[badnewsblair]

I first heard about the InvisibleShield through a link via Digg.com. The review was RainyDay's review for the iPod nano cover ( link ). I was impressed of course, but I still had a 3rd Gen 10GB iPod and so I filed the review away to the back of my mind.

When the 5th Gen iPods came out, I knew I had to get one. Of course, like most of us that purchased anything after the nano, I was a little obsessive about scratching my new White 5th Gen 60GB iPod. I used the case that was included with my iPod for the first week, then I borrowed an iPod sock. I knew I had to do something about my iPod.

I remembered the InvisibleShield from the RainyDay review and I liked the idea. It's minimal. It let's the original beauty of the iPod come through unhindered and it's durable and lightweight. I had thought about going to ColorWare and getting my new iPod powder coated, but I worried that the ColorWare coating would scrath and then there was no way of removing it.

I had read from the Macnn: iPod forums people were complaining about the price. My justification of spending my $25 for two pieces of plastic essentially is that any other case would cost me anywhere from $20 to $40 anyway. Why not get something that at least looked like it was perfect for me. After investigating for a few moments on the InvisibleShield site (www.theinvisibleshield.com) I was hooked. The videos are pretty amazing and this afforded me the option to remove the InvisibleShield should I scratch it up eventually.

I recieved my InvisibleShield last night and set about applying it to my iPod which thank goodness still had no scrathes (thanks to my obsessive babying). First, the instructions for applying it were not included. It directs you to go to the website to follow the instructions. I'm not sure everyone will appreciate this, but I just printed them out and headed to my prep area.

I used a cotton cloth to work on because I was worried about the water seeping into my iPod. The excess moisture would be wicked away. This seemed to work well and I recommend it. I also recommend not wetting the Shield with your fingers as the instructions suggest. Instead, just let the sheet (the Shield plus its backing) soak in the soapy water mixture for about a minute. Everything will become a lot easier to manage if it is well soaked.

A note about the soapy mixture; use as little soap as possible (liquid dish soap). Mix it well into the water and give the bubbles time to subside so they don't stick to your Shield.

When peeling the Shield off the backing, I found that it wasn't die cut very well. It took some pulling that made me feel like i was stretching it too much. I had an exact-o blade handy, and I highly recommend having a shard blade available to aid in removing the Shield from its backing.

You won't notice at first, but the bottom side of the Shield is stickier than the top. It become sticky very quick though as it dries, so work with a lot of water. Constantly keep your fingers moist (and even the surface of the iPod as well, if you're comfortable)! Place the Shield down on the iPod using the edges to line it up right. The Shield will start sticking in a few seconds so work quick and again, have moist fingers so you can move it around. If it stops moving around, you can wet it heavily and peel it straight up to try again. They say you can only do this a few times, and honestly I did it only twice.

In retrospect, I would have liked to applied the Shield to the back of my iPod first in order to give me practice with the process as my job on the front of the iPod left something to be desired. I have only one bad air pocket above and to the right of the click wheel. However, I did a really good job on the screen and that's all the really matters right? Use a credit card to squeegee the excess moisture and air bubbles from under the Shield. Remember to keep it moist and it may stick and tug the Shield unnecessarily.

Overall, the back was harder to do than the front of the iPod as it has tabs and slits for the headphone jack, hold button, and 30-pin connector. I found it much easier to wick as much of the water off of the tabs and hold them on the iPod until it stuck. Be sure to line the back edges up with the chrome back of the iPod where it meets the white front panel as it is very easy to misalign the back. Much more so than the front.

I also recommend removing the part of the Shield that covers the click wheel as it tends to change the "click" that you expect from the wheel when you press it in. It also changes the traction. Just leave it off.

Fight all impulses to mess with the Shield while it is setting up. It is almost soft to the touch while it is still setting. I doubt it would slip, but I also thing that fingerprints and dust could stick to the surface of the Shield during those first couple of hours. They recommend letting it set over night and I did. The Shield felt noticeably firmer to the touch the next morning and I felt more comfortable handling it. I tried putting it back in the iPod sock for traveling. It definitely doesn't slide in and out of the sock as easy as it used to.

