DIY: Protect your PDA screen

If you're on a tight budget or have some free time on your hands, you can make your own PDA screen protector. Here's how.

Without a doubt, the most important part of your PDA is the screen. This LCD display is where you read the information on your handheld and enter your data. Naturally, it'll also be the component on your handheld that requires the most protection.

Most users will either have a leather or hard case that protects their PDA's screen when this is not in use. However, it makes sense to protect the display while you're using it as well. For example, instead of using your stylus to write on your PDA, you may accidently pick up a ballpoint pen, and the result will probably be a scratched screen. Prolonged use can also wear out the display, particular in the screen area where you enter your data.

Protecting your LCD means you don't have to worry about scratches or wear-and-tear. Additionally, screen protectors provide "drag" on the display, thus improving handwriting recognition.

Of course, there're various screen protectors available in the market for various handhelds, from Palms to Pocket PCs. But if you're on a tight budget or have some free time on your hands, you can actually make your own screen protector. Read on to find out.

Ingredients:

Making your own screen protector is actually pretty simple. All you need are:

• A sheet of clear plastic wrapper, the kind you use to wrap your books. A single sheet you buy from the stationary shop for about AU$1 can make you enough protectors to last a long time. Also note that plastic wrappers have different thickness. If it's too thick, your screen will not be too responsive. If too thin, it may not provide enough protection.
• A pair of scissors or penknife.
• Monitor cleaner, the kind you use to spray on your PC monitor to clean your screen.
• Lint-free cloth or camera lens cleaning wipes.
• A plastic card, e.g. a credit or ATM card.

Follow These Simple Steps

With the necessary items ready, all you need is a steady pair of hands and a little patience.

1. Using your scissors or penknife, cut a sheet from the plastic wrapper that's slightly smaller than the size of your PDA screen. It is difficult to make a straight cut without the help of a template and ruler. So what you can do is actually to first draw the size of your PDA's screen on a piece of paper, and use that as a guide when you cut out your sheet.
2. Clean your PDA screen throughly by spraying with monitor cleaner and wiping clean using a lint-free cloth or cleaning wipe.
   Tip: Although static cling helps your plastic sheet to stick to the screen, don't wipe the screen completely dry. The sheet sticks better if the display is slightly damp.
3. Begin sticking the plastic sheet to your screen starting from the bottom left corner and gently applying the rest to the display.
   Tip: Do not place the sheet on the screen all at once because that tends to trap huge air bubbles.
4. Use a credit/ATM card to swipe over your screen to remove the air bubbles trapped between the sheet and the screen during installation.

So there you have it, your very own D.I.Y. screen protector!