is there any way to take off just the screen on the D3? thanks

Sure, if you want to void the warranty and risk breaking stuff.

But my guess is that it has tabs that click into slots in the metal frame to hold it in.

any safer way? lol

No. You have to remove the entire black front piece to do it. Which voids your warranty. Why do you need to anyway?

A little ghetto faceplate removal security....

Why would you want to do half the work for the thieves? Don't trash your D3 trying to take it apart. If the touch screen is anything like my treo, it's not very sturdy when not mounted in the housing. (don't ask wy I know this about my treo)