MacBook Air: Have you tried the invisible shield?

[matt4077]

Wow, that's ugly. Reminds me of those people that cover their couches with plastic to avoid stains. I always wonder why the ugly plastic doesn't bother them, while stains apparently do.


Anyway, my 5 years old 17" Powerbook had to endure quite a lot of abuse over the years, and I can't find a single scratch on it.

 

[ddd269]

Wow, that's ugly. Reminds me of those people that cover their couches with plastic to avoid stains. I always wonder why the ugly plastic doesn't bother them, while stains apparently do.


Anyway, my 5 years old 17" Powerbook had to endure quite a lot of abuse over the years, and I can't find a single scratch on it.

It's much understated when you see it in person. Besides, a couch you don't carry around, but a computer you do. MBA was designed to be a "usable ultra portable" which more than likely makes it much more vulnerable to damage than any other notebooks in the past.

I guess I'm a bit clumsy, because I've dropped stuff on top of or hit my notebooks on door handles and such and the invisishield protected the impact beautifully. The beauty of this product is that you never have to worry about it being on (like a sleeve), it's worry free and it's always on.

I dropped my key chain (very heavy with about 20 keys) once on top of my MBP with the invisishield on and made several sharp gouges (but, not a tare) on the invisishield. I was sure that I did damage through the MBP skin. A few month later I had to send the MBP for service to Apple and took the invisishield off and guess what..? No damage. The gouge on the invisishield was still there but the MBP aluminum skin was perfect! It's worth every penny and makes it look even more beautiful, even though it reminds you of plastic covered couch. And invisishield sent me a new one when I got the MBP back. Isn't life great!

 

[Cybergypsy]

Pictures of the invisishield. Like I posted ealier, I didn't apply the trackpad (don't like the tackiness) and the bottom piece because I'm getting a new one due to defect.

Anyways Here are the pics. Sorry about the quality on the close-ups (I took it with iPhone)

Thank you for posting pics, it not that bad but think i will get a sleeve and the wrist area....thanks again

 

[PDE]

Hopefully MOSHI will come out with a good palmrest and trackpad protector - they're great, last forever and are barely visible. Highly recommended.

 

[ddd269]

Thank you for posting pics, it not that bad but think i will get a sleeve and the wrist area....thanks again

If you're looking for a sleeve... consider this. I got one and works and looks great. I posted some pictures of the sleeve here.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/431327/

 

[dahcheet]

Thank you for posting pics, it not that bad but think i will get a sleeve and the wrist area....thanks again

If you're looking for a sleeve... consider this. I got one and works and looks great. I posted some pictures of the sleeve here.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/431327/

I think she (?) is waiting to see if I am going to keep my Airmail or not, right Cybergypsy?

I like that sleeve but I don't like the colors it comes in. If there was a plain black I would probably buy one of those too (along with the two other cases I already ordered and are waiting for)

 

[matt4077]

I dropped my key chain (very heavy with about 20 keys) once on top of my MBP with the invisishield on and made several sharp gouges (but, not a tare) on the invisishield. I was sure that I did damage through the MBP skin. A few month later I had to send the MBP for service to Apple and took the invisishield off and guess what..? No damage. The gouge on the invisishield was still there but the MBP aluminum skin was perfect! It's worth every penny and makes it look even more beautiful, even though it reminds you of plastic covered couch. And invisishield sent me a new one when I got the MBP back. Isn't life great!

Like I said, my Powerbook took a lot of abuse. But 5 years of being thrown around in unprotected bags with lots of other stuff like keys in it haven't resulted in a single visible scratch. I doubt your keychain would have made a scratch.

And honestly I don't really care about scratching anyway. Broken screens, harddrives or ports are a different matter, but I doubt a 1mm plastic cover could protect against those.

 

[Cybergypsy]

I think she (?) is waiting to see if I am going to keep my Airmail or not, right Cybergypsy?

I like that sleeve but I don't like the colors it comes in. If there was a plain black I would probably buy one of those too (along with the two other cases I already ordered and are waiting for)

That is correct I will be getting my Air I hope in a few weeks, top of the line and FREE!