I don't plan on trying any of the keying or pencil tests that they try on their home-page, but I am definitely pleased with the Invisible Shield 100%! It is difficult to apply, but it is ell worth it. For those that don't want to accessorize their iPod with colored cases and just want the original beauty of the iPod to shine through, then this is the case for you. It is removable, extremely durable and almost unnoticeable unless you are looking for it. Go to their site now and order this product!

A note: The Invisible Shield offers a lifetime replacement warrantee! Be sure to register your Invisible Shield as soon as you get it so you can take advantage of this. It doesn't cover air bubble from improper installation, but once my original wears out and starts scratching or peeling I can get another free of charge shipped to me and reapply it properly because I have a practice run under my belt.

I'll update this thread as I continue to use this product.

PS- Sorry for the length. It's Friday at work and I'm bored.

[Scandalous Ion Cannon]

I like mine a lot. My only complaints:

1) It is a pain in the tits to instal.. took me 3 times and one shield was hosed trying so I had to send it back for a replacement.

2) the scroll wheel is harder to use with the full body cover. I might ask them to exchange it for the one that leaves the wheel open next time I replace it.

[badnewsblair]

I definitely agree. It is difficult to apply to the iPod. I wanted to express that in my review and I also wanted to give some tips to help others. I do think it is worth the trouble though. Especially with the Replacement Warrantee!

[GORDYmac]

Ouch!

[sharkabee]

Thanks for putting that up. My ipod is still in transit, so it looks like I'll have to wait till next week to mess with the shield.

Silly question- Did you wait until one side was dry to apply the other?

[badnewsblair]

I did indeed wait until the front was dry to do the back. However, I didn't wait the whole 24 hours to let it completely set up to flip it over and apply the other film. I waited about 2 hours before doing the back.

[badnewsblair]

I did indeed wait until the front was dry to do the back. However, I didn't wait the whole 24 hours to let it completely set up to flip it over and apply the other film. I waited about 2 hours before doing the back.

[sharkabee]

Thanks badnewsblair. I'll post my experience with putting the back on first. I remember another post that said that would keep bubbles from the back from sliding under the front plastic (if it gets frustrating I could live with imperfections, especially if they're on the back).

[badnewsblair]

Definitely try the back first. Good luck and remember to use lots of water until you get it down! I'm sure the nano being so small will be a lot more difficult than the full size iPod Shield.

[analogika]

Thanks for the review.

My 60 gig iPod video is due to arrive next week, and I ordered the InvisibleShield yesterday.

I really like the feel of the clickwheel, so I'd already decided to leave that part off.

How easy is it to leave it off? I've gathered that you don't actually need to cut it out?

Is it possible to just apply the front cover sans clickwheel cover, leaving the clickwheel area on the backing tape for possible later use?

Is it possible to just use the circle for the enter button, or would you have to cut that out? (If so, I'd probably just leave the enter button unprotected, albeit scratch-prone...)

thanks again,

-chris.

[Scandalous Ion Cannon]

They sell 2 models. One with the wheel cut out and one without.

[badnewsblair]

They sell two models and you can also simply leave it on the backing by clipping the four strands of plastic (or whatever this thing is made of) that connect it to the rest of the front panel with an exact-o or blade of some sort.

I was playing with my pictures and contacts tonight and was seriously regretting leaving the piece over the click wheel ads there was no traction to the wheel which made me slip between the two pictures quickly without precision.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Scandalous Ion Cannon

They sell 2 models. One with the wheel cut out and one without.

Not on their webpage they don't.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by analogika

Not on their webpage they don't.

Been there as plain as day for over a month:

http://www.theinvisibleshield.com/in...amp;ProdID=161

[analogika]

Ah, my bad, sorry: I was only looking for the iPod video skin, and that is only available in one version for either size.

however, mine arrived yesterday, and the wheel ring has an extra cut, so it should be easily separated out.

I will know once my iPod video ACTUALLY ARRIVES.

[sharkabee]

A lot easier than I thought it would be, except for those pesky tabs that wrap around the sides. If you do the back first, keep reminding yourself that the front is going to be the easy part.

