[Nexus One Accessories] ROM_Guest:
Just wanted to post my results.

Over the past week, I have tried Bestskinsforever full body protector + screen, Stealthguards full body + screen, and today: Clarivue screen protector.

This is after doing much reading on the forums about Boxwave, Clarivue and dcMugen screen protectors.

BSE: As above, there is some curling. But, as you can see by adambuckeridge.com's review, the BSE has the most complete coverage of corners - when compared to the Zagg and Stealthguards. I would feel confident dropping my N1 with a BSE on its corner over the other two.

There is some curling, but BSE was nice enough to send me a replacement piece for one area I knackered up on first install, so I think overall they're a good company to deal with.

BSE Screen protector: Better than the stealthguards, but bubbles remained after 4 days. While it is clearer than the Stealthguards too, the rubbery-ness that is an advantage on the full body, is not, on the screen.

I opted to go with the Clarivue for the screen (clear), and here is my 2cents on that.

As usual, I knackered up the first application. They give you two, so my learning curve was not a detriment. Plus, they offer a lifetime warranty. So if and when my second protector starts showing its age, they will send a new one for $3 postage fees, and upon receipt, I can send them the old one.

Now, I applied the first Clarivue as per the instructions verbatim.

Please note the design of the Clarivue: It is more "static" than wet-apply, like the other screen protectors. The actual protector itself is shrouded by two other pieces of plastic on each side. The "Back cover" which is clear and labelled "Tab 1" with a scotch tape tag on one end; and the "Front cover" which is blue and labelled "Tab 2" with a similar numbered tag.

You pull off the tabs to apply the screen protector in both steps. If you mess up, you can wash the Clarivue and it will remain just as sticky - however my experience with washing my first try protector did not result in the same clarity as when it was brand new - despite its equal stickiness.

So the instructions say to remove the "Back cover" by peeling off "Tab 1". Once you do it, the tacky side that shows is the "back" which actually applies to the front of your screen. (This is not explicit in the way the instructions are worded).

[Prior to applying the screen protector, Clarivue recommends you clean your screen well, and include a sachet of "lcd cleaning screen wipe." I found this wipe a little dry, and my key two pieces of cloth that yielded dust free application and a clear surface, were regular pharmacy alcohol wipe swabs (the ones that come in a sachet), and an eyeglass lens cloth (to dry up the alcohol).

So my N1 is clean. I took of Tab1 as instructed and here was my error:

Do not take of the "back cover" *completely* by pulling tab 1!

Once you do this, you expose the entire sticky surface (even tho its static, its sticky). And when you apply it on (dry to dry remember, no soap water), it will adhere and be hard to line up.

Worst of all, once you try to apply it this way after the entire back piece is peeled of, air bubbles will form when laying it down, even lined up. *These are not small air bubbles, and unlike a wet apply, they cannot me massaged to the sides and out into the air.

How did I win the second time around?

Peel off Tab 1 like so:

____________

/...................\

************

************

************

************

************

************

Line up only that top edge nice, with the upper border of your clean N1.

(i did not use a steamy shower, and managed to get the N1 dust free at this point).

Slowly pull back Tab 1 now (from below, as logic dictates), while you roll your finger down the screen sticking it on bubble free (and not exposed to air, and thus dust free).

*No air bubbles should form while you do this clean swoop.

/....................\

|....................|

|....................|

************

************

************

************

Above is my progression, as you peel down the screen. You get my drift.

What you will be left with is clearly applied Clarivue, with not one air bubble or "micro-air bubble" that you will need to wait 48 hours to dissapear.

The instant result is a clear screen. At this point "Tab 2" is still on the front of your screen protector, and this protector appears blue, so at this point you have a "blue" looking screen protector aligned on your screen perfectly. Having it on does help you do any necessary massaging, without fear of scratching the topside of your screen protector. However keep in mind, what you might be trying to massage out of this blue setup, is actually the imperfections between the "blue Front cover/Tab2" and the actual screen protector itself. (It might well be perfect underneath except for the bubbles that exist between the protective blue front, and the Clarivue itself.)

If we did it the same way, upon peeling off Tab 2, you will be left with a pristine screen - which I must say, is very hard to distinguish from stock. In feel, clarity and fit. (With instant gratification, and no waiting time to see if it will cure out).

I hope this helps anyone who comes across this thread in interest of applying the Clarivue, and doing it right the first time.

:)