Review: Martin Fields OverlayPlus Screen Protectors

[Brad Isaac]

Review: Martin Fields OverlayPlus Screen Protectors
By Brad Isaac, editor-in-chief
One of the physical problems people have with their pocket PCs can be the delicate screen. The screen is easily susceptible to screen scratches from stylus pressure or foreign matter. This typically requires one of two solutions to lessen the likelihood of a screen scratch or crack.
One is a protective case. Cases can be a nice addition. However, many of the quality cases are cost prohibitive. Others are bulky and difficult to use, requiring the user to slide their Pocket PC in and out of the case itself to sync.
The other alternative is the screen protector. There are many to choose from with the main advantage being screen protection with minimal bulk. The main disadvantages are decreased screen resolution and writing degradation.
I've personally tried both methods. For a year or more, I carried my trusty Pocket PC on my belt with a detachable belt-clip. It was nice enough, but bulky and in the way of my right arm a lot of the time, where I would brush it while walking or actually flip it off my belt when entering a car sometimes.
The screen protector route allowed me to simply carry my Pocket PC 'Naked' in my pocket, dramatically reducing the size and obtrusiveness of the Pocket PC. However, there was some considerations for writing surface, glare, and less screen resolution that I had to cope with.
Martin Fields is a company that offers a new screen protector that is supposed to offer the best of both worlds. They claim, "durability and perfect clarity". Do they really offer the protection and clarity we've been dreaming of? Read on to find out.

When Martin Fields sent me their OverlayPlus screen protector, I'll admit I was not sure what if any difference there would be. I have tried all sorts of screen protectors from the type you make at home out of projector laminates, to write writes and write shields from PPCTechs. (My prior screen protector). Most had more cons than pros. But the writeshields were pretty good in that you apply one and forget it for 6+months, take it off, clean it and it's good for another 6 months.
Martin Fields is based in Singapore, so their delivery time was exactly one week. Not bad for it travelling half-way around the world. It arrived in a sturdy blister pack and in perfect condition.
After opening the pack, I noticed there were just 3 parts to the instructions.

1. Clean your screen,
2. Peel back the screen protector
3. Carefully apply
Seems easy enough, I thought for this review I would mimic a "below average" user to see just how smoothly the install went. I half heartedly cleaned the screen and pulled back the laminate off the screen protector and applied it to my hp2215 screen, quickly and with ONE HAND. I actually shot a few pictures of myself removing the laminate and applying the protector, but they didn't come out very well see below.

The end-result from this "ho-hum" effort was not bad! The Martin Fields went on straight and near perfectly the first time. There were a few bubbles and specs of dust under the screen but it was definitely acceptable. I've pointed out the worst of the dust in my screenshot. Interestingly the dust was not visible with the unit on.

When I turned on the ipaq, that is where I was stunned. The backlight actually seemed to blaze through compared to what I was used to with the WriteShields! I had to actually turn down the backlight a bit to adjust it to what I was used to.
The clarity is also superb, and although my eyes aren't as young as they used to be, I cannot see any difference in clarity at all!

So now the consideration turns to screen surface. The MF mimic the actual screen of the ipaq in feel and texture. Unlike the Writeshields that feel more like writing pen on paper. This took a little bit of getting used to, but after a day or so, I was entering text using Fitaly and transcriber just like normal.
Now, let's explore the installation a bit more. There are some perfectionists in our midst and some are actually wearing my clothes! So how about the "perfect, no-dust, straight as a pin" installation. Is it possible? Well, in a short word, the answer is "Yes - BUT..."
The "BUT" is this: It can take a lot of work to install one perfectly. During this review period, I really put this screen protector through abuse. Not only to apply it perfectly, but to see if it was durable to stand up to the abuse of someone who is clumsy and doesn't know what they are doing.
I removed and reapplied the screen protector no less than 8 times. Each time it did return to the screen easily. It maintained it's structure and shape. However, it appeared that each application got a little more dirty than the prior. On around the 6th time I got mixed up and tried cleaning the sticky side of the screen protector with a lint free cloth. leaving behind more lint and dirt than I care to talk about. I really did think that that was it for the screen protector. I rinsed it with water and reapplied it. There was a huge cloudy spot in the middle of the screen that not only was blurry, it decreased the amount of light that came through.
I was seriously mad at myself for screwing up so badly ruining what had been so far a nice addition to my iPAQ. Sure, I could order another and probably would, but then I'd have another week to wait.
So, at that point, I figured it was already ruined so there wasn't anything to lose. Some people have mentioned using hand soap and warm water to wash the screen protector. I hadn't tried any soap before, so I decided to use some liquid hand soap and warm water and take my time checking carefully between rinses. It took probably 5 minutes of washing with soap, firmly, but gently rubbing where the cloudy parts were. But eventually, it did appear to be crystal clear when looking through it.
To dry it, I placed it onto a clean sheet of printer paper (glue side down) for half and hour or so.
I carefully cleaned my screen again and reapplied the MF. Wow! It applied just perfectly, like it was right out of the box! The cloud was gone and it has it's original clarity! I was happy!
In conclusion, I will say that my only complaint with the Martin Fields is that when I was using the WriteShields, I had to wipe off my screen about one time a month. Martin Fields are like a naked screen, so every smudge or fingerprint becomes very apparent. So, I am back to wiping the screen a lot more than I used to. Other than that though, Martin Fields is a screen protector bordering on perfection. It is durable, forgiving, and extremely clear.
Pros:
* Possibly the clearest screen protector on the market
* Very durable
* Forgiving of dumb installation mistakes
* Like going back to a 'naked' screen
Cons:
* Can be difficult to install for some people
* Shows more fingerprints and smudges than other screen protectors.

