iPad Protection

The iPad, being not much more than a screen, really begs for protection. When first using the iPad I was very conscious of avoiding scratches. Finding good protection was impossible after launch, there wasn't a product available.

Fortunately, after a few Internet searches I came across the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD. ZAGG advertises their product as being military grade and has a pretty crazy video to show just how tough their product is. Don't try this at home!

I read some reviews for the ZAGG products and other than complaints on the installation process the product looked good for a try. I also found a coupon code for 20% off from one of the deal sites. ZAGG regularly run discounts for their products so coupon codes should be plentiful. Coupon code in-hand I ordered the front and back invisibleSHIELD kit.

The kit cam a few days later, well packed in a tube, including instructions, squeegee and fluid for the installation. Unless you are a pro at installing decals or window film definitely take a few minutes to read and follow the install instructions. Because the iPad is really just a screen you really don't want to end up with bubbles or other things trapped under the invisibleSHIELD.

The first step is to clean the iPad surface. After a week or more of use the iPad had picked up a lot of fingerprints. I used a cleaner made for cleaning aircraft windscreens and that did a great job of getting the iPad 'better than new' clean.

I decided to apply the screen shield first. I put the iPad on a towel, wet my fingers per the instructions with the included fluid, and pulled the invisibleSHIELD from the backing. As I pulled the shilled I sprayed the adhesive side with the ZAGG fluid. Keeping the adhesive surface moist is important for a clean install.

With the shield removed from the backing I reapplied the spray and then gently lay the screen on the iPad. You don't want to apply any pressure until the invisibleSHIELD is aligned exactly where you want it to be. Make sure you've got the home button cut out on the right end of the tablet. Once the shield is installed use the included squeegee to carefully adhere the invisibleSHIELD and remove the water. Follow the instructions and start in the center moving out to the edges.

During the process of spraying down the film my wife walked in and said, "that doesn't look very user friendly". The reality is that this is not a super easy install but if you are careful the result is great. ZAGG recommends not turning the iPad on for 24 hours after install so that the water can dry. I followed this process and the result was superb, no bubbles, no fingerprints.

In my opinion The ZAGG invisibleSHIELD improved the use of the iPad as it does not show fingerprints like the unprotected screen. The feel is overall smooth though there is a bit of orange peel like texture. Using the touch controls is not impacted. One thing I did notice is that the invisibleSHIELD feels a bit tacky, like hot leather in a car that's been sitting in the sun.

The skin on the back of the iPad has discolored from where my Speck PixelShield carrying case has been pressing on it. The black from the case has transferred to the invisibleSHIELD. In addition to the clear film ZAGG provides a variety of custom and designer skins for the back of you iPad or iPhone. If you are going to cover front and back check out some of the designer skins to add some bling.

Overall, the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD is a nice product that adds much needed protection for the iPad screen. If you take the time to follow the instructions the end result is worth the effort.

Any other tips on keeping your iPad or tablet screens safe?

-David

Why Tablet 4 One?

When I first got the bug to start blogging about the iPad I thought of how the device intersected both my personal and work life. I wanted to investigate not just the novelty of the iPad but more so the utility. No doubt the iPad is great for entertainment and playing. What I really want to explore is how good the iPad may be for getting work done.

Knowing a little bit about search I came up with the search friendly title "Working with iPad". This was good until my friend Matt, who has an affection for numbers and words, came along and told me the title was crap.

This annoyed me so I started thinking of more clever names. The result is Tablet41 or Tablet 4 One. This is my attempt to be clever. First, I find the iPad to be a very personal device, it is home to my books, my music, my movies, my games, my email, my social accounts ... and my work. This applies nicely to the idea of "tablet for one". The second meaning is a bit more obscure. I played off the idea that a common request from a business person is "table for one".

I like the dual mix of personal and business meaning in Tablet41. Oh, and Matt approves.

What do you think?

-David

Welcome to Tablet 4 One

I received an iPad as a gift on April 5. My family got it for me, managing to secure the device during the post launch frenzy. It was a pre-op gift as I was preparing for a major surgery that would literally take me off my feet for several weeks.

Before actually getting the iPad I was all over the hype. It appealed to my techie nature and I could imagine the possibilities of a device that had so much potential. I was also torn by the rampant hype associated with the device; yes it was desirable but is it necessary? After using the iPad I have to say it may not be outright necessary but it does represent a major step in what will be the future of personal and business information access. This is big. This is the future.

Everyone that sees or hears about my iPad wants to know more. This is the reason for Tablet41. Consider this one man's experience with the iPad. I have been using the iPad for both work and play and I will report on my experiences past, present and future. As I set out on this project my plan is to only use the iPad for this blog. This means I will research, write and post exclusively from the iPad.

I won't commit to this approach long-term, it's just too soon to tell if this makes sense. This first post is written directly in the WordPress iPad app, using the iPad keyboard. Nothing flashy all iPad.

If you have questions or comments let me know. I may not always be right but at least I have an opinion on most things.

More to come soon.

-David

Note: post updated on the WordPress site to add italics. The current WordPress iPad app is lacking in functionality.

Follow up note: as you can no doubt tell I've moved the blog to Blogger. See my post Tablet 4 One has Moved! For more on my motives for change.

Want more now? Check out James Kendrick's jkOnTheRun.

Tablet 4 One has Moved!

I made the decision to move Tablet 4 One from Wordpress to Blogger. Why you ask. For several reasons mostly having to do with convenience and working with the iPad. I have a good amount of experience with Blogger and while it doesn't do everything I want I've found it easier to use the design tools, editors, etc.

The Wordpress iPad app does not have the functionality required to make it good for posting. As a result, I found myself switching between the app and the web site, neither having great controls for the iPad. I expect the Wordpress app, which is open source, to get better in time but my experience with Blogger and the inconvenience of the Wordpress app got me looking back at Blogger.

The other change is that Blogger supports the iPad, at least for many activities. There are some gaps I need to figure out, like drag-and-drop widgets. That Google recognizes the Apple iPad and does not just display the mobile version of Blogger is a huge step forward. I'm looking forward to configuring Tablet 4 One and writing many posts using the iPad and Blogger.

Stay mobile, -David