If you’re one of the 10 million people with an iPhone then you understand there’s a huge market for protective covers and cases for it. Even the tiniest scratch somehow totally ruins Apple’s minimal aesthetic. Most people opt for cases for full protection but that defeats the purpose since the iPhone was meant to be seen. There are protective films but each manufacturer’s quality is questionable. So who’s to trust? I tried out the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD and came away impressed but not without some marring issues.

The invisibleShield kit comes with 4 precision cut film pieces, a spray, and a squeegee. The instructions are simple. Spray your hands to prevent fingerprints, carefully peel off a section of the film and spray it down. Carefully place it on the iPhone and squeegee the air bubbles out. Simple right? Not exactly.

If you haven’t noticed, the iPhone has curved edges. The film piece that goes over the screen was a cinch but everything else required dexterity, patience, and most important finesse. Tho ZAGG has a tutorial video on their site to help first time Shield installers, it goes without saying the person in the video has done it before. Thankfully spraying down the film pieces before installing gives you some breathing room to make mistakes. Quickly correct and squeegee, squeegee, squeegee. I found for the tough corners a hair dryer set on the lowest and coolest setting really helps force the film to bend to your will.

Once the installation was finished, I was pleasantly surprised. My iPhone didn’t look like it had anything on it, not unless I looked really close but then again I don’t go around with my vision permanently fixed on macro. The film is totally clear, like glass. It’s also somewhat resistant to fingerprints but the best part is it seems immune to scratches. WIN!

What we liked:

• Clear, glass-like film.
• Precision cut pieces perfectly fit iPhone and iPhone 3G.
• Super durable. Haven’t been able to scratch it yet.
• Affordable alternative to cases and covers.

What could be improved:

• The installation is a little difficult.
• Tiny gaps can appear if installation isn’t perfect resulting in dust particle build-up.
• Does not protect iPhone from drops. You need a case for that.

If you’re looking for a protective film in lieu of cases and covers, go for the invisibleSHIELD. The company uses the same technology and makes protective films for iPods and laptops too. I’ve had mine on for almost 3 weeks and it gets its share of challenges being tossed in and out of a bag. So far so good. My iPhone still looks pristine. 

[ Buy It Here ]