Boxwave Works!

Recently I got two different screen protectors from Boxwave: one for my Treo 650 and another for my TomTom GO. I got them for two different reasons. I got the Clear Touch Anti-Glare ones for reasons you will see below.

For the TomTom GPS unit I needed something to stop the glare and reflections. This is a real problem with the GO and makes it unusable sometimes. For the Treo, I really didn't want one at all. In all my years of using Palm and Pocket PCs I have never used a screen protector. By-in-large I think they are a waste of money. I have never scratched the screen of any of my Palms, Clies, Ipaqs, etc. However, with the Treo I felt a bit differently. I'm always rubbing the screen because it is a phone, and you have to keep wiping the facial oils away. Also, since it's an all-in-one unit, it is getting much harder daily use than any of the other units I have owned. So I decided to try them out.

Installation was simple and easy and worked the first time. I remember a number of protectors I ended up throwing away because I could never get the install right (another reason I never used them). The protector comes packed with a small micro-fiber cloth to clean the screen and a small card to rub out any bubbles left after the install. The anti-glare function works like a charm. Take a look at this before and after shot of my GO. In the first shot there is a route plotted somewhere under the reflections, but you can't see it at all. Putting my hand there is not such an unusual thing, because in real life you will often see your face or body reflected and it will block out the route. I just couldn't get this to work for the picture and so had to use my hand.

Yes, I held up my hand in the second shot just like in the first! The actual screen on the GO is much brighter and clearer than the second picture shows. Much to my surprise, the protector had an additional function. On the GO the screen will blank out if you use polarized sunglasses. For some reason this no longer happens after you install the protector and I can once again use my polarized glasses for driving.

The Treo unit definately makes it easier to see the screen outdoors, and it cleans off much easier than the naked screen after a phone call. It doesn't seem to interfere with using the stylus at all. I think I'll keep it on the phone.

I would certainly give the product a try if you are in the market for a screen protector. They are at www.boxwave.com

- Paul Biba, Associate Writer (Bernardsville, NJ USA)