Frenchy

I know this isn't new but I want to share fresh results and findings about applying/removing a protector on your Pocket PC screen. I experimented with different techniques and protectors so you don't have to. Screen protectors aren't cheap and wasting one while trying to apply it could be very frustrating and costly. Remember that these are my findings and any comments to improve on these techniques is welcome via PM so I can add your name ID in the "Thank you" section. I named the techniques for easier reference, enjoy. Here we go.


Rules
A: Do not touch the sticky surface of the protector unless specified.
B: Wash your hands with a soft brush and dry with a hair dryer.
C: Get a lint free cloth.

Fast and dry

1: Clean the PPC screen with a lint free cloth.
2: Peel the protector film half way and fold it back.
3: Align the protector to the screen and apply only a very small portion (1/4 of an inch) to the screen.
4: Make sure the protector is aligned properly.
5: Using a credit card and while slowly peeling the film scrape gently the protector to the screen removing the bubbles.

The hinge

1: Put the screen protector in place on the screen, right side up, protective film still in place.
2: Take a piece of clear tape (preferably the low-tack 'invisible' kind about an inch wider than your Axim. Fold about a 1/4" over on itself at the end to make things easier later. Stick the tape across the Axim, half on the screen protector, half on the Axim case. You don't have to crease it in... just make sure it's stuck to both. You have just created a hinge.
3: Take another piece of tape and stick it to the other end of the protector as a handle.
4: Lift the handle carefully and the protector will lift up. Carefully remove the protective film (don't touch the screen or the sticky side of the protector!)
5: Warp the protector slightly (try pressing a finger in the middle gently) and then lay the protector down starting at the hinge end, making sure that it has good contact as you go. A credit card or similar helps here.
6: Once the protector is in place carefully remove the tape. If you pull at a sharp angle (almost flat back over itself) you can get it off without pulling up the protector. Use your stylus to press near where the tape is peeling off to help make sure. If there is any tape residue left behind use the sticky side of another piece of tape to pick it off.

The soaker

1: In 125Ml of water add one drop of dish soap and mix gently (do not create lather).
2: Clean and dry the PPC Screen.
3: Wash your hand and fingers with a soft brush to remove any dirt.
4: Pour the water mix into a plate.
5: Peel the protective film completely.
6: Dip the protector into your water mix and add water to the sticky surface of the protector with your finger if needed.
7: Put the protector on your PPC screen and align by sliding it to its final position.
8: Use a credit card to squeeze the excess water to the edge of the screen where you will use a lint free cloth to absorb this excess.
9: Let it dry overnight.

Personally I prefer the soaker method as I found that no lint could be seen after the drying time. I was also worried about the water on the edge of the screen but it is so little that no damage was done.

Removing a screen protector

I tried many different ways to remove a screen protector. Following is my findings.

X-acto Knife

Yes I try this once and I do not recommend this technique, as you must have very steady hands so the screen does not get damaged in the process. I lift one corner and peeled the protector.

Sharp semi-soft objects (toothpick, nail filer, plastic knife etc…)

Just attack one corner until you are able to lift it and peel the protector from the screen. This method works great but may leave some glue residue on the screen. You will have to use a tape to get the glue off the screen.

Duct tape

Apply a piece of tape over one corner of the protector and peel. This would be the perfect solution if it was working most of the time. Unfortunately the tape I used peeled the corner only sporadically and it turn out that I had to use another method to finish the job.

Nails:approve:

I gently slide my nail on the edge of the screen and by moving up to the corner my nail find a space between the edge of the screen and the protector. I push my nail under and move to one of the corner and peel the protector. This is the method that was the most successful for me.

Thank Yous:

__________________
.

Frenchy

stevenator65

Great advice Frenchy. With so many new members your timing is perfect.

Tankman

Using a lint free cloth, I dampen (slightly) the cloth with
screen cleaning fluid specifically made for antiglare, LCD, and
notebook screens and filters.

Small spray bottle, available at most complete stationary/office suppliers;
i.e.: Staples, Office Max, CompUSA, etc. 'Bout two bucks US.

Gently, I clean the Ax, all of it.

Works like a charm, then, I apply the new screen
protector per Frenchy's tips above! :approve:

__________________
Tankman

X50 High
X50v
WM 2003SE

"Minds are like parachutes.
They only work when they are open."
James Dewar Sr.

kulnet

Thanks for the great tips Frenchy! All of your hard work is definitely appreicated.

LongWalker

Thanks, very informative and thorough. I wish I had read this before my failed attempt to install a protector.

__________________
LongWalker
Dell Axim X30h

mingkee

some good stickers does not hold the surface (easy to remove)
on applying, you can apply diagonally, observe, remove the bubble when needed
also, wear short sleeve shirt, the hand are washed clean is necessary
tip 1: use clean, lightly-damped (you hand can feel kinda wet) cotton cloth to wipe off the dirt and dust
tip 2: use dust-off to blow the dust off the screen on the last second before applying
tip 3: when applying, try to apply diagonally for non-adhesive sticker, this way also helps to control bubble, no card required for such sticker to avoid scratching
tip 4: prepare scotch tape (2 ea or more), if the dust is caught during applying, put a tape on the corner, peel off carefully, put another tape (the adhesive side is toward the sticker to remove the dust)
try both tips, and you should get 99% dust-free applying (I got 2 one-time success with these tricks)