Creative Screen Protector for Zen (Clear) Reviews

• Essential ZEN Accessory

  
  By A3BKYDAAYH42W1 on 2007-12-28
  As other reviewers have stated before, the ZEN screen protector is essential and should have come with the unit as standard equipment. If you choose not to lay out the asking price for this little "accessory", you will most likely end up with a scratched display screen in the near future.
  
  Understanding how this item is constructed is necessary to a greater degree that I initially realized. Again, listen to the previous reviewers that discovered this and you should have little to no problems.
  
  First: This small piece of plastic is made up of 3-layers!
  
  layer 2 (tab) -----------------------
  screen protector ***************
  layer 1 (tab) -----------------------
  
  Second: Remove the (bottom) side 1 protective layer first. Then align the protector and press in place on the ZEN screen. I did not see any issues with air bubbles or debris causing problems.
  
  Third: After the protector is in place, remove the (top) side 2 protective layer. Careful here, though -- the layer 2 tab wants to come off itself instead of actually pulling off the second protective layer. This is where a previous reviewer encountered a gummy mess (as did I). The adhesive mess is on top of the screen protector layer 2 protective sheet! Instead of messing with this tab, just use a fingernail or other thin object to gently pry the second protective layer off safely. This will leave only the center sheet which is the actual screen protector.
  
  Take your time when applying this screen protector on your ZEN player and you should not encounter any issues.
  
  This "accessory" should have been installed at the factory with the option of buying more.
  
  
  
  
  

• A Worthwhile Accessory

  
  By A1L3DVWGNLBPOQ on 2007-11-19
  I found the ZEN screen protector a useful accessory. A steady hand and a good eye are needed during the application. Clean the face of the ZEN before you start. Best to mount the protector on the unit with a rolling motion; more air bubbles are trapped if you try to put it down flat. However, it is possible to work air bubbles out. I am quite satisfied with this purchase
  
  

• Tip for applying screen protector

  
  By A7FW2AGW0OQY8 on 2008-02-03
  Here is a tip I learned years ago for applying these types of plastic screens, it also works for decals on windows.
  In clean lukewarm water mix a drop of soft-soap until it is fully dissolved. The water should feel only ever so slightly soapy. If it creates soap bubbles when you steer it, then there is too much soap in it. Apply light amount of soap/water mixture to surface of MP3 player, cover up the controls to avoid getting in to the buttons. Now place the plastic protector screen starting at the end near the controls and "roll" it onto the surface using a lint free cloth or soft plastic edge to rub the film on to the surface. The soapy water will allow any air bubbles to be squeezed out. The small amount of water will soon evaporate. In many cases you will even be able to align the entire plastic protector in case it was placed a little bit crooked. Hope it works for you.
  
  
  

• Poor Quality Control

  
  By A70CXJ1CNFT3Q on 2007-10-24
  I recently purchased a new ZEN and ordered the screen protectors to accompany it. I haven't had a chance to use the player yet, but when I tried to install the screen protector I found that there were air bubbles with dust and small particles that look like fine saw dust preventing it from being smoothed out which I was unable to clean of the sticky back of the protector. Assuming that this was something picked up in the atmosphere, I tried again in a more controlled environment with the same result. When I looked at the third protector in the package closely I discovered that the particles were in fact already stuck between the protector and the film over the sticky surface.
  
  

• Gummy Stickers Left a MESS

  
  By AQ5A10N61H758 on 2008-01-18
  I just bought my Zen and these protectors with it.
  
  The protectors are fine, except for the little bubbles they leave when applying. That's not a problem so much though because I guess you can smooth them out, and anyway better bubbles than scratches on my player's surface.
  
  The reason this product gets a 1 star from me isn't for the product, it's for the packaging of the particular set of protectors I received. Each of them had instructional stickers on them (Peel this first/Peel this second).
  
  The stickers were so sticky, that when I finally got the first one off the surface of the screen protector, it left behind a gummy mess on the protector, rendering it ugly and not usable. Thinking I just got an unusually sticky sticker, I tried the second protector. It was stuck so badly that when I attempted to remove it from the protector, it warped the soft plastic that is the screen protector. The third one I tried was just stuck tight. I tried to wash the gummy stuff off the first protector (because I'd gotten the sticker off that one) but it just became all smeared.
  
  It wasn't hard to figure out what to do even without the stickers - I don't think the stickers are needed. Include a small sheet of paper with a how-to, or use some other kind of designator on how to peel. But don't put cheap, semi-permanent grocery-store-like labels on something that goes on an expensive mp3 player. I did call Creative and give feedback about this. They suggested I return the product to Amazon and ask for an exchange (I am doing so). I really doubt that I'll see any difference in a different batch but I will try.
  