[bkbroil]

So, Brad --- I looked at their website and the cost is $24.99 for two screen protectors. Writeshields are $29.99 for three screen protectors, four KlearScreen Wet Single packs, six applicator/removal picks, Optical quality MicroFiber cloth. So coming down to dollars and cents let's compare:
Martin = $24.99
= 2 overlays
WriteShields = $29.99
= 3 Overlays
= 4 Klearscreen wet single packs
= 6 applicator picks
= 1 Microfiber cloth

Martin Fields is a screen protector bordering on perfection. It is durable, forgiving, and extremely clear.

How would you compare the Martin product with the Writeshields in regards to cost and function of the two?

[Brad Isaac]

It's funny you brought that up. I got my MF when it was 1 for $13.00 I was in the process of HIGHLY recommending to them to sell them in 2 packs. Because of my one incident, where I brushed lint deep into the tacky side, I really wished there was a second screen protector. It turns out I didn't need it, all it needed was a good cleaning with soap They must have had a psychic premonition I was going to make that recommendation.
However, with that said, I do have the 3 pack of Writeshields and the only issue is once you apply one, you really don't need the other two. They are very durable as well. I've had the kit for 2 years or so. Their cleaning kit is a nice addition and I can recommend it.
I know I'm being about as clear as mud here, but to break it all down for you...
I reviewed the Writeshields kit 2 years or so ago. It was at the time the best screen kit out there and it still is a strong player. Some people prefer it because it gives the feeling of writing pen on paper and it shows no smudges or fingerprints. I commented on how I'd find myself not wiping my screen off for weeks and weeks because it repells smudges so well.
Martin Fields is a newer (or newer to me anyway.) They are obviously tough, but crystal clear and feel like writing on the 'naked' screen. Since I've gotten into watching movies on my Pocket PC, the clarity really puts Martin Fields over the top. If they last as long as the writeshields, I will assume they will, then really all you need is 1 screen protector for the lifetime of your Pocket PC.
So value for money, I'd go Martin Fields. If you are a perfectionist, while you are waiting for the delivery (1 week) you could always go with PPCTECHS Kleerscreen kit (http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail....duct_ID=KS-S-6)
Hope this helps...

[bkbroil]

Great answer. That was the information that I was looking for.
Thanks.

[bkbroil]

Martin Fields are like a naked screen

Brad - you say the Martin fields are like the naked screen and the PPC Techs are like "pen and paper" (I think that's what you said) ... I've never used my Ipaq with the naked screen. (I put a screen protector on right away) So......which is better? Pen and Paper or the naked screen?

[Brad Isaac]

which is better? Depends on who you ask. I noticed some people over at brighthand were talking about screen protectors. Some liked the pen to paper feel, others preferred the original screen feel. Nobody preferred the Fellows screen protector feel
Personally, I care more about the appearance, but give the edge slightly to the original screen feel.

[jim-boxwave]

Hello all,
Just wanted to let everyone know we are here if you guys have any questions!
We think we have a pretty good screen protector.
Feel free to email me any questions.
Jim Leung
jim@boxwave.com
http://www.boxwave.com
*miniSync and Cleartouch win Handheld Magazine's Top Pick Awards (April, 2003) *
*BoxWave wins screen protector shootout on Brighthand.com!!*

[bkbroil]

Just wanted to let everyone know we are here if you guys have any questions!

Since you asked.. :P
I have a question. What would make your screen protector better than say.... the Martin Fields Overlay or the WriteShields (from PPC Techs)?

[Brad Isaac]

Hi Jim,
Welcome to Pocket PC Addict. Now that you mention it, when I think of Boxwave, I think mini-sync cables 8-) . I forgot you guys made screen protectors too

[dkeven]

Hi all after reading your review I purchased a two pack of the Martin Fields overlay plus. It took a little work to get a blemish free instalation but was doable, Now for the gripe, these things are useless I cant drag and drop and I have to mash the stylus into the screen on my Axim x30 just to get it to register, After a frustrating day I have removed it and will try some other product. Yes it looks good as if its not there but the sensitivity is lost after installing it. Don

[Brad Isaac]

??? Wow, I'm running the exact configuration that you are (Axim X30). Dragging and dropping is just fine. I don't know what could possibly be causing your problem, unless some dirt or somethig got between the screen and the outer case of the Axim. If something gets wedged in there, it can cause screen issues like what you describe.

[dkeven]

I fired off a comment to overlays plus, they rifled back a resonse that I must have pushed part of the sides under the trim and put pressure on the screen. Right they are, overlays were a little larger than my x30 screen area, trimmed one and installed it no problems, they said may have been case of wrong packaging on ones sent to me. Am sending new set. Answered emails like they were on a chat line with me! Great response and customer service I'm sold

[bkbroil]

Now that is GOOD news! What seemed to be a faulty product is now an endorsement for great customer service.....I wish all companies worked this way.

[Javoedge]

Hello everyone,
Just throwing in another option for you guys and gals to consider. We make screen protectors as well, not just skin, leather or clear cases. The link below has a list of reviews regarding our JAVOScreens.
http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/jsp/reviews_screen.jsp
Take a look, let me know what you think.