Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I have a new shiny n900 at last. Treating it with kid gloves at the moment until I get my case and screen protector for it.

Surfing tinternet I I see two products that seem to be of choice.

Vikuiti DQC-160
http://www.protectionfilms24.com/art...900-27604.html

and

ARMR200
http://www.protectionfilms24.com/art...900-28210.html

Both at the same price and both cheaper than what I can find on ebay.

But they both have different qualities. Some say the ARMR200 is better than the DQC-160 albeit I have also read that the ARMR200 is dull compared to the DQC-160 and one poster said that the ARMR200 is not very nice to use with the n900 in particular when swiping your finger on the screen.

Anyone care to share their experiences with these two screen protectors.

Thanks

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Apart from these, why don't you try getting yourself the matte screen protectors?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-MATTE-Anti-Gla...#ht_2452wt_939

this should help you eradicate most finger prints and also improve screen readabilty in direct sunlight !!

I had these on my 5800 and they worked great, never gave me any problem, I am awaiting these on my N900 now :)

Cheers

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Hmmm....

After posting this, I see that both products are 3M. On their site, the ARMR200 is referred to as "Protection film" while the DQC products is referred to as "Repair film". Based on this, the ARMR product looks like its the dogs danglies.

Jagger (any relation to the guy rolling the stones): Not sure about this MATTE product. I cant help feel that 3M know their onions better than most on this technology. Thanks for the input though.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I am a fan of the ZAGG protectors, definitely do not scratch!

Fred

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

i've tried zagg and HATE IT. The coating feels uneven and bad however it is pretty strong but i don't need all that strength.
Then i bought the Vikuiti DQC-160.
REALLY REALLY nice!
Seriously!:) Way better then anything i've tried.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

btw, the ARMR200 should be the same as zaggs, and i don't like it:)

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Yeah I have the Zagg full protection. I really dont care if my screen protectors scratch, as long as it's not the screen. The Zagg is more of a hard gel, of course it's not going to scratch.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

yes i agree the 160 is a good choice i am very happy with it

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I use the DQC-160. I manage to 'peel' open the remaining of the screen protecter and find out that it's actually a dual layer material, one that's supposed to face the screen, the other, outwards. Putting on the screen protector was easy, but must get it right the first time - clean surfaces, clean water, and a bit of patience.

Reason I bought it: 3M product.

Good: Adheres evenly on major surfaces. No visual distortion or any rainbow effect. Does not affect touch sensitivity. It's hard coated unlike some rubbery tacky films. Fingers swipe across screen easily. Doesn't use sticky material that would normally accumulate dirt and dust at the border of the films. Removable for wash, but I don't see the need to do it.

Bad: Scratches easily. Got some coins mixed up once and it has 3 hairlines on it. If you happen to get a film with curled edges, you'll see void space starts to build up once the water dries. My film voids around the on screen camera cut-out, but doesn't bother me.

Verdict. Recommended.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I suggest clear protector

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Another vote for DQC 160.

Not as robust as the Zagg, and not 100% scratch proof, but worth the price. I paid around 16 ukp from protectionfilms24 for 3 protectors and split the cost with two N900 colleagues.

A little tricky to get on. I still have some air on 2 extremities, only a couple of mm.

I'd love to compare the different films 1st hand, but for me think this was probably the best balance between clarity, feel & protection.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I bought a set of three from amazon and am incredibly happy with them.
http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Protec...0161436&sr=8-1

But since I wasnt sure if it was the best out there. I called up 3M and asked for samples of 3 different styles that they make. I got the basic vikuti and some others which enhance the light and prevent wide angled viewing. Ofcourse these samples are large pieces and not cut for the n900. I assumed I would use the OEM black plastic cover as a template. But in the end I decided to stick with what I got from amazon since it works well enough.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

It's impossible to install the protector w/o bubbles.
Wouldn't recommend it.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I got some Bodyguardz from Amazon for $25, works well but a PITA to put on just like the ZAGG I had for my BB Storm (which I did manage to get a hole in). Got two full cover sets in the box for the $25, other than the fact that I'm impatient and suck at putting the screen protectors on I like it very much.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Definitley keep away from Ebay. I've had 2 off Ebay, and 2 off Amazon.

First on on Ebay didn't fit the screen. Second one from ebay fitted, but has bubbles around the corners, impossible to get rid of. First amazon one was a matt one, made the screen far too blurry. Second from amazon fit, but wouldnd't go on and ended up slightly bending the edge, so it won't go flat!

