A sales pitch for screen protectors often accompanies a smartphone purchase these days if it’s made at a wireless carrier’s retail store.
The smart choice would be to turn it down.
Wireless carriers usually sell a package of three screen guards for $20 to $30, depending on the device.
Those same protectors can be purchased online at eBay and other e-tailers for a buck or two, with shipping included.
There are instances, though, where the high mark-up may be worth paying. If you struggle with the application and the sales associate provides the service, then the purchase could make sense.
But even if you fall under this category, there are alternatives. One comes from TYLT. The company’s include a plastic alignment tool that helps with the application.
The tool works with ease, though it’s currently only available for the iPhone 5/5S and Samsung Galaxy S4. The smartphone snaps onto the alignment gizmo, and it takes just a few seconds to apply the protector.
A package of four ALIN protectors and the alignment tool costs $25 at , which is still fairly steep but may be worth it if you have multiple devices in the family or frequently switch out the screen guards. The tool is reusable.
While there is some debate about whether screen protectors are even needed in an era of so-called Gorilla Glass, the screen isn’t invincible and can get scratched up, especially if you carry the smartphone in your pocket or purse next to a set of keys.
The most economical choice would be to reject the in-store sales pitch and buy a set of three screen protectors from a U.S. seller on eBay (for faster shipping). If you mess up with the application, they’re cheap enough to throw out.
Andy Vuong : 303-954-1209, avuong@denverpost.com or twitter.com/andyvuong
