POSRUS NibSaver Surface Cover for Wacom Intuos 5 Touch Small Pen Tablet PTH-450

Updated 08 Feb 2017:After almost 4 years (2+ hours per day, 5+ days per week—not nearly as much use as a lot of people, but still not insignificant IMO) of use, there isn't any appreciable wear on this "surface cover" that I can detect. Even through a 60x loupe.I wipe the surface off every day with a microfiber cloth before packing the tablet away. I clean the surface w/ anti-fog glasses cleaning solution (hey, it's what I always have with me) sprayed onto a microfiber cloth and wiped onto, then off of the surface cover. I check the nib at least once per week and replace as soon as I spot any significant wear (compared to a new nib as seen through a 30x loupe), which works out to once every six months or so.… All to say I may be a bit more… meticulous about checking my nibs and cleaning the surface of my tablet than most, so YMMV.(;<_<)*** Original Review (04 Sep 2013) ***I loved the idea of a surface protector for my new small Intuos5 Touch pen tablet and weighted the pros and cons outlined in the previous reviews for this product. I figured I could live with some level of unsightliness for the sake of sparing the working surface the gouges and scuffs suffered by my old Intuos4 so I went ahead and ordered one.After testing the tablet to make sure that it functioned correctly, I disconnected all power and gave the surface a thorough cleaning. I applied a fine mist of water & alcohol solution on the working surface to give myself more time to make any adjustments as well as prevent the formation of air bubbles. While not part of the manufacturer's installation instructions, I've applied a lot of screen protectors and other types of protective films; it's become part of my procedure regardless of recommendations or instructions. (NOTE: I may end up regretting it later, but for now I'm quite pleased with the results--a work surface free of any bubbles or trapped dust.)I immediately noticed that the backing paper of the adhesive strips placed along the edges did NOT come away cleanly, leaving bits of white to accent the darker strips from the thin double-sided tape used along the edges.Using a semi-rigid silicone squeegee, I worked the excess w&a solution out from under the protective sheet and used a microfiber, large-nap cloth to dab up the squeeze-out. Holding firmly to one edge, I used a dry portion of the microfiber cloth to polish the surface protector using firm strokes to help squeeze out as much more of the w&a solution as I could, carefully blotting it out of the deep crevice between the working surface and the frame. I then set the tablet aside in a cool, well-ventilated spot for a bit more than 18 hours to allow the tablet to dry. (Not quite as completely as I had hoped, but more about that later.)Once the vast majority of the w&a solution dried, there were a lot of little bubbles left under the double-sided tape at the edges in spite of all my efforts, but the rest of the area was clear. Aesthetics = 3 (out of a 10-point scale)There's no getting around the fact that the double-sided tape strips are plainly (even painfully) evident, even at a cursory glance. But after almost three months of constant use and abuse, I can say that there's not the slightest hint of wear. Apparent Protective Nature = 9The "surface cover" provides a pleasant (in my opinion) and subtle texture--almost completely smooth, but with enough texture to give you good tactile feedback when using the standard nib or your fingers for touch functions. Tactile Feedback = 8Looking at the nib I've been using, I can't spot any significant wear even under 60x magnification. (I keep a few loupes around my desk for various reason and 'cause I'm That Kinda' Geek.) Nib-Saver = 9The first time I used the tablet after applying the protector, I had a few issues with touch functions, but those had to do with residual solution between the working surface and the protective sheet. I unplugged the tablet set it aside for another 12 or so hours. Testing proved that if not all of the solution was dried, enough had done so--there were no more problems when using touch commands.As I stated earlier, I've been using my new tablet for at least a few hours almost every day (and all day, every day for almost a month of that time) and the only evidence seems to be a bit of smudging that polishes away easily before I pack the tablet away for the night. Even under high magnification, there's no sign of wear to speak of. Overall Functionality = 8Average Rating = 7.4Even though the messy, uneven, bubble-strewn lines of double-sided tape at the edges (and I understand why they're there and a darned good idea from an engineering/design perspective) is hideous; I can ignore them since I almost never look at the tablet as I'm working and the tablet lives in its soft case when not actively in use. So I'll probably try to order another if/when this one wears out. If I don't end up buying a new tablet before that point. And if I do buy a new or different tablet, I'll probably try another brand of surface protector for the sake of comparison.

After reading many of the Intuos 5 tablet reviews and seeing that several reviewers recommended using the surface cover to protect the nibs, I ordered this product to protect my new tablet. I received the cover well within the delivery window and the instructions were clearly written, with a cleaner and cloth included to minimize prints, dust, and in my case, dog hair. Installing the cover was easy--much easier than installing a screen cover for a smartphone or ipad. The surface cover I received fit the entire portion of the tablet, minus the external margins, so it covers more than the usable area. It came with a thin ridge of pealable strips on each of the four sides and it was easy to peal off one side, press it into place then peal off a portion of the two adjacent sides and get them into place, continuing to peal off the strips as I smoothed down the cover. The cover is a little thick and while not a completely matte finish, is not all that shiny either. It hasn't affected the use of the tablet at all. Best of all, it really does protect the tablet's surface and lets me rest my wrist on it, as well as protecting the tablet from scratches and prevents wear of the stylus nibs. It's also easy to remove and reattach if you don't happen to get it exactly as you want it the first time. Couldn't ask for more from a product.

Looks and feels similar to the screen protectors that are used on cellphones & tablets.When applies, the protectors covers both the active & inactive area (perfect fit for the entire surface area).Applying the protector was pretty simple, and with only 1 try was able to apply it without any air or 'dirt' bubbles.Use of the pen feels even better than on the tablet itself - smooth as glass.The only nit I have, is that the sticky are is white'ish and moderately visible. It would be nice if it was perfectly transparent hey ... for this price it's not something worth complaining about.I've been using my tablet for about 6 months prior to receiving this, and have already put a few scratch marks into the writing area. This will definitely prolong the life.

The trick I found was at the very end of the strips at the corners of the protector sheet, take your fingernail right under the end, not to the side or the corner of the tape strip. The strips came right off one by one.It's perfect. It didn't even take three minutes to put it on the tablet, and most of that was going around the edges (where the tape adheres), smoothing out any tiny air bubbles with the corner of a credit card. It beats my old method of screen protecting it - which was doing some surgery on a plastic accordion file folder - I just wanted the inside flimsy plastic - cut a sheet to size of the tablet surface and taped on with masking tape. Now THAT was Ugly!! LOL

I bought this for my Intous pro 5 and got to say i freaking love it it sits perfectly and since it only sticks to the out edge of the drawing area I really didn't have to worry about getting a bubble in it when I was putting it on. It also helped my nibs live longer i would say at least three times as long. the only down side is that it is rather smoother than normal and does take a while to get used to but its not that bad.

I'll give it 3 stars on the off chance it actually protects the Intuos and that such protection is necessary. Otherwise, unlike the screens I have seen for Cameras and Phones from companies like BoxWave, Zagg, etc., this one is very shinny - matte would look much better on the Intuos and the glue area is a very visible 1/8" border that retains part of the WHITE paper backing making it a very visible and clumsy looking installation. It covers slightly more than the active area so you end up with a shinny rectangle with a glue border.If you really think your Intuos needs protection and want to preserve the aesthetics of the Intuos, look elsewhere for a screen.Price was low and it shipped quickly - just isn't that great looking.