Another advantage of doing the back first is that you can pick up the ipod without worrying that the front piece may still be setting. With the back, I held it up to a light to make sure the 4 corners were aligned, then squeegied the water out before worrying about the tabs.

With the front, I made sure there wasn't an overhang by brushing my finger up the edges (if the plastic lifts off the ipod, it's slightly misaligned, and very easy to peel it off and wet it a little more, if you have to).

Thanks for the tips in your review, bnb!

[badnewsblair]

Not a problem. Once I get around to it, I'll show you the pictures of the crappy job I did on mine. I'm glad you had a more successful time at it.

[Brien]

Just finished installing mine; much easier than I thought.

I found using a rubberband to hold the tabs for the back piece together worked wonders.

[memento]

the tabs were a pain, but I'm also a perfectionist. It probably took me longer than it should have, but it's near perfect.

[badnewsblair]

I think using a rubber band around the sides would be a great idea. Mine pinched up at the corners of the back of the shield. Did anyone else get this result. It seems to be from too much material from not being fit properly.

I have been carrying my iPod equipped with the Shield in an iPod sock until yesterday because I'm a freak about scratching it. I baby it too much. But now I am using just the Shield by itself. So far so good.

I also don't like advertising that I have a $400 iPod to others.

[badtz]

when you say "tabs" which part of the sheet is it? what does it look like?



i'm trying to get as many tips as I can before I get the sheet + ipod

[badnewsblair]

The tabs are the part of the top plate and the bottom plate. They come off of the main part of the plate and wrap around the sides of the iPod to give the sides protection. They tend to not stick to the sides while you are applying them to the iPod, so it sounds like Brien's idea of using a rubber-band to hold them down will work fairly well.

I've been carrying my Shield protected iPod in my pocket now for about a week without the iPod sock and it seems to be doing very well. I do not notice and scratches so far. Everyone I've shown it to loves the idea and loves the lifetime replacement idea even more! I will keep this updated as far as wear and tear go and if/when the Shield starts to peel back. I'd like to know how easy the process of getting a replacement is from the manufacturer, but of course I think it will be a while until any of us have that experience judging on how well this thing is keeping up!

[sharkabee]

Originally Posted by badnewsblair

I think using a rubber band around the sides would be a great idea. Mine pinched up at the corners of the back of the shield. Did anyone else get this result. It seems to be from too much material from not being fit properly.

I have been carrying my iPod equipped with the Shield in an iPod sock until yesterday because I'm a freak about scratching it. I baby it too much. But now I am using just the Shield by itself. So far so good.

I also don't like advertising that I have a $400 iPod to others.

Good Idea!

Our 15 year-old took it to school, left it in a gym locker with no lock (rather than his regular locker) . . . Guess what?

Anyway, Apple doesn't have a system to flag stolen ipods, so be very careful with it.

Yes, if we don't recover it we'll get another one, after he's learned his lesson, but I'd hate for this to happen to somebody else. Looks like I might get to try the rubber band trick for the next invisible shield (I'd buy it again if I have to). I'm becoming quite the expert in putting it on your ipod .

[Brien]

Same here. I'm on my second broken iPod (both have had faulty dock connectors). I'm sure I'll do a much better job on my second shield.

[volcano]

I purchased my new (black 30GB) iPod today. I didn't even bother to sync it when I got it - putting on the Invisible Shield was my first priority.

For those who bought their IS along with their iPod (or, if you're like me, and bought it 2 weeks before purchasing your iPod), I would highly recommend that you leave the clear cover that comes adhered to the front of the iPod on while you apply the back portion of your Invisible Shield - this will cause you to worry less about scratching and banging up the front side while you're busy trying to align everything.

It took me nearly 2 1/2 hours and it was so nerve-wrecking! With my 'Monk'-like OCD with these type of things, I found myself being anal retentive about the most menial things. I used purified water, but I couldn't decide if it should be hot or cold so I settled on slightly warm. I worried that I had put too much liquid hand soap in my mixture, so I kept diluting it... resulting in too much water, so I would dump it out and start all over again.

