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