Screen protector needed?

see the point. I have old one about 7-8 years old and it is still look good. Your call but for me it is not worth it.

Take a look at the Zagg product to give you an idea.
I like their product having used it on other toys

http://www.zagg.com/?gclid=CPz3juucnbMCFcuZ4AodW3YAlw

If you take care of them you won't need one. It's all up to you.

More important than a screen protector is putting it in a quality case when storing in your console.
Many of the screen protectors are difficult to apply perfectly and you may go through a few in getting it right.

As gadget_man said take care of it and it will be fine.

least expensive and practical scratch protection ... easy to trim-to-size and apply ..... WORKS FOR ME (quote fm Sgt Rick Hunter,LAPD)

Unlike a hiking GPS, the only time for an automotive GPS to be damaged is where you store it after use. I found a good case provides much better protection than a screen protector. Screen protector may introduce unwanted glare and make the screen more difficult to see during the day.

I've been using my 255W for about 3yrs now and it looks as good as new. Don't use a 'stylus' or anything hard on the screen (including long fingernails) and keep the screen clean and you should be good to go. Save your money.

I still have the factory cover on my TomTom. It was fully clear so I just never removed it. On my other Garmin devices, I don't use them. I really don't see a need. It's individual preference and experience with how you tend to use/abuse stuff.

Ive never used a screen protector on any of my nuvis and have never seen the need to. There are those that feel more comfortable using one and that's fine as well. I do use one on my iPhone 4 though...

thank guys decided to go without screen protector for 1st time

I store mine in an old calculator case. I added some bubble wrap with small bubbles.

...GPS need a screen protector?

In a word, yes. Any touchscreen device needs one.

I don't use one on my units. I keep a pencil in my car and use the eraser tip to input data to the touchscreen. No fingerprints or smudges.

Never used one in over 8 years of owning a GPS.

... if you intend to carry it unprotected in your pocket frequently. I've had a gps for 4 years, keep it in a sleeve case, and have never had a problem with scratches. I do have an SLR camera that I carried on a strap around my neck one summer and that screen did eventually develop scratches rubbing against my jacket. Another small camera developed scratches when I carried it in my pocket without a case.

I have used Zagg protectors on my cameras--after them getting the mentioned scratches. The Zagg protectors do not use adhesives, so can be reapplied if necessary to get a good fit. Also they completely hid the earlier scratches. Very nice product.

Normally, screen protector is not really necessary. But, I have seen people with greasy fingers and their screens have finger prints permanently imprinted on the screens.

Here's my experience.

When I had my Palm Pilot and Windows PDA, I had screen protectors. The stylus played havoc on the screen, and I replaced the protector every couple of months.

On my Garmin units, I've never had one, and they seem to do just fine.

On my current touch-screen smartphone, I have a minor scratch that you wouldn't notice unless you look very close.

So my experience is that you shouldn't need it so long as you only use your fingertips.