The back was a piece of cake for me. I had that on within the first 30 minutes of my adventure. The tabs, like others have experienced, were quite difficult, but I found that if I allowed the material to dry a little bit (creating a stickier adhesive with little water), that it stuck much better. I had the toughest time with front portion, though. I have the version that allows you to poke the click-wheel area out - so I did just that. With the center portion eradicated, I found it nearly impossible to align everything up precisely - and even when I did so, it would inevitably move after attempting to squeeze out the air bubbles! It was so frustrating. My best advice? Start by centering the material around the click wheel, then concentrate on the edges of the device itself. Be careful when you're adjusting the material while it's on the iPod, though - the click wheel cut-out on mine seemed to stretch a bit after my many, many attempts at adhering it correctly.

It's been setting since about noon (central time), but I wanted to add some more songs so I fired it up at about 5pm. It's been working fine, the screen is clear and very readable, but I'm still not completely satisfied. I've considered taking it off and reapplying it - but I'm allowing it to set overnight (unplugged) to see if it will help any. Why am I not satisfied thus far? Well, the front doesn't look the best to me, even though my roommates (who laughed maniacally the entire time) claim it's perfect. I still see some imperfections in the way it set, with regards to the adhesive - and every little bump or ridge is bugging the hell out of me.

Perhaps it'll grow on me once I realize that I can now stuff it in my pocket or backpack without worry - I'm pretty sure that'll do the trick.

Like I stated earlier, I left my click-wheel unexposed. I applied the little piece of material for the select button - and now my click-wheel feels like it's set "in" the iPod, like 3G models. I might change my mind at some point, so I saved the piece of material for the click wheel just in case.

I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

[analogika]

Same experience here.

Back is perfect. (I heeded the advice about using a rubber band to fixate the tabs around the corners)

Front, I had slightly misaligned at first, and ended up pulling it off and re-applying, except I didn't wet it enough the second time, so I got air-pockets in patterns that looked a bit like cellulite. However, diligently stroking out that air with a fingernail over the past three days has really paid off, and it looks almost perfect now.


A word about the edges on the front:

Allow the front to set and dry up a little bit (for an hour or so) BEFORE folding the tabs around the edges, otherwise you'll get air trapped along the edge that will take AGES (i.e. three days and fingernails, see above) to whittle down to something hardly noticeable.

Also, make sure you don't apply this too dry - moisture is IMPORTANT to get the air out. Once this stuff sticks, the glue bonds like crazy.

This Invisible Shield is great once applied. One colleague didn't like the feel of it, but another actually *preferred* it to the naked iPod. Everybody else has been very impressed with it; most had to be told that there was a skin on the back, as they didn't notice at first glance. And it really does seem very, very rugged. I certainly won't be worrying about scratches, ever.

[badnewsblair]

I have an idea for those that would like to remove their click wheel portion of the Shield. Perhaps it may be easier to apply everything as a whole, and then upon the Shield drying a little more thoroughly, use an X-acto knife to sever the pieces holding the click wheel cover and peel it up so that everything is aligned correctly.

Just a thought.

I am glad so many people are buying this product. I really think it is the best idea out there, especially for those OCDers out there like us. Like I said, I'll get my pics up soon. I hesitate because it seems I must have done a much worse job than some of you. But none the less, I will get them up.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by badnewsblair

I have an idea for those that would like to remove their click wheel portion of the Shield. Perhaps it may be easier to apply everything as a whole, and then upon the Shield drying a little more thoroughly, use an X-acto knife to sever the pieces holding the click wheel cover and peel it up so that everything is aligned correctly.

that's precisely what I did.

It is completely impossible to align the front skin perfectly around the scroll wheel before you've removed it.

I applied the skin, waited a bit, and then removed the click-wheel portion exactly as you describe, only to find that it was misaligned by about 1mm (there is a 1mm-wide ring cut into the skin, rimming the click-wheel segment that obscures the edge of the click wheel when applying).

I removed and re-aligned the skin, but the glue had already set slightly (and/or I didn't wet it enough the second time), which led to the whole "cellulite gas enclosure" problem that has taken me three days to compensate and left little visible blemishes in the screen area that show up on white backgrounds.

Better to remove the click-wheel ring BEFORE applying.