I hate these things with a passion!

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

i got the Vikuiti DQC-160 on my n900. it's great. dont get the cheap stuff on ebay. they dont fit. blur your screen(to be fair not that much but definitely noticable when you look closely) and impossible to get rid of the bubbles. i tried it once wid the 3-for-2-quid ones on ebay. the really suck.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I was able to install first attempt with no bubbles whatsoever.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

not, it is not same as zaggs

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

haha, I keep getting that :P, I have seen few 3M matte screen protectors on eBay but I am not sure if those would be original or not !! But I certainly love these, I don't have to keep cleaning off finger prints and also doesn't get scratched !!

Anyhow up to you what you like :)
Cheers

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

i originally bought a Durasec protector. after trying about 10 times to apply it without bubbles i screwed it up & threw it away.

i bought the 160 & its perfect. i am on my second one, but only because it got a bit of water under it when i knocked over a glass near my phone & it had a nasty scratch from another accident. it protected the screen from the scratch perfectly though.

they almost look invisible (still makes the phone look new, shiny & polished). it doesn't affect the touch screen sensitivity at all & its quite rigid and easy to install. just use a credit card to smooth onto the screen. no bubbles at all but you need to spend a minute or so pushing it down all over just to make sure it has stuck properly.

can't comment on the ARMR but the 160 gets a vote from me

you can buy 3 for the price of 2 through the website.

hope that helps..

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Thanks for all the input guys & gals. I have ordered up the DQC-160.
Cheers

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

just get a martin fields screen protector and call it a night. its the best of the best

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Got both of them, the DQC-160 and the ARMR200. I installed the ARMR200 first. I really like the matte finish now, no fingerprints visible whatsoever. However, that comes at a price: The screen is really not as clear as before. The matte finish refracts the light coming from the backlight of the screen (prism or rainbow effect). This is especially visible with small black text on a white background. It is not as bad as on those cheapo screen protectors, but I guess I will be switching to the DQC-160 soon.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I have tried both AMR 200 and DQC160 and must say DQC160 is better for N900: AMR is great. No fingerprints or scratches but it doesn't do justice to display of the phone and is always a pain to use outdoors in sun light. 160 is more prone to smudges and maybe scratches (mine has none so far though) but results in better overall experience.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Tried using 3 DQC-160 and every time the same result :
http://www.abload.de/img/10042010035zay9.jpg

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Yup thats so true. I tested both the ARMR200 and the DQC-160 each more than a month on my N900. Here the test results for the undecided:

ARMR200

(+)
Like the name says its a f****in armor. No really, its durable!

The feeling when you slide the finger or the stylus across the surface is really good, very slick!

(-)
Fingerprints are visible, but not as good as on the DQC-160. They look kinda blurry and with the fat from your skin the protector film makes colour spectra like the surface of oil. You know those red and blue and yellow shimmering spots...

The screen gets sooo damn blurred because of the matte and "anti fingerprint effects" of the film its reaaally annoying . If you like the sharp and brilliant display of your N900, trust me bro: you WILL hate the ARMR200 since it really reduces sharpness and cleanliness of your screen.

Now to the DQC-160

(+)
Extremely light penetrable, very clear -> nearly invisible on your screen. The image quality is really good.

Fingerprints can be wiped of easily of the film.

(-)
No fingerprint protection, its basically like the original N900 screen

Not as ARMOR as the ARMR. But trust me if you occasionally have some coins in your pocket with the N900... no prob. The DQC-160 offers good protection against most stuff, its just a bit thinner and softer than the ARMR200. Still sufficient though...

I'd really buy the DQC-160:)! Its better than the ARMR200 for everyday use. Looks just so much better and fulfills the purpose.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

If theres dust already: Do it again

If its fresh: Take some water (or justsome spit) it will crawl in the cavities and adhere them. Plus press the film down using a credit card in the direction to the rim. I pressed very hard, but be careful not to damage your display;)

You may have to repeat this process 2 or 3 times then it should be adhered and clear.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I bought 3 of those protectors and tried really everything to get rid of this bubbles.
Impossible.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Same problem here. I even tried to apply the screen protector in the bathroom with the shower running hot in order to raise the humidity and to wash all of the dust out of the air. Better results, only bubbles on the corners - probably caused by the bad deburring of the rough edges.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

This is a repost of my opinions from a previous thread http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=42428:

I know some people don't like the Vikuiti ARMR range, but consider this a recommendation.

