’m hooked. Thanks for the recommendation. I love it. Ordered two more for when this dies if it does. Does it last With the Apple Pencil? Thanks for the recommendation! Makes it feel like an eink screen.

Tempered glass protectors for the iPad reflect too much. This matte one definitely affects the clarity of the screen but I think it is an acceptable tradeoff. I like it. I didn't think I would but I really do.

Terrific! Glad to hear that you're enjoying it as much as I am.

I think you accurately describe the differences between the matte protector and going bare. It is a trade-off between an effect on clarity or the irritating differences in reflection due to fingerprint smudges on the bare screen. Obviously, I prefer the even look of a matte screen.

I agree that the protector makes it look and feel like a color eInk screen (in a good way, no refresh latency issues). As for durability, my current protector is about 11 months old. I use it for quite a few hours every week day and when the screen is off, I can see the stylus marks but when the iPad is on, they're not noticeable so I'm going to keep using it until they are.

Not only does the Pencil feel better on the screen with a matte protector, but even using touch feels better.

 

[1BadManVan]

I don’t use a pencil on mine so I didn’t feel the matte trade off is worth it

 

[Nhwhazup]

I bought a ridiculously priced anti glare film protector off Amazon. Put it on today and it is my favorite - kind of in between a clear and anti glare. It doesn’t really feel or look matte like most anti glare protectors do. And it doesn’t reduce the clarity like matte protectors do but it does cut down on the glare and fingerprints.

 

[Kal-037]

I’d say yes, because even if you are soft and careful... by using the Apple Pencil or your finger on the iPads main glass, you could accidentally damage the LCD from pressing hard or if something fell on it. I have a protector for 3 reasons...
1.) I have (diagnosed OCD) so leaving it without protection is not what I want.
2.) It is smoother and less finger-print magnet than the main glass.
3.) It protects from damage and makes using the Apple Pencil better when I have to do a harder press to get the darkest color. If I did that without the protector, the lcd would get messed up or could be damaged. *I spent $1,200+ on this device so a screen protector that doesn’t hinder its sensitivity at all makes a lot of sense, IMO.



Kallum.

 

[Josieb1]

I always use a screen protector, but not the tempered glass. I use the media devil clear. I put the mini 4 one on my 5. I used the pencil since then and it’s fine,

 

[ruiinplano]

the glass screen protector is a must!!!!!

 

[1BadManVan]

yup, I end up ordering a new one but this time with the anti-fingerprint coating to help because the other one didn't have it and smudged like crazy. Just have to get around to installing it lol

 

[Kal-037]

What will it hurt to have one? I mean yeah, they are extra money... but they don’t hinder sensitivity or the display at all. They in fact are often more comfortable to touch and use, so it’s not just a matter of IF your iPad NEEDS it, it’s if you want a better experience (and of course the knowledge your iPad is safer is always good.)



Kallum.