[creinhardt]

I think it is impossible to align the front without there being a small gap outside the click wheel on one side. They did a VERY poor job cutting it out. Installing the invisible sheild was one of the most frustrating things ive had to do in MONTHS. I had no idea the install procedure was giong to be this dificult.

And what the HELL, they've updated it so it doesnt include front flaps!?!?!?! Im making them ****ing send me one.

[creinhardt]

Ok, I just tried installing it, and it was FRUSTRATING AS HELL. I finally got it to where I was happy with it, and sat down to watch a movie. About an hour later I walked by my Ipod and to my HORROR it was on, Displaying the "Firewire can only be used to charge, not to sync" message. I turned off hold and cleared the menu, then tried to turn off the Ipod. No dice....the Ipod now refuses to turn off. I ripped the Invisible shield off and threw it on the ground. What the ****. I wrote them a wordy, but nice letter. Hopefully my Ipod will dry out or something and ill be able to turn it off. Otherwise, what am I going to do?!?!? Maybe they will send me a new invisibleshield WITHOUT the goddamn flaps.

[volcano]

Front, I had slightly misaligned at first, and ended up pulling it off and re-applying, except I didn't wet it enough the second time, so I got air-pockets in patterns that looked a bit like cellulite. However, diligently stroking out that air with a fingernail over the past three days has really paid off, and it looks almost perfect now.

That's a good way to explain it - I had the same issue with those tiny "cellulite" air pockets. Like you, I started to use my fingernail in vain to remove them - but I unexpectedly noticed a vast improvement since I started doing it, so my initial disdain has almost entirely paid off.

I've had it on since Monday, and since it's had more time to set, I'm very pleased with it. It took me a while to get used to the new feel of my iPod, but I love the fact that it's much easier to handle now and I feel like I have a good grip on it no matter what situation I'm in. Most of my annoyances have disappeared, and the "ripple" effect is hardly evident on it. I showed it to my family yesterday, and I had to put it at a certain angle in direct sunlight for them to even notice a difference in the texture. From an innocent bystanders point of view, they can't even tell. Of course I notice it - because I applied the stupid thing! Another bonus is the fact that it stays put in my DLO Transpod in my car much better than my previous iPod did, which didn't have the Invisible Shield - I no longer have to worry about holding on to my iPod whenever I go over a hefty bump in the road.

Creinhardt, did you not put your iPod on 'Hold'? How does ripping off the Invisible Shield help your situation? You should've just let it dry overnight and it would've been fine. I'm actually glad my version has the front flaps - the side portions of iPods are often overlooked protection-wise.

[badnewsblair]

You are supposed to use a moistened credit card to get those bubbles out. I found out it worked quite nicely. I only had one bubble that was stubborn but it was well after things had already started to dry.

Also, sorry about your iPod freaking out with the Firewire charging message. Let it dry thoroughly. I am not sure how much responsibility Invisible Shield would take for that. Hopefully it all works out for you in the end.

And yeah, why did you rip off the shield? Just frustration?

[Brien]

My iPod had the same issue near the flaps; fingernails sounds like a good idea. Shame about them ditching the flaps, though. That side protection is a good idea, in the long run.

[memento]

Originally Posted by creinhardt

Ok, I just tried installing it, and it was FRUSTRATING AS HELL. I finally got it to where I was happy with it, and sat down to watch a movie. About an hour later I walked by my Ipod and to my HORROR it was on, Displaying the "Firewire can only be used to charge, not to sync" message. I turned off hold and cleared the menu, then tried to turn off the Ipod. No dice....the Ipod now refuses to turn off. I ripped the Invisible shield off and threw it on the ground. What the ****. I wrote them a wordy, but nice letter. Hopefully my Ipod will dry out or something and ill be able to turn it off. Otherwise, what am I going to do?!?!? Maybe they will send me a new invisibleshield WITHOUT the goddamn flaps.

Their instructions say to turn it off for 24 hours before installing and leave it off for 24 hours after installing, with the hold lock engaged. I would not expect them to do anything for you if you turned it on right away or did not have the hold lock engaged.

[hickey]

I just ordered my 30gig black pod and an invisiblesheild. It seems like its quite a pain to get it installed properly, but its worth it. I'll add my own experience with this once everything is said and done.