  
• Careful when applying
  By AHGRQTW7CPAEX on 2007-12-05
  Apply in as close to dust free environment as you can. Also, make sure you remove the adhesive side using tab #1 first. Apply that side to your zen screen. Then remove the other layer using tab #2. Do not just remove the tab #2 sticker (like I did at first) - it is actually attached to an outside layer of film connected to the main protective layer. If you just remove the sticker there will be adhesive left in it's place. It took me a couple tries before I understood that there were 2 outside layers & a middle (main) layer to these.
  
  
• they work great - a real necessity
  By ACZYLE440LNVT on 2007-11-16
  I got two ZENs (one for my wife) so I was glad to see these came in a three pack. The protector is crystal clear so once you have it on you don't know it's there unless you look real closely at the edge of the screen.
  
  They are not intuitive to install, be careful and do it in a very brightly lit area that is dust free. I'd recommend doing it on a sheet of white paper to help you see what you're doing. I messed up the first one, the second one was almost perfect, just slightly crooked because I didn't have enough light, and the third one (on my wife's birthday gift) worked perfectly.
  
  I found the plastic envelope the protector comes in makes a perfect temporary case. I folded it over lengthwise and put a piece of tape on the back, leaving the opening on the side where all the controls are. The little pocket it makes on the back is a perfect size to store a paper clip.
  
  Take your time and put the protector on carefully in good light and you'll be glad you got it. I don't worry about the screen getting scratched now (the buttons have gotten scratched from cleaning the thing so often). Only negative is the outrageous price which is much worse if you pay shipping too.
  
  IMHO - these should have been included with the unit.
  
  
• They do what they should.
  By A2BP3N2F6P9F35 on 2008-05-19
  There's nothing fancy about these screen protectors, but then again, how fancy can a screen protector be? They do what they're supposed to do, and that's more than good enough for me, and should be for you, too.
  
  Basically each screen protector (or SP for short) has a plastic cover-like thing on each side of it with tabs. You pull off one side to reveal the awesome stickiness underneath, and then you just slap that sucker over your Zen and press it nice and smooth and flat. Then just peel off the other side and you're pretty much good to go.
  
  I've heard people complain that the tabs and the plastic covering things are difficult to use correctly and result in the SP becoming tangled, folded, or otherwise screwed up, but I didn't have any problem with them. As long as you have somewhat decent hand-eye coordination you shouldn't have any issues either. And all you cross-stitchers out there should be able to ace this no sweat.
  
  The one thing I had to deal with was a few tiny bubbles that didn't quite get smoothed out when I put it on, but they flattened themselves nicely over time so that wasn't really a problem either. Just be careful when you first put the SP on, because if you get it on crooked the first time, you have to peel it up and stick it down again, and that's when the bubbles attack.
  
  I put my first SP on the same day that I got my Zen, and I haven't had to change it yet and I still have both of the other ones. It has gotten a bit scratched up from my every day use, but it's kept the Zen's real screen nice and ship-shape, and the scratches on the SP aren't bad, really. Better for the SP to be scratched than the screen, right? That's the whole purpose of an SP anyway. They're kinda like... suicide bombers.... dying for their king. Or something.
  
  Bottom line: these are screen protectors. They protect your screen. They work. What more do you need to know?
  
  
• Excellent accesory, VERY EASY to apply
  By A3BRXOBIWQL10H on 2007-12-12
  After reading all the mixed reviews about this product, I was nervous about ordering them, but Im really glad I did. Putting this on the screen has to be the easiest thing ever. Simply follow the instructions on the tabs, take your time lining it up to the edge and carefully apply it to the screen; one side to the other. If you get air bubbles while applying, simply pull it up as soon as you see them and start applying again. Use your finger to push down as you apply to keep the air bubbles from getting trapped. Once you have the film on the unit, you then grab the second tab and pull up gently. When you do, you cant tell the film is on there, its that clear!
  
  I highly recommend getting these if you care about the screen staying clean and scratch free. I also bought the leather case which is great to keep the rest of the unit safe. But the screen protectors are a must have!
  
  
• Works fine
  By A2C1E3W3O9C2W3 on 2008-01-07
  Works great. Take care to place these on a perfectly clean screen and apply the cover from one side to the other - not all at once flat down.
  
  
• Important accessory for protecting your Zen
  By A3LH1Z9VNN19HY on 2008-01-15
  I ordered these screen protectors because I knew that my Zen's screen was very vulnerable to scratches just from everyday use. This package seemed to have a nice value since there was 3 in 1 package. This way, both my sister and I could protect each of our screens. The screen protectors come in a very small package containing three screen protectors inside. Each screen protector is then individually packaged in a small plastic bag.
  
