Shiny Shiny Matt Matt
There are two surface finishes for screen protector for tablets. The Assessment Ninja takes a quick look at the two and talks about using them in active life...
For the trials run by Clarinspect we have a range of hardware with various levels of protection. All without fail though have an anti-scratch cover on the screen.
We chose to do this to reduce surface scratches (doh) but also to protect staff from glass fragments in the possible event of a tablet being dropped or smashed. These devices are used in the field, so get dirty and dusty around the city of Christchurch (a rather harsh environment for your day-to-day off the shelf tablet) and used for a variety of inspections from office-based to home visits.
Screen protection - what is it?
Specifically it is a thin plastic sheet that covers the screen, and is shaped to not interfere with the speakers, cameras and other accoutrements of a tablet or cellphone.
Tab 3 cover. Note cut out for cameras and sensors
Tab 2 cover. Note cut out for cameras and sensors
They can be a sod to install as you need to apply them to the screen with care not to trap air underneath in unsightly bubbles. Most cellphone stores will offer to fit them for you - take them up on the offer.
What choices are there?
There are many manufacturers but essentially two choices about the finish - shiny or matt.
I have used shiny (gloss) finish screen covers for the majority of Clarinspect devices, but recently tried the matt finish for a Samsung Tab 3.
Matt finish - no reflection
Shiny screen cover showing reflection
I immediately preferred the matt finish. It was smoother, lower friction when swiping, though there was no perceptible difference when using the Jot mini to write with. The Targus stylus used in my post on styluses did 'drag' more on the shiny screen protector - which if I had been trying to write a lot would have become annoying.
Wrap up
Overall I prefer the matt finish for the feel when typing and swiping, and also as there is no reflection I can use it without the annoyance of seeing what is behind me (or even seeing my face).
The bottom line: ensure you have an anti-scratch screen protector on your device whether matt or shiny.