Any non-glass, polycarbonate, or other more durable screen replacements for iPad 2?

[TheOnlyKingArthur]

I know. I know. That's blasphemy. Whatever. After dropping my iPad while in a thick padded case from two feet up onto soft carpet and shattering the screen, then subsequently shattering the replacement screen I purchased on the final 10 seconds of installation, I'm a little fed up with the fragility of these screens. I'd rather not pay for another one that is just going to shatter next time I breathe on it, nor do I want to pay the (50% of your iPad) price that Apple charges to replace them. Online retailers that do the screen installation for you are not much cheaper than Apple's solution.

So the question is; are there any companies out there that manufacture screens for the iPad 2 that are either a different material or a more durable gorilla glass? I've looked but I haven't found anything. Screen covers and cases are NOT what I'm looking for so please don't suggest that. Both were installed when it broke. I'm really looking for a replacement screen for the gorilla glass that is made of something else or is a more durable version, if one exists.

Thanks for any help in advance.

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[zphone]

I've got something that is supposed to help with that - they call it applecare+

Sorry, never heard of any other screen for iPad.... LCD is inevitably fragile. What you are looking for is OLED but that technology is a few years away.
However, you must admit - if you have already shattered one screen putting it in that perhaps 3rd parties that do replacements and charge a bit more are perhaps not overcharging?

[Contra]

Wow best solution is to buy a Griffin Defender or something like it....or just stop dropping it

Sent from my iPad 2 using iPF

[TheOnlyKingArthur]

I thought Apple Care didn't cover accidental damage? Even if it did, it won't make the screen any tougher than it is. I'd rather not bring the device in for repair every month or two. I use it as a mobile device and since it doesn't fit in my pocket, it's going to get bumped around a bit.

It's not the LCD screen that broke, the screen is fine. It's the external glass digitizer. I doubt any third parties create more durable screens than Apple, unless of course that's their selling point which is essentially what I'm seeking. My point on that front was that Apple replaces your entire iPad, and for slightly less money a third party will only replace the screen. If it's only a little more money, you might as well just get the whole new iPad from Apple. Those are the only options aside from doing the repair yourself.

Money isn't really the issue though, at least not short term. The issue is durability. I don't want to replace my iPad's screen all the time, (which would make it a money issue long term). I'll be using my iPad in the field, the office, and at home. I want to beef it up to make it more durable so it can withstand more force than it currently does. The screens and cases I've bought failed in that aspect, so I'd like to find an alternative to the fragile glass.

[TheOnlyKingArthur]

Wow best solution is to buy a Griffin Defender or something like it....or just stop dropping it

Sent from my iPad 2 using iPF

Not looking for advice on how I should use my iPad, but thanks anyway.

I am also not looking for names of different cases or screen protectors that 'may' work, as I stated in my original post. The one I had failed to help from a two foot drop onto carpet. What's the point of having one then? I've also read too many reviews of similar stories from all the best cases out there. Besides, the case I had was the one you suggested. The Defender. Though it's made by Otterbox, not Griffin. Guess it's not the best solution after all?

[zphone]

Well, I am glad now that we did not give out the iPad to our field staff. We just went with normal laptops and so far it has been a better experience than expected for both parties.

I am sure the technology will be there in a couple of years, but until then it's not going to be pleasant for you.

BTW: Applecare plus seems to offer two replacements even with accidental damage over two years - I've heard they charge $45 for replacement, but it's better than the alternative. Since it is a mobile device I did buy the Applecare+ with mine.

[Skull One]

Thanks for any help in advance.

The technical answer is simply; no.

The reason is simple. Optical clarity. While yes, you could coat any screen type with the needed chemicals for capacitive touch, none would give you the visual clarity that glass does.

[TheOnlyKingArthur]

Well, I am glad now that we did not give out the iPad to our field staff. We just went with normal laptops and so far it has been a better experience than expected for both parties.

I am sure the technology will be there in a couple of years, but until then it's not going to be pleasant for you.

BTW: Applecare plus seems to offer two replacements even with accidental damage over two years - I've heard they charge $45 for replacement, but it's better than the alternative. Since it is a mobile device I did buy the Applecare+ with mine.

Definitely not durable enough for field use. It's a bummer because this thing is very handy in the field.

I reviewed the Applecare program, seems like a good option. I don't remember it having the accidental replacement option when I purchased my iPad. I could be wrong though. Unfortunately Applecare doesn't help now that it's already broken.

[TheOnlyKingArthur]

The technical answer is simply; no.

The reason is simple. Optical clarity. While yes, you could coat any screen type with the needed chemicals for capacitive touch, none would give you the visual clarity that glass does.

I think you mean that the technical answer for "Apple products only", is no, because they will only produce glossy glass screens. But the question was, are there any third party manufacturers that create alternate material screens, which is technically quite possible. My Wacom Cintiq has excellent optical clarity. I prefer matte screens anyway. They are far more practical and useful, beyond the surface deep quality of making the appearance of the product itself look good.

[Skull One]

I think you mean that the technical answer for "Apple products only", is no, because they will only produce glossy glass screens. But the question was, are there any third party manufacturers that create alternate material screens, which is technically quite possible. My Wacom Cintiq has excellent optical clarity. I prefer matte screens anyway. They are far more practical and useful, beyond just looking good themselves.

Since this is an iPad forum I assumed Apple was implied.

But to your point; yes it is possible, but no one at present has made a non-standard screen for the iPad or iPhone that meets your condition.