uPro recommends not using a screen cover

ShortButCrooked · June 4, 2009

What do you guys think?

I expect to receive my uPro early next week. I wanted to put a cover on the screen to keep it from getting scratched up. So I called Callaway to get the dimensions of the screen. The technical rep there told me they do not recommend using screen covers for the following two reasons:

1. uPro uses a screen that reflects sunlight (I guess that's why you are supposed to point it directly at the sun for best visibility) and screen covers dilute the light coming in and therefore reduces visibility

2. uPro puts on a thin layer of uv protection on the screen. Putting on and then, if needed, taking off the cover will mess that up

I carry my blackberry in my pocket and the screen is a mess. If the uPro is as convenient to carry in the pocket as everyone here says it is, I can see wanting to do that but worrying about the screen getting all scratched up.

What do you guys think of this? My first thought (yes, I'm cynical) was that he was trying to sell me the uPro skin. But he didn't even mention it. The above makes sense from a technical perspective, but are they overblowing the potential problems? Can those of you who use a screen cover chime in? Does it reduce visibility?

Buzzkill · June 4, 2009

I expect to receive my uPro early next week. I wanted to put a cover on the screen to keep it from getting scratched up. So I called Callaway to get the dimensions of the screen. The technical rep there told me they do not recommend using screen covers for the following two reasons:

1. uPro uses a screen that reflects sunlight (I guess that's why you are supposed to point it directly at the sun for best visibility) and screen covers dilute the light coming in and therefore reduces visibility

2. uPro puts on a thin layer of uv protection on the screen. Putting on and then, if needed, taking off the cover will mess that up

I carry my blackberry in my pocket and the screen is a mess. If the uPro is as convenient to carry in the pocket as everyone here says it is, I can see wanting to do that but worrying about the screen getting all scratched up.

What do you guys think of this? My first thought (yes, I'm cynical) was that he was trying to sell me the uPro skin. But he didn't even mention it. The above makes sense from a technical perspective, but are they overblowing the potential problems? Can those of you who use a screen cover chime in? Does it reduce visibility?

As long as Callaway's warranty states it'll cover the screen for scratches during normal use then don't worry about a screen protector.

nutsnbolts · June 5, 2009

The uPro skin is nice but I think has some flaws...such as having to have to remove it just to charge/sync it. Pain in the butt. Yes, the material is stretchy but still, they could've create a flap or small hole at the bottom of the skin for easier charging/sync'ng access.

On the other hand, it doesn't have a screen protector on it, however, quite honestly, I just left the little plastic that was originally on it when i first got it. That, along with the skin, fairs well in my pockets. Of course, I try to ensure nothing is in my pockets...just in case.

As far as your other questions regarding UV protection wearing down and or losing the visibility if you put a protector on it. Well, I have never had an issue at all with seeing what's on the screen. Call me naive but in practical situations, it's really not an issue seeing what's on the screen outside, even during high noon.

Scott-C · June 5, 2009

I can't speak to Callaway's claims of possibly pulling off the UV protection, but I will say that I put a Boxwave uPro screen protector on my screen before I ever used it, because I carry the uPro in my pocket. I have not had any problems viewing the screen. I don't really plan on pulling off the protector, so removing the UV protection shouldn't be an issue (hopefully!).

I can definitely understand your concerns about scratching up the screen; it's easy to brush the screen against your pocket, or against snaps/velcro on your shorts while removing or replacing the uPro. For me, the screen protector provides a little insurance against scratches. If Callaway's warranty really does cover scratches from normal use, then I suppose you could always send it back if it gets scratched. For me, I did not want to have to worry about doing that.

nutsnbolts · June 5, 2009

Another thing I would suggest which I have stumbled across and vouch for since I use it for my iPhone and other devices is the protector from zagg.com. Just check it out and you will see.

gmangolf · June 5, 2009

The uPro skin is nice but I think has some flaws...such as having to have to remove it just to charge/sync it. Pain in the butt. Yes, the material is stretchy but still, they could've create a flap or small hole at the bottom of the skin for easier charging/sync'ng access.

On the other hand, it doesn't have a screen protector on it, however, quite honestly, I just left the little plastic that was originally on it when i first got it. That, along with the skin, fairs well in my pockets. Of course, I try to ensure nothing is in my pockets...just in case.

As far as your other questions regarding UV protection wearing down and or losing the visibility if you put a protector on it. Well, I have never had an issue at all with seeing what's on the screen. Call me naive but in practical situations, it's really not an issue seeing what's on the screen outside, even during high noon.

I have a Zagg invisible shield on my unit and have no problem seeing what is on the screen. Additionally, I use the silicone skin from uPro... and it has an opening in the bottom so it can be charged without removing. They must have redesigned it.

Auditor_Kevin · June 5, 2009

Few things will completely ravage the resale value of something faster than a scratched screen.

Once you put a screen protector on, you won't be taking it off, so I'm not following the CSR's response on that one.

If I were you, I'd take a little less visibility in certain situations over ALWAYS having to look at a gouge in your screen because you accidentally put the Upro in the same pocket as your divot repairer.

Everything I have that has a screen and can fit in a pocket..........gets a screen protector.

ShortButCrooked · June 5, 2009

Thanks a lot guys. The UV film issue is interesting, but I agree I'm never going to take the cover off once I put it on. So the main consideration is whether there is any loss of visibility. It sounds like that isn't an issue, or if it is, it's a minor one. Done, I am going to order a screen protector.

I haven't checked, but I would highly doubt that Callaway would warranty a device for scratched screens. That would certainly be considered normal wear and tear.

nutsnbolts · June 5, 2009

The uPro skin is nice but I think has some flaws...such as having to have to remove it just to charge/sync it. Pain in the butt. Yes, the material is stretchy but still, they could've create a flap or small hole at the bottom of the skin for easier charging/sync'ng access.

On the other hand, it doesn't have a screen protector on it, however, quite honestly, I just left the little plastic that was originally on it when i first got it. That, along with the skin, fairs well in my pockets. Of course, I try to ensure nothing is in my pockets...just in case.

As far as your other questions regarding UV protection wearing down and or losing the visibility if you put a protector on it. Well, I have never had an issue at all with seeing what's on the screen. Call me naive but in practical situations, it's really not an issue seeing what's on the screen outside, even during high noon.

I have a Zagg invisible shield on my unit and have no problem seeing what is on the screen. Additionally, I use the silicone skin from uPro... and it has an opening in the bottom so it can be charged without removing. They must have redesigned it.

Well that sucks! I have to call them up about this! Ridiculous!!

nutsnbolts · June 5, 2009

Hey Gman:

I just sent you a PM about the uPro silicone cover.

For everyone's information, I called uPro about the cutout so that you don't have to remove the cover over and over again and they told me that they were aware of it being redesigned due to customer feedback regarding the same issue I was having. They are rolling out the redesigned case which should be available but considering that's practically brand new redesign, they themselves haven't seen it exactly. So...of to the store to exchange mine if I can find the new ones.