iPad Screen Protection

Leading to a launch of the ipad, Apple removed all the plastic and film screen protectors from its on the web and brick and mortar stores, despite the fact that they're among the most popular accessories for the apple iphone and iPod Touch. Apple did not seem to give any particular reason for this move, but as iLounge noted in an article, "One vendor speculated that the ban is an Apple marketing attempt to suggest screen durability, despite scratches that have damaged both plastic and glass displays of its products for a long time." Another have mentioned which because it's difficult to stick the film to the screens with no tiny bubbles get trapped beneath the film, people receive frustrated and frequently return the protectors--or at least try to.

Though Apple's banished film screen protectors from its stores, including mirrored film and antiglare film for notebook screens, that has not stopped companies from making them. The big question is whether it's worth putting film over the iPad's screen. With the iphone or iPod Touch you end up putting the device inside a pocket with change or keys (inadvertently) and the screen may end up getting scratched in spite of how scratch-resistant it's supposed to be. Though, the apple ipad is not pocket-friendly, and chances are you're going to have a case for it which covers the screen when you're not using it (many people have bought Apple's $39 ipad case). And it's unclear if a layer of film will help avoid your screen from cracking in the event you drop the apple ipad (I've not tried the drop test)

Like with the iphone, it is a serious challenge to find the film to adhere to an apple ipad screen without trapping any bubbles. Companies like Zagg, which makes a screen film that protects both the back and front of the apple ipad for $39.99 (or $29.99 for just the front), ships the film with a little squeegee to assist you in getting those bubbles out. It's kind of amusing that you need an accessory to install an accessory, nevertheless it does help. Screen protectors are an essential accessory, protecting the iPad from scratches and damage without interfering with Apple's sleek industrial design. Zagg now offers the invisible shield premium screen full body iPad protector made out of military grade patented material.

What do you guys think? If you had an apple ipad or another slate-style device, would you bother putting protective film over its screen or would you let it go out there naked?