iPad screen covers

I recently got my new iPad, and for once i am going to really try to look after it. I have invested in some protective screen covers so my pad doesn't end up looking like my rather scratched iphone.

I did some hunting around on the net and found there's a huge array of screen protectors available. Some are really inexpensive, some use 'military grade' (apparently) materials and cost a small fortune.

Having struggled to justify purchasing the iPad in the first place, i have opted to buy the cheaper screen protectors, my theory being that if they don't last i then might cut my losses and get one of the more expensive ones.

I settled for a pack of three covers made by a company called Qubits, mainly because a) they were cheap, and b) i was bored of looking. They are supposedly washable and offer UV protection, and a cleaning cloth was included in the pack i bought.

OK, so looking at the covers they are just see through adhesive pieces that fit over the entire front surface of the iPad, with a little cutout for the home button. Being a man i disregarded the instructions that came in the pack as i clearly know best, and set about protecting my pride and joy. 25 minutes later i was having issues with bubbles under the laminate and decided that my first attempt to fit this seemingly simple device was a practice run. I retrieved the instructions and decided i'd read them.

The first thing you HAVE to do is make sure that the screen on your Ipad is completely clean. By this I mean that not a SINGLE speck of dust should be on the screen. I took ages doing this, but once i finally got that sorted i started the tricky bit. The secret to fitting these covers with no bubbles seems to be to take your time and work from a corner. It is a bit fiddly to get it right, and i restarted the procedure a few times till i got a bubble free result.

Now it's on i'm happy with the result. It's hard to tell it's even there, and it's good to know that in a few months (hopefully) my screen will still look like new. It does reduce the screen glare which is good, and now i have the application technique sorted out i think i'd be able to apply a new one much quicker now.

All that remains to be seen is how long it lasts, but my first impressions that its a good buy despite a few poor reviews that i read (most of which seem to complain about the actual application of the product).

I would recommend a screen protector of this type to any iPad owner.

**UPDATE**

Over time i have since tried MANY different ipad screen protectors. To date the best I have tried is the pack made by Tech Armor - linked below.

I judge 'best' by how long it lasts before a new one is required, how easy it is to apply, and of course, cost.