Keyboard Protector + Screen Protector = Too thick?

[Bill Gates]

I've got a 3rd party equivalent to an iSkin for my MacBook Pro coming in the mail, as well as a Marware protection pack. The Marware protection pack includes a microfiber screen protector that fits right over the keyboard. It's basically insurance against key marks. I have 2 questions to ask: First and foremost, do I need both to protect my screen? I'm definately using the keyboard protector, but is the Marware cloth redundant? I want this computer to look as close to brand new as possible in a few years time. Here's pictures of both products in case you aren't familiar with them: (My keyboard protector will be clear FYI)

 

[xiaoyu04]

i'm concerned about this as well- I have a iskin and a radtech coming. At least if it is too thick it can still be used to wipe down the screen right?

 

[joel8x]

I would say the combination of the 2 is a bad idea - there is not a lot of space and now you are going to be forcing a foreign object up against the screen when its closed. I would stick with the cloth, as the keyboard protector will get greased up over time and that is what causes the marks on the screen.

 

[Bill Gates]

I would say the combination of the 2 is a bad idea - there is not a lot of space and now you are going to be forcing a foreign object up against the screen when its closed. I would stick with the cloth, as the keyboard protector will get greased up over time and that is what causes the marks on the screen.

Well my purpose in buying the screen protector is to protect the keyboard.

 

[xiaoyu04]

does the cloth really make that much of a difference where it's rubbing against the screen?

 

[MACDRIVE]

I can't understand why people just don't get a coolshield.

 

[Bill Gates]

I can't understand why people just don't get a coolshield.

I could get one. I bought the Marware pack because it includes a comfortable and protective wristpad guard. The cloth is an added bonus.

 

[Jiddick ExRex]

Remember that the cloth doesn't cover the trackpad which also has skin oils. Most lappies I have seen actually has trackpad marks which makes the Marware a good idea, but terribly bad as an overall protector. You will most likely need some sort of overall screen protection since you still type on the silicone shield on the keyboard (which also leaves oils).

 

[Bill Gates]

Remember that the cloth doesn't cover the trackpad which also has skin oils. Most lappies I have seen actually has trackpad marks which makes the Marware a good idea, but terribly bad as an overall protector. You will most likely need some sort of overall screen protection since you still type on the silicone shield on the keyboard (which also leaves oils).

That still leaves the question of whether or not it'd be too thick. I know the Marware cloth is terribly inadequate; I don't want to pay $25 for a cloth such as the Radtech that I can't even use.

 

[xiaoyu04]

That still leaves the question of whether or not it'd be too thick. I know the Marware cloth is terribly inadequate; I don't want to pay $25 for a cloth such as the Radtech that I can't even use.

the one i got was 19.99 with shipping so i guess it depends on what color you want. Either way, it can be used as a screen wiper right?

 

[Bill Gates]

the one i got was 19.99 with shipping so i guess it depends on what color you want. Either way, it can be used as a screen wiper right?

Yes, it can. So can the Marware cloth though. I'm already "over budget" which is why I'm so hesitant.

 

[andrewfee]

I would stick with the cloth, as the keyboard protector will get greased up over time and that is what causes the marks on the screen.

But the keyboard protector is removable, washable, and easily replaceable. Your keyboard isn't.

 

[SMacDuff]

I almost went the same route (getting a Marware Protection Pack and an iSkin keyboard protector) until I read in various forums that I would be blocking the cooling vents by placing an iSkin on my keyboard. I went with the Marware Pack and an Invisible Shield (full body protection) instead and I'm glad I made that choice. With the IS, I know that my Macbook is in pristine condition and that the trackpad is not being subjected to oils or scuffs. The Marware protects the wristpads but I got it mainly for the comfort as it has a soft leather feel.

I use the Marware keyboard cloth and it's enough. I would think that using the iSkin alone would result in rubber marks eventually being left on the screen and using both would likely be too thick.

 

[andrewfee]

I almost went the same route (getting a Marware Protection Pack and an iSkin keyboard protector) until I read in various forums that I would be blocking the cooling vents by placing an iSkin on my keyboard.

The cooling vent runs along the back of the machine by the screen hinge. (and on the Powerbooks, there were notches along the sides)

Apple sell them on their online store (UK one at least) so I don't see why it would be a problem.

 

[SMacDuff]

The cooling vent runs along the back of the machine by the screen hinge. (and on the Powerbooks, there were notches along the sides)

Apple sell them on their online store (UK one at least) so I don't see why it would be a problem.

Yes, you're correct of course but at the time it was my first Macbook and I had no idea so I accepted as truth what the other user had told me about the vents being blocked by a keyboard screen. I know better now but regardless, using the iSkin and a Marware cloth is, in my opinion, too much.

 

[xiaoyu04]

does the iskin really add that much thickness though? I'm concerned because with the iskin there is less chance of dust particles falling beneath the keys, but I'm also afraid that it's going to etch the plastic onto the screen.

 

[Bill Gates]

does the iskin really add that much thickness though? I'm concerned because with the iskin there is less chance of dust particles falling beneath the keys, but I'm also afraid that it's going to etch the plastic onto the screen.

The "iSkin" I got (3rd party) is 0.5mm thick.

 

[xiaoyu04]

if it's that thin it shouldn't be a problem right?

 

[joshwest]

I've got a 3rd party equivalent to an iSkin for my MacBook Pro coming in the mail, as well as a Marware protection pack. The Marware protection pack includes a microfiber screen protector that fits right over the keyboard. It's basically insurance against key marks. I have 2 questions to ask: First and foremost, do I need both to protect my screen? I'm definately using the keyboard protector, but is the Marware cloth redundant? I want this computer to look as close to brand new as possible in a few years time. Here's pictures of both products in case you aren't familiar with them: (My keyboard protector will be clear FYI)

The only time ive ever had a problem was thickness, when i used the marware one on my 12" pb and you can tel the latches had more pressure when closed, now on ibook, macbook, macbook pro no problem. i use the radtech screenwipes

 

[YS2003]

For my 12" PB and 12" iBook, I can use iSkin and Radtech screensaverz together when I close the notebook. The 12" model has extra clearance between the keyboard and screen. I tried this with my 15" PB before; but, I felt it was tight and did not close the lid.
I was interested in Marware's protection pack. But, I heard it is too thick and may interfere with closing the MBP.
I heard there is some vynil based protection kit. I remember I read in one of the theads. But, for some reasons, I cannot find one.

 

[sierra oscar]

the Marware protector pack, Radtech screen saver & iSkin in combination is the only way to go (I feel) to protect your machine from day in and day out work on the move.

However perhaps the MB is more recessed than the MBP - so there may be some differences there in how these products will fit together. So something to consider maybe...

Personally I feel the Marware cloth protector that comes with the wrist pad - isn't that helpful - as it just covers the keyboard (thus the Radtech product is much better there) - but you can always use a spare microfibre cloth in your kit - so it's not wasted.