Protection methods for the 16" 2021 MBP (M1 chip) screen?

Question

Level 1

37 points

Protection methods for the 16" 2021 MBP (M1 chip) screen?

Wanted to ask if anyone has experience with either of these screen protection strategies.

This is for a 2021 MBP 16” (M1 processor).

My intention is to have something that mitigates effects, or makes them easier to clean, of fingerprints, keyboard impressions (the square marks the keys leave on your screen after a while), and the occasional sneeze.

1) I’ve seen this thing get some good comments online….

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNKBFN9/?coliid=I3M0KHZY1AUFH8&colid=BG3A0Y1Y0BA7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

It’s a microfiber that lays on top of the keyboard when you close the lid. (Think of the thin piece of foam paper they sent your Mac with…..goes in the same place.)

2) And then there are actual screen protectors.

I’ve noticed one by Spigen, but it’s back ordered right now.

If I go with a screen protector, I am not interested in “blue filtering” since MacOS can do that for you natively in its screen settings.

I also don’t need the “privacy” protectors that narrow the viewing angle - all that will do, I believe, is degrade the image for the intended viewer.

And, lastly, it doesn’t have to be diamond-hardness (I noticed manufacturers advertising 5H, 6H, etc ratings). Unlike my iPhone, my MBP isn’t getting tossed in my pocket with car keys.

Has anyone had a particularly good or bad experience with either of these methods (keyboard covering microfiber vs screen protector)?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro Apple Silicon

Posted on Feb 18, 2023 10:32 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,028 points

Feb 19, 2023 9:18 AM in response to jrmyeh

I've been here a dreadfully long time. For every report of screen protector saving a screen, I've see 10 where it DAMAGED the screen—permanently.

If the cover must be removed, it invariably takes some of the factory-applied anti-glare coating with it. That leaves ugly blotches on the screen that will be your "forever" blotches.

What too many people do not know is this: starting with Retina Macbook Pros, the displays became one unified assembly that cannot be separated.

Before Retina, if a protector violated your screen, you could replace the screen cover with a new one for probably US$30-40.

No more.

If any part of a Retina display is damaged, the entire display assembly must be replaced. Reports here suggest that will be a US$500-650 expense—probably more for a 16-inch model.

So you have the option of:

a very expensive repair
suing the maker of the screen protector
living with a b*tt-ugly display.

Your call, my friend! I won't take the chance with my gear.

Reply

Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,028 points

Feb 19, 2023 10:11 AM in response to jrmyeh

Slow down! Apple does not like keyboard covers either:

Using a camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover on a Mac notebook - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

kaz-k

Level 9

51,690 points

Feb 19, 2023 3:35 AM in response to jrmyeh

Hi,

I prefer screen protector, though it's quite hard to stick it without air bubble and dust, especially for bigger screen.

I'm using silicon keyboard protector and screen protector.

Reply

Answer 4

jrmyeh Author

Level 1

37 points

Feb 19, 2023 10:01 AM in response to jrmyeh

All good points.

I'm convinced.

Solutions that you can't easily walk away from = bad solutions.

Going with the keyboard sized microfiber cloth.

Reply

Answer 5

jrmyeh Author

Level 1

37 points

Feb 19, 2023 7:24 AM in response to kaz-k

I hadn't thought of that. Yes...it's tough getting one of those on a small phone screen perfectly (no dust, no bubbles trapped beneath). Getting one perfectly on a 16" screen must be almost impossible.

Reply

Answer 6

jrmyeh Author

Level 1

37 points

Feb 19, 2023 10:25 AM in response to Allan Jones

Allan,

Yes, their tolerances are tight.

So.....what's tight mean? This cloth is advertised 0.4mm thick. That's incredibly thin.

Maybe Apple's tolerances are a little too tight if I'm seeing an impression of my keyboard being made on my screen after a while......

They've made nice strides recovering from the debacle of the late 2010's MBP's, which were ridiculously designed devices, but maybe they have some more ways to go.

Reply

Answer 7

babowa

Level 9

78,636 points

Feb 19, 2023 9:34 AM in response to Allan Jones

+ 1 !!!!! I would not take the chance. I don't care how many positive reviews it has.

Reply

Protection methods for the 16" 2021 MBP (M1 chip) screen?

Similar questions