I am looking to purchase an iPad to pair with a high-end GNSS receiver for outdoor use. I am interested in whether the antireflective coating on the iPad air (and iPad pro) are worth the extra money if I'm going to be using a protective (anti-glare) screen cover anyway. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from the community for reducing glare and improving visibility when using an iPad outdoors.
iPad
The enhanced anti-reflective coatings are typically associated with the high-end fully laminated iPad screens. As the laminated display, if damaged, has to be replaced as a single [expensive] component, a good quality tempered glass screen protector is arguably all the more important to provide additional scratch and impact protection.
Unlike the screen itself, the screen protector is a sacrificial component that is comparatively cheap to replace.
Use of a screen protector will always introduce additional surface reflection - along with a marginal reduction in contrast - but this is perhaps an acceptable trade-off. Ultimately, it’s your choice.
I hope this insight provides an objective viewpoint upon which to make an informed decision as to suitability for your application.
To be honest, it wouldn’t really make any sense. If you were to put an anti glare screen covering and then buy the anti reflective for outdoor use, then it’s just a waste of money. It would make no sense to get two screen covering/coatings that would stop the sun from making it hard to see the screen. I recommend to get only one if you want to save money. If you want to be extra careful though, then still don’t get both if you don’t mind a tiny bit of sun still reflecting.
Antireflective coating & screen protectors