[Brien]

Well, I'll be installing my second shield on my replacement iPod tonight; this time, I've got the flap-free version.

[EDIT] Installed it last night; had a few bubbles on the front, but overall looks pretty good.

[I P InYurSoop]

A+++ Service, if you have any problems they will help you out.
I am very happy with their service and their product.

[I P InYurSoop]

When I put my sheild on I had something that looked like very very small bubbles in groups on the front, does anyone how to get rid of them when I reapply the sheild.

[ewiser]

Installed mine last night on a 5g 60 gig. Installed pretty easy considding the post's.
The hardest part was getting the shield to stick to the corners on the back piece. I had to just keep picking up the iPod and pushing the one tab back on till it stuck. Could not get the rubber bands to work as the piece would move to much. Tohought this morning I should have used the orginal iPod packing to hold the tabs on as they dried. Looks great this morning, I used a case on the 4 g I had and it made it look dirty now I can enjoy the design of the 5 g without fear of a nick on the screen.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by I P InYurSoop

When I put my sheild on I had something that looked like very very small bubbles in groups on the front, does anyone how to get rid of them when I reapply the sheild.

Did you apply it with soap, water and a credit card?

[I P InYurSoop]

yes i did

[hickey]

Im gonna be putting my invisible shield on my beautiful new bacl 30gig pod, any last minute suggestions that will make it easier??

[volcano]

Just be patient. You can always re-wet the film and re-apply it, so do the best you can.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by volcano

Just be patient. You can always re-wet the film and re-apply it, so do the best you can.

Yes and no. Mine started to peal on the top left and all the reapplying didn't help. I had them ship me a new one.

[creinhardt]

Originally Posted by volcano

Creinhardt, did you not put your iPod on 'Hold'? How does ripping off the Invisible Shield help your situation? You should've just let it dry overnight and it would've been fine. I'm actually glad my version has the front flaps - the side portions of iPods are often overlooked protection-wise.

I had the hold switch on, and did not turn on the Ipod myself. The moisture from applying the InvisbleSheild must have gotten somewhere it shouldnt and caused the ipod to think that a firewire cable had been inserted. This also made it so I could no longer turn off the Ipod.

All is ok though, as Invisble Shield was more than gracious trying to help me sort everything out. They offered to pay for the repairs to the Ipod if Apple didnt cover it (Apple covered it). They sent me a replacement Shield (without flaps) andall has been great since.

While I did not initially have a great experience with their product, their wonderful customer service turned me around. And also, I think the IS is much better without the flaps!

[hickey]

My installation process went pretty smoothly considering some of the comments about it. It took about 20 minutes I guess, and all is well now. It was hard to keep my grubby little hands off of it for 24 hours before I even got a chance to turn it on.

no problems with the pod either, I guess waiting those 24 hours really does insure everything will be dried out and functioing right.

[hickey]

dupe

[hickey]

2nd dupe. jeez

[mkral]

Thanks to all for sharing their tips/ experiences. I just installed my IS & it was a long/ tedious process. However it seems to be on pretty nicely. The only real trouble I had was the corners & I'm still not sure they're set right. They seem to stick up just a tiny bit where the IS rounds the corners. I couldn't figure out any way to get those areas to flatten out without creating bubbles elsewhere so I'm hoping they won't ruin the install later by catching crap or ripping. Overall, I"m not terribly picky, I want my ipod to look nice & not get all scratched up. If I get a few bubbles, but they aren't affecitng my viewing, then I'll be happy with mine.

[speedballs]

I didn't think that installation was all that hard. It took me about half an hour, I got the screen on in about 5 minutes with no bubbles at all.

However the user that posted that you should use as little soap as possible was absolutely correct, definitely use sparingly, and make sure you coat the entire thing with the water solution, it makes it a ton easier.

I got the version with the click wheel already cut out (included of course) and I find it a great solution. I don't want my clickwheel to show scratches either, and I find the traction is great.

My suggestion is to start with the Enter button sticker, then move to the screen, and then go to the clickwheel. Then finish with the back. The back is the hardest while the Enter button is the easiest. 5 stars for these babies.