What’s In The Box?

Upon opening the BodyGuardz package, the inside cover contains detailed instructions and hints for installation of the scratch-proof transparent film. There is also a helpful tip referring you to their web site (bodyguardz.com) for How to install instruction videos. A pocket on the inside of the front jacket contains two (2) complete BodyGuardz transparent film sets and installation diagram.

On the right side of the package is a spray “tube” of application solution (harmless water and baby shampoo) and a credit card-like “squeegee” applicator. You definitely want all of these tools to do the job right.

Installation and Performance

Installing the BodyGuardz transparent film may look very intimidating at first. I’ve used similar products on other devices and had them “professionally” installed at mall kiosks. For purposes of this review, I did this installation all by my lonesome, and I have to say, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought. The instructions are pretty straight-forward and the videos on the BodyGuardz web site are helpful.

The secret is using enough of the solution to make your job easy. Make sure you have solution on your fingers at all times – it’s a safeguard against your fingers sticking to the film. You also want to be sure to handle the outside of the film to avoid leaving fingerprints on the tacky side that will apply to your iPhone. Just slowly remove the film from it’s backing, spraying the sticky side with solution as you go, and then apply the pieces of film to the appropriate locations on your iPhone. The screen protector is the easiest, then it gets a little more tricky as you apply the film to the rounded corners of your iPhone.

If you use enough solution, I found that installation was much easier because the film will “float” a little on the surface areas of your iPhone and allow you to move them more easily into position. As the water starts to dry, the film gets more tacky and sticks in place better. This is particularly helpful to know when installing around the corners. As the film gets more tacky as it dries, just press and hold the corners in place until they stick on their own.

Once the film is applied, there will likely be tons of bubbles where moisture is trapped between the film and your iPhone. Don’t let this be a big worry. Just use the squeegee to smooth out the bubbles, carefully pushing them to the edges where most of the moisture can escape. It’s recommended that you allow your iPhone to sit overnight without being placed in a case or pocket – you need to allow the film enough time to “cure” so it adheres to your iPhone. Once in place and dry, the film will stay put and won’t come off. You can peel it off later without leaving any residue if you want, but until that time, the BodyGuardz will stay on your iPhone and protect it from scratches and scrapes.

The nice thing about using the BodyGuardz transparent film to protect your iPhone is that it adds minimal bulk, it shows off the sleek design and color of your iPhone, and it does a fantastic job of protecting against scratches and scrapes. It is also a good idea to apply BodyGuardz before using another kind of case. I’ve learned through sad experience that some cases, although designed to protect your iPhone, can cause scratches over time as dirt and dust get trapped between the case and your iPhone. There are some downsides to using BodyGuardz. First, it adds just enough bulk to your iPhone that some form-fitting cases, particularly the hard cases, may not fit properly. Second, over time the film can get dirty and start to peel around the edges if you aren’t careful. Sometimes this can be remedied if you keep it clean and reapply the corners with a little moisture and curing. Finally, it offers no protection from harmful impacts. Also, it may be a little bit on the pricey side at $24.95. But, that price does include two (2) sets of BodyGuardz.

Conclusion

The BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent film is an excellent way to protect your iPhone and still give it that “naked” look. It’s moderately easy to apply and stays put once everything dries. It does a fabulous job protecting your iPhone from scratches and scrapes, but is not recommended for protection in the event of accidental (or intentional) drops to the ground. It may create a problem if you want to use a hard form-fitting case. Personally, I like it enough that it’s still on my iPhone and will stay there as long as I have the phone. You can get BodyGuardz here in the TiPb Store for $24.95.

Pros

• Adds minimal bulk
• Clear film to show off your iPhone
• Moderately easy at-home installation
• Protects against scratches and scrapes

Cons

• Adds enough bulk that hard form-fitting cases may not fit properly
• Offers no protection for damaging impacts
• Can start peeling off on the corners over time; wear and tear
• A little pricey at $24.95

TiPb Rating:

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Review: BodyGuardz Protective Skin for iPhone 3G

The Shieldzone Full Body invisibleSHIELD ($24.95) for your iPhone is an invisible, thin plastic coating that serves well to protect your pretty shiny iPhone from scratches, scrapes, and scuffs without adding additional bulk.

Read on for the full review!

What do military helicopters and iPhones have in common? Well, it’s a safe guess that military helicopters aren’t using Google Maps for navigation. Instead, some of the same protection available for expensive military hardware is also available for that sweet iPhone in your pocket!

Shieldzone Full Body invisibleSHIELD for iPhone is now available from your friendly neighborhood Phone different store for only $24.95. It’s the same stuff that has been used to protect military helicopter blades from every-day wear, so if it’s good enough for Uncle Sam, it’s good enough for your iPhone!

I’m a gadget guy with OCD, which can be a very expensive combination. I do my best to protect my investments, but sometimes accidents happen and phones/PDAs are dropped, skipped across the pavement, and otherwise abused. I’ve tried a myriad of cases, pouches, and covers over the years, but not until now have I found an almost-perfect answer.

Design

The Full Body invisibleSHIELD from Shieldzone is aptly named: it covers your entire iPhone for full-body protection. There are other similar products available from the Phone different store, namely Egrips and BodyGuardz Protective Skin, but I chose the Shieldzone invisibleSHIELD to fully protect my iPhone.

Your installation kit includes the plastic covering (very similar to screen protectors you may have used on your PDAs), a rubber “squeegee” and solution for application. Although you can try installing yourself, I highly recommend a professional installation by a Shieldzone employee (either at one of their stores or at a mall kiosk near you).

Function

The beauty of the invisibleSHIELD is it’s transparency, both literally and metaphorically. It covers the ENTIRE iPhone without hindering functionality. The multi-touch screen handles your multi-touches without a problem, as if no covering was there. All of the buttons on your iPhone are accessible. Additionally, the invisibleSHIELD is “underwear” your iPhone can wear under most cases that prevents chafing — in other words, I’ve learned that even with a nice case over your iPhone, dust and dirt will collect over time between your iPhone and case and can scratch, nick and scuff your iPhone. The invisibleSHIELD allows NO dust or dirt between it and your iPhone, so you can sleep at night knowing your iPhone is protected!

If you just want to sport your iPhone in it’s underwear, then go for it! The invisibleSHIELD protects your iPhone, even from your keys and loose change competing against your iPhone for space in your pocket. You can enjoy the elegant beauty of your iPhone without a bulky case.

Are there downsides to this product? Yes. This piece of mind and fancy (yet durable) underwear does not come without a price. Most smaller devices, like an iPhone, require another $10 on top of the purchase price if you want it professionally installed. Also, over time and use, the covering may start to peel up from the edges. The good news is the guarantee — if professionally installed by Shieldzone, just take your iPhone back if peeling or other damage occurs and they will replace it (the invisibleSHIELD, NOT your iPhone). Also, although most cases or holsters are not a problem, some form-fitting hard cases may not fit properly in spite of the almost non-existent bulk that is added.

Conclusion

For complete protection, you can’t go wrong with The Shieldzone Full Body invisibleSHIELD ($24.95). It is an excellent solution to protect your iPhone, alone or as “underwear” between your iPhone and your favorite case, pouch, or holster.

Pros • Clear, full-body protection. • Protects your screen without negatively affecting function of multi-touch. • Full access to all buttons.

Cons • Difficult to install on your own. • Edges may peel up over long-term use, but guarantee may allow free replacement. • May not play well with form-fitting hard cases.

Even with the Cons, I give it a 5 out of 5!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Review: Invisible Shield for the iPhone