Zagg’s Invisible (Problem-filled) Shield
After buying a new iPod Touch one of my gripes had been it’s an even more scratch magnet that the first generation iPod Touch. After doing some research I found Zagg’s InvisibleSHIELD and it looked unbelievably cool, so I bought one.
The InvisibleSHIELD is a thin, transparent film used to prevent scratches on a countless number of gadgets. Zagg says the film was first used on U.S. Military helicopters to prevent speed damage. The film is promoted as being near-indestructible, but I would beg to differ.
Watching the InvisibleSHIELD installation video on the Zagg website was part of the reason why I bought one. The video looked extremely easy and hard to mess up, but it’s pretty easy to mess up. I started taking pictures of each step of applying the InvisibleSHIELD to my iPod, but about a minute into the process I stopped taking pictures due to complete frustration. (At one point, I was swearing at the device.) To apply the InvisibleSHIELD you first remove it from the paper (it’s like a sticker), then you spray it with a clear substance, and then you apply it to the device. The first two steps were relatively simple, but applying the sticker correctly was a difficult feat. I unsuccessfully applied the screen film and was unable to move the sticker without stretching it out. The circular home button now has a little air pocket, which the squeegee can’t remove. The strength Zagg promotes the InvisibleSHIELD has, was thrown out the window when my squeegeeing put a small scratch in the middle of the screen.
Applying the back film was a little easier, until I had to squeegee the air/liquid pockets out. After about 30 minutes of squeegeeing I got most of the pockets out. In the process I had also stretched out the film and it doesn’t fit correctly on the device.
After letting the film dry for a couple hours I noticed that the air pockets weren’t as prevalent. I also noticed the feel of the film, which is actually preferable to the actual iPod screen. The film is easier to hold on to and the number of smudges on the device has decreased. I feel safe to carry my iPod in my pocket, but I don’t feel safe enough to keep it in a pocket with my keys. If the plastic squeegee put a tear in the film, the keys definitely will.
The InvisibleSHIELD is a stealthy way to protect your iPod, but it’s also a difficult one. Applying the film gives no room for major mistakes, which will frustrate a perfectionist like myself. Once the film has been applied, it protects the iPod from the average wear and tear. I wouldn’t recommend the InvisibleSHIELD because it’s too expensive for what it needs to do. The film is $25 for the front and back film, which seems a tad steep for a couple pieces of plastic film. On Amazon there are many alternatives that are selling for only a few cents. Give them a try before you spend a pretty penny on an, in my opinion, gimmicky sticker.
UPDATE: Zagg’s awesome customer service has offered to give me a second try. I will post my second attempt soon. Thanks Zagg for the great customer service.
Tags: case, gadget, ipod, protection