An Australian company has released an iPad screen coating that does away with the ridiculous high-gloss mirror finish on the iPad.
Apple's not a company that reverses design decisions very often, but one notable decision it did backflip on after sustained customer outcry was its 'glossy-only' screens for MacBook Pros. Now, they can be ordered in matte as an option, in a concession to people who said they didn't care about the vivid look of the glossy screens, but did care about the fact that the glossy screens reflect overhead lighting like a mirror.
Unfortunately, there's no such option for iPads -- the choice is between extreme gloss, ultra glossy or super-high gloss.
Australian entrepreneur Raaj Menon, who runs PC Range and brings the popular Billion modem range into Australia, has launched a new range of iPad accessories called PADACS, including a
"GlareGuard" screen protector that turns your iPad screen matte.
Normally, we'd be sceptical about a claim that a screen protector could turn a glossy screen matte and still look good, but we've seen this one in the flesh, uh, plastic, and the result is amazing -- it really looks and feels exactly like a matte MacBook Pro screen, and as a result, light doesn't reflect nearly as much. Fingerprints don't show up as obviously, either. The promotional pic to the right doesn't really do it justice -- we'll update it with a pic of the actual protector on one of our iPads once we get one of our own.
Currently, the GlareGuard is available for
pre-order for $14.95, with free shipping, and you can order a second one for half price, which seems like a good deal to us (compared to other screen protectors, at least.)
PADACS has also launched a range of pretty sweet-looking real leather cases for $32.95, which, again, seem like quite good value for money considering they're made of leather. (Especially when you consider Apple's own cases are made of a microfibre material and cost $48).
Menon says he is currently sourcing a car charger that delivers enough juice to charge iPads, as well. Most in-car chargers don't provide enough wattage to charge an iPad.