  As far as screen protectors go, these were pretty standard. However, definitely be careful when applying. I made a mistake while applying the first screen protector on my Zen and I ended up wasting a screen protector. With that mistake in mind, I was able to apply the other two screen protectors for my Zen and my sister's Zen without any problems. When applying on to the screen, make sure that the screen itself is clean. It would help if you did it in an area with little to no dust. Also, make sure you apply from one end to another in a sliding motion. I used a credit card to help me keep the screen protector flat on the screen as I flattened it across. If you don't apply from one side to another, you run a higher risk of getting air bubbles and other gunk trapped between the screen and the screen protector.
  
  Overall I am fairly satisfied with this product. They fit in perfectly with my player. I don't even notice it unless I specifically try to look for it, and even then it's still quite unnoticeable. With careful application, these screen protectors will do a great job at keeping your screen undamaged. The 3-in-1 skin pack and combined with these screen protectors is definitely a great way to keep my Zen safe. Personally though, I think the skins and screen protectors should have come with the player by default.
  
  
  
• Essential!!
  By A1IA8D8NJ7ME2T on 2008-03-31
  Thankfully, I had no problems with these. I got it perfectly on the player on the first try, no bubbles or anything. Here's my advice to do like I did:
  
  1. Buy these together with the player, and put it on STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. Don't wait for a piece of dust or a fingerprint to get on the screen before you put it on.
  
  2. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
  
  3. If you're a bit clumsy, ask someone who's good with their hands to do it for you. It's OK to ask for help, not everyone has surgeon's hands.
  
  4. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
  
  Seriously though, follow the instructions. The 3-layer system works very well for getting the protector on neatly; but it won't work if you just fumble around with it instead of reading the directions.
  
  
  
• Follow instructions from goatswood
  By A2YPKHV7PV2KU2 on 2008-01-25
  Goatswood accurately describes how to place these protectors on your Zen. I followed them exactly and it worked fine. Creative should have done a better job and included such detailed directions.
  
  
• Very good MP3 Player
  By A3674AXJB4BTNR on 2008-01-27
  This MP3 player does everything promised and more. Very easy to use and 16GB allows for most of a lot of music, books and pod casts. I have not tried to load a full movie but with small screen this is not my idea of a great place to watch a movie. The sound is great but ear buds suck.
  Be sure to buy a screen cover because the screen will scrach easly. It will accept addional memory but it does not take advantage of the built in utilites. Without the tools is has very little use. It does not support folders so you end up with 5 albums named Greatest Hits.
  
  
  
• Works as advertised
  By A3RBLZ2D49WJ7S on 2008-02-09
  The package includes three screen protectors. I installed one within a minute with no issues with layers sticking, tabs pulling off, or anything else. Just follow the instructions, 1-2-3.
  
  
• A great investment protecor
  By A1TVYTPJ8Y266B on 2008-02-11
  Product was well wrapped, delivered in original packaging, delivered on time. A great product to protect your Zen with, I would definitely recommend this merchant, it's worth the investment.
  
  
  
• Just dandy
  By A32KC580ACCBX3 on 2008-02-17
  Bought these for my recent Zen purchase, and the first one has so far worked a treat and is in no danger of coming off over a month after sticking it on.
  
  
• Fits perfectly
  By A3TPYVRNDGDVJU on 2008-05-13
  At first I noticed, like some of the other reviewers, that there were some bubbles because of grit getting between the film and the screen. I simply peeled mine back off and got rid of the grit. It stuck back to the screen just as well as the first time and I haven't had any problems with bubbles. I really like this also because there are three in the box, and because they are pre-cut to fit the zen, so I don't have the whip out the scissors. Overall, good item for the price. I'm glad I purchased it.
  
  
• Rubbish
  By A2MDF75WMX607L on 2007-11-12
  Lint all over the adhesive side and the handling tab on the non adhesive side leaves its own gummy gunk which is proving to be a task to remove.
  
  Do not buy these.
  
  
  
• It protects the screen; however, the film has tiny air bubbles
  By A1UYZM8PDVFX7J on 2007-12-13
  I purchased this screen protector for the Creative Zen, so as to keep the screen free from scratches and marks. Firstly, this item does protect the screen, however,the film has tiny air bubbles. I read other review and noted that individuals did mention the same thing, but I thought how bad could it be. Well, let's just say it's noticeable. This comes as a 3 pack and trust me... all 3 screen protectors have tiny air bubbles in them.
  
  I was disappointed in seeing the bubbles, but as I said before, it does serve its purpose, which is to protect the screen of my creative zen. It's annoying at first but after a while you kinda get used to it. If there was another product on the market then would protect my zen then I would have gotten it, but since there's none, I guess I'm stuck with it. My rating for this product is a 3 because it has the tiny air bubbles, had that not been present, then I would have rated this item as a 5. If you're looking for perfection, this is not the item... if you need something to keep your screen scratch free then this product will serve its purpose.
  