I ordered both the ARMR200 and the DQC-160 for my own personal shootout (er...touchout?). Initially I spent a week with the n900 naked, the following week with the ARMR on (knowing this would be the most noticeable shift), and then finally switched over to the clearer DQC-160.

The DQC only lasted a day on my n900 before the ARMR was back on.

While there is a *slightly* noticeable screendoor effect with the ARMR, I feel the benefits far outweigh this minor defect. Fingerprints are almost non-existent and I can't remember the last time I had to wipe the screen when I was using it (like I felt to the need to with both the DQC and a naked screen). I've also grown very fond of the surface the ARMR has, with the matte protector giving a paper-like feel as well as reduced glare in direct sunlight.

If this comes off as being a sales pitch that's because I'm sold on the ARMR technology. I can't imagine ever having a touchscreen device that doesn't have this film on it. I'd love to hear if anyone else feels the same way so I know I'm not crazy.

Followup:

After several months I'm still as happy as I was when I first posted this.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I put the shower on max heat for a while and installed the screen protector inside the bathroom with the door closed. All the dust disappears!:)

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Sorry for digging out this thread, but I lately also purchased an ARMR-200 screenprotector. I like it quite much, it feels a bit like the "Ultra Protect" protectors by Exim, just not as tough - but with a slightly better clarity.

The best thing about these protectors is the improved surface. It feels a bit like a piece of paper and to me it makes using the screen much more enjoyable. The screen itself isn't as clear as it would be with a DQC-160 type of protector, but that helps with the outside usage of this phone. In addition to me it appears "tougher" than the very clear kind of protectors - or at least if it scratches, you shouldn't notice it as much.
It is kind of funny that 3M states the DQC-160 is more scratchresistent than the ARMR-200, although the later one feels stronger.

The view on the screen looks a bit crystaline, it is hard to describe... my IPS panel monitor I am sitting in front of at the moment also has a similar texture on it, while my older TN panel was "clear". While the description says the protector is prone to finger prints, that is not the truth. The fingerprints are less annoying and - while the screen is on - they are harder to spot. But they are still noticably and you still need a good cleaning method to get rid of them.


After all I really enjoy the ARMR-200 and would reorder it. Only problem for me was the rather tricky installation, the Exim protectors are much easier to install IMO. So I got quite some bubbles, especially on the edges.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Here a pic of my ugly ARMR200. Taken with N900 of course.
Oh and now that I removed it, the display is so much sharper!
The installation of the protector was quiet easy. The foil sucks itself to the screen and I got no bubbles wathsoever. BUT my reseller from Amazon.de Freyzeichen who cut it, cut it so that the right side would be to long, so I cut something of with a knife. However this made things worse because now there was a 2-3 mm thick stripe of protector that had no contact to the display.
http://bepixelung.org/img/5/6/2/12562_m.png

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Got a privacy screen protector, I rather have those instead.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

I have a martin fields. So far, the best. Not a single bubble, and can't even tell its on there.

They are kinda expensive to get to the usa, like $26 for 1 with shipping.

I have tried the invisible shield/zagg on a previous phone. They are terrible.

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

ive tried all three:

dcq
amr
mfields

the vikuiti scrrens are FAR FAR BETTER in every single way.

mf scratches, i had mine on for a day and it had a hole immediately. this is with no coins no drops. also the screen holds dirt, although the insallation was easy i did order the 3m protectors that day the hole appeared. the dcq is very nice and clear i had one for about 6 months and it worked well just got sick of the curling edges due to a poor install on my part...

the amr is nice i like the feel and the protection i have just installed mine this week however there is a weird oily film building that doesnt come off still much better than the mf which was like taping cellophane to the n900. how can you clean the amr, both the mf and dcq you could wipe with a microfiber and be done this on just traps the grease and finger oil and wont let it go. i dont itsk still better than the 2 mfields i used...

Re: Screen protection: Vikuiti DQC-160 vs ARMR200
 

Sorry to gravedig this but I've been trying to apply the DQC-160.

Just applied it, and got it on good apart from one edge where it was raised up because of the air/water underneath. I did a wet apply, rinsed the protector and shook it off. However, now some time has gone by its raising up on the edges. My question is, if I leave it will these dry up after a day or so, and it'll go flush to the screen again? Or do I have to reapply? Thanks.