First Thoughts:
The InvisibleSHIELD by Zagg is one of the most popular screen protectors known in the wireless community. Zagg has offered protection for your devices for quite a few years now. I personally have used them for my devices for a number of years now. My most recent purchase was made a few weeks ago from probably one of the best promotions I have seen them run, which was get ANY InvisibleShield for 50% off and to top off the promo, if $20 or more was spent the Zagg Smartbuds only costs $10 (a $50 value alone). The other item bought was an InvisibleSHIELD for the iPad 2. Altogether spent about $35. Can’t hardly beat that pricing, especially for the quality product Zagg offers. Zagg is a great option for anyone in the market for buying device protection materials.
This is a review and how-to guide which is catered to the iPhone 4/4S. Specifically the Case friendly model.
YouTube Video.
Analysis:
Zagg is pretty good about preparation and complete packaging. They give you all the heads up you need before you dive in the installation of an InvisibleSHIELD. For one, the box has warnings and look outs throughout the box and the contents of the packaging. Clear signal to read up on the Instructions and warnings before starting. I like that. They set you up for success. With that said, this is obvious that the installation is not the typical smack the screen protector on process. There are particular steps to follow.
The InvisibleSHIELD itself is made of a flexible, kinda rubbery, clear plastic material. The plastic is actually stretchable (do not try). The feel of the material gives me the assurance of durability. The fact that a screen protector comes with a lifetime warranty is assuring. I like how the edges are cut shorter than the standard InvisibleSHIELD so most cases will have a good fit. That being said, only buy the case friendly model if you plan to use a case. The type of case that this is designed for would one that fits over the lip of the iPhone. A normal snap on case will not cover the gap between the edge of the phone and the screen protector.
Installation Guide:
- The installation is not the typical install. There are a few steps to take before putting the screen protector on the iPhone.
- First, watch and read all the guides the materials points you to.
- Second, take all the contents of the packaging out and open them. Set them in place.
- Clean the screen of the iPhone with the provided cloth. Make sure there are no dust or smudges on the surface.
- Next, wash your hands and dry them off, making sure there are no lint or dust particles on your hands.
- After that spray/ mist your fingers or any area of your hand that could potentially come in contact with the InvisibleSHIELD.
- Next step is to peel the first layer of film off the screen protector.
- Lay the non-sticky side down on your hand. The sticky side will be the face that lays down on the front of the iPhone. You will want to spray the front and backside of the screen protector. This assures that there will be no finger prints.
- Make sure not to spray the iPhone.
- Sticky side down, start to line up the InvisibleSHIELD with the iPhone. Use points of reference like the home button and the ear speaker. The InvisibleSHIELD can lightly slide around in case it does not line up perfectly.
- Once the lineup is set and straight, get the squeegee and work out the bubbles and left over solution. I like to work it out in sections at a time, rather than going from top to bottom.
- Next use the included cloth to wipe away any left over solution.
- Take the iPhone next to a good light and inspect the installation.
- Last step is lay the iPhone aside and let the magic happen. Do this for 12-24hours. One tip to quicken the process is to lay the iPhone next to a desk lamp, one that does not get too hot.
A Few Tips:
- Take your time.
- Prepare.
- Install the InvisibleSHIELD before bedtime, this way you know the phone will not be in use.
- Have good lighting.
- Spray your fingers 2-3 times during the install. The solution can dry fast at times.
- Be patient during the wait time, the bubbles do work themselves out.
- If you purchase the InvisibleSHIELD from a retailer, ask for them to install it for you. That way the “blame” if anything should happen, will be on them. I’ve witnessed Best Buy installing a few myself.
Overall the installation wasn’t too bad. You definitely have to take your time with it and not rush through the process. The YouTube video is a great example of how things might go. I did not lay the screen protector down perfectly the first time and had to make a few adjustments before the install was satisfactory. After the 12hour standby time, the iPhone looks great. No bubbles or dirt stuck under the screen protector.
The installation can be the biggest pain in the butt, which makes that the biggest CON with this product. But that is where being prepared comes in handy. If directions are followed, no worries. If installed correctly, it will last for a long time. Should last at least until you change your next device. So if you are like me, soon. Some of the other potential CONS would be if you decide to use a snap on case which leaves a small gap of no protection on the screen. Anytime applying liquid to a device there is risk. So be careful. Work the solution away from the home button and the speaker. Other than that, its a great product. I recommend it.
Your Feedback:
- Do you own an InvisbleSHIELD?
- What has been your experience with an InvisibleSHIELD?
- Has this post been helpful?
- Any other points to be made?
*YouTube Video*
