does an ipad need a screen protector

The choice is yours. I personally like to have a screen protector because accident can happen and it's costly to replace the screen.

I would say no. Not needed.

But of course, it all depends on how harsh are your conditions and your iPad's living environment. I can imagine some people toss it around a metal shop, sometimes screen face downward, sliding around greasy steel countertops not completely cleaned of metal shavings.

Horrible thought, I know.

Mine is kept indoors in a clean home office environment.

What sorts of things would scratch it?

How crystal clear are the protectors for the mini?

I have a screen protector on my iPad 2, for the same reasons as Diavonex, it's an expensive piece of electronics and I want to protect it. Same reason it lives in a case at all times. As to how clear protectors are, all depends on which one you buy and how they are made. Some are better than others.

If small kids use it, add a protector. You never know what kids might drag across the screen. I added one because my small grandkids use it.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

I use Apple's Smart Cover instead of a screen protector.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD310LL/A/ipad-smart-cover-polyurethane-blue

10 bucks more would get you a Smart Case, which also protects the aluminum back of the iPad.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD458LL/A/ipad-smart-case-polyurethane-blue