  
• Too many tabs
  By A11KV9NLZ40G2K on 2008-02-25
  It is a good thing I read goatweeds review cause I was having trouble with the tabs ripping and leaving their attractive left overs. The protector is cool and gets the job done. Just take your time applying it so you dont get any air bubbles in there.
  
  These dumb things should come standard but they gotta make their money somehow cause the Zen was a steal for $89.
  
  
• It works fine, I should of ordered it sooner
  By A3OOZY1PMAGD99 on 2008-02-26
  I would order this immediately after you buy the Zen. If you put it on right you hardly notice it. It's just a clear plastic film that goes right over the screen area and protects it well. It made me feel so much better not worrying about scratches or smearing. It comes with three of them.
  
  
• Great Product
  By A35IZTZM663LQR on 2008-03-05
  Its really simple. Peel off the tab that says "Step 1: peel off and past on screen" and paste on screen. Next peel off the tab that says "Step 2: peel off." I dont understand how people can use amazon and click, but cant follow #1, #2. amazing... anyways great product. Only problem with this screen protector is, do not buy if you cannot count to 2.
  
  
• These work great...if you're careful
  By A144T5UGALQKEM on 2008-03-27
  Used this on my new Creative Zen (16GB) version. They come 3 protector's to a pack and it's a good thing; I really butchered putting on the first one (which is easy to do). It's hard to push out all the air bubbles, and when I tried to lift one of the sides to get the bubbles out, I ruined it. I had to peel it off and use the second one. The second try went much better, and it now fits almost perfectly on the screen. If you don't leave any air bubbles you really can't tell there's anything on the screen, it's very nice.
  
  That being said, these should be included with the Zen Player. These are really a 'must have' item if you want to keep your screen scratch-free. Having to pay for these is pretty crappy on Creative's part. They do work well though.
  
  
• sadly, you need this
  By A1A9TKCB5NBPM on 2008-04-12
  you should actually order this before, or immediately when you order your ZEN... the player just looks so sleek when first opened, you would be distraught if it was damaged... get this and a skin, the skin doesn't look half bad either..
  
  and MAKE SURE your screen is free of any dust or particles before you apply your protector, or it'll leave "fun" bubbles you'll waste your time squeezing away... and apply it slowly, may be from one side to the other, slowly pressing it down...should leave minimal bubbles... protects my screen, you get 3 for this price, just fyi.
  
  
• Not the best
  By A24HNX1W1J1FOB on 2008-05-19
  So I applied it very carefully and using a credit card to prevent bubbles, but the stupid sticker that's on it did not come off clean and it left a sticky residue behind which looks horrible and collected lint. It's pretty much the only thing that I could find for protection so it'll serve it's purpose, but it seems like bad design to put that stupid sticker there.. arg!
  
  
• Get this or ELSE!
  By AH9FCFS4PCUVE on 2008-05-21
  It's this simple: Think of a screen protector as life insurance for your device. I followed some online advice, though, and put a drop of soapy water on the screen before installing the protector -- made the process MUCH easier! I've since installed screen protectors on my cell phone and camera, as well.
  
  You can purchase generic "cut to fit" screen protectors -- but buying the custom-sized item saves you that extra step.
  
  
• Works perfectly!
  By AL7CB93CEN44E on 2008-05-30
  Definitely get the screen protectors and just read the two little labels on the protector and you'll be fine. The screen protector is in-between two plastic films so basically pay attention and you won't get the sticky residue.
  
  I applied it and only got one small bubble. Other than that it's working as it should.
  
  
• Screen Protector
  By A2B2VW9SNO7JRV on 2008-06-07
  This product was really easy to put on & it works. I did it on my first try in about 30 seconds. It wasn't confusing or sticky or messy. It doesn't change the quality of the image & you can't tell there's even something on the screen unless you feel for it. I thought it was expensive for what you're getting (a set of 3) & should have been included w/ the purchase of the player. But it's better than having a scratched up screen.
  
  
• Excellent screen protector, easy to install.
  By A7TLP5ADZ3KS9 on 2008-04-11
  This pack of three screen protectors is a very good product, it is very easy to install and will protect your ZEN's screen from scratch and dust, a must buy for everyone enjoying the ZEN.
  
  

• Creative Zen 4 GB Portable Media Player (Black)
• Creative Zen 8 GB Portable Media Player (Black)
• Creative 3-In-1 Skin Pack for Creative Zen (Red/Blue/Black)
• Creative Leather Case for Zen (Black)
• ZEN Skin with Wire Management (Black)