Is a screen protector worthwhile for an iPad?

I had a screen protector on my iPad for exactly 2 days. I bought an anti-glare one because I found that the matte finish made fingerprints much less of a problem on my iPhone. Unfortunately, I managed to get a few tiny creases when I applied it, causing annoying bubbles. I found the feel of the touch screen was not as good, and felt the film reduced the beauty and clarity of the display.

Ultimately I removed it and, so far, I have not gotten any scratches. I do keep my iPad in Belkin Grip Swell case, and put that in a Case Logic netbook sleeve when not in use. I also clean it frequently with a 3M microfiber cloth.

Pros

1. Protects your screen (yes, really)
2. Anti-Glare screen protectors minimize glare and.. fingerprints!

Cons

1. Difficult to apply perfectly (and less-than-perfect is not good - buy two in case!)
2. Expensive
3. Makes display look and feel cheap
4. Might not really be necessary if you are careful

The screen is basiclly glass. Anything that scratches glass will scratch it. Look up the hardness of objects on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral_hardness. If it is above a 6 or so, it will scratch the glass. If your iPad will never come into contact with anything above 7, it's snake oil. Sand is the most common thing that is that high, so if you ever come into contact with sand, then get a screen protector.

Only the first scratch hurts.

But in saying that, by the time it's scratched it will be time to turn the I pad into your new table paper weight. I had a palm IIIxe fully screen protected. 10 years later I took off the protector and viewed it's prefect screen. I had regrets from having to endure the less sensitive screen and not being able to enjoy the device as intended, without Impediments.

I am now a believer in "by the time it gets damaged, it will be well overdue for a new device" - provided you take decent care of the device.

Technology is so transient these days. No protector all the way!!

I haven't had any scratches on my unprotected iPhone or iPod Touch after two years of sliding them into and out of pockets with keys, coins, and other such things, so I'm not going to bother putting a screen protector on the iPad.

I do have a case for it, so when I'm not using it it's covered. But like JavaWocky, I am of the opinion that risking an unattractive scratch is preferable to permanently covering it with a blurry rippled film.