 

[dahcheet]

That is correct I will be getting my Air I hope in a few weeks, top of the line and FREE!

FREE?! HOW?!

 

[off in the wood]

Pictures of the invisishield. Like I posted ealier, I didn't apply the trackpad (don't like the tackiness) and the bottom piece because I'm getting a new one due to defect.

Anyways Here are the pics. Sorry about the quality on the close-ups (I took it with iPhone)

Has anyone applied the shield to the trackpad? Does it still work the same? No loss of functioning with the shield on it?

And also, someone else said that their MBA got "fuzzie" does your collect dirt/dust easily?

thinking about getting one, but if it is a dust/dirt magnet...then forget it.

 

[dthree36]

I just got the invisible shield in the mail today and after looking at what the pictures look like I am a bit weary about putting this stuff on my MBA. I like the look of the way it is but want to protect the track pad and pal rest area. I guess this might be a dumb question but I have to ask.

Is this thing permanent as in the sense that it will take a great deal of effort to remove? This stuff reminds me of Window tint in the application point of view, does it peal off If I don't like it. Looks like I may turn to E-bay for this thing.

 

[Alfadoc]

I took the pictures with maximum reflection so I could show the cover otherwise, it's not as glossy.

btw. You'll appreciate the non-slip feel, which feels a lot more secure than the MBA's cover, which is very slippery.

It's your preference, but in my opinion, it's the best bulk-free protection you can buy.

Nice installation. I ordered from ZAGG for half price, expect it this week. In the crumby environment I work in at the race track, this'll help immensely.

 

[TanToday]

I saw this advertised here a few days ago, ordered at the 1/2 price special. It came in today. If you are VERY careful and caring, the installation should take under 1/2 hour, the fit was dead on perfect, the instructions excellent, and went excellently with zero problems.

The finished look is glossy, a slight comedown off the sheen of the aluminum, BUT, I have sold some used Apple laptops on Ebay after using them for a few years, and I can tell you, a PRISTINE perfect finish on a used one almost brings in 1/3 more on resale, all other things being equal. Given that this is a high end machine { in price, not performance } the buyers will most likely be the kind to trade it in, or hand it off in a year or so, buying the newest gizmo, so the resale pricing is pretty impressive.

Yes, it does demonstrably increase the "gripping" and it is WAY less likely to slide out of your hands or off a pile of things, not as "slippery" as the brushed aluminum.

All in all, I'm VERY pleased, and I actually might end up liking the glossier look better, well, at least as much as the standard finish. Photo's make it look MUCH more "wet look" than it does in real life.

You can see it here on my Mac Album page.

Shots in my Mac Gallery Page

 

[dthree36]

OK, after reading the negative post, I was just about to get rid of shield and be done with it but I did ask myself the question that some may not want to answer honestly. "Can I live with scratches that I could have prevented." Yes, I have heard the analogy about the car and the first scratch but that is a big surface to try to protect. I did drop over 3k on my MBA so I answered my own question. No I can't. I wear a watch and bracelet so I am bound to scratch the palm rest soon enough over time. The exterior is something I can protect, or at least try. I have a daughter who just ran up and grabbed my screen and as most kids her age often have, her hands were sticky and dirty form a snack.

I took the plunge and you know what, the shine factor isn't that bad. You will see the shine if you have it under bright lights and are up close but from more than 3 feet, I can hardly tell.

As for the bottom piece, I just sent an e-mail to customer support because mine was also upside down. I am sure hey will send me the correct piece and honestly I can't wait. I did make myself a deal that I would to do what I could to enjoy my purchase the best I could. That means protecting it as well as using it.

This product is definitely not for everyone, but if you do want added protection from various elements It isn't bad. I lucked out because I purchased when the full body kit was only $27 but I had already purchase a $59 dollar bag so for some that is more then they want to spend on case protection. Will this suffice as the only protection? For some maybe, IT is an added convenience for moving your Air from location to location when you won't be hauling anything but the laptop. You won't need a second item to remember to take with you such as one of those cool air mail folders.

To each his own. If you want to try it, then do so, if not then find something that makes you happy. After all it is your money so make the purchase that works for you.

 

[macsimonwoo]

oh no..invisible shield no more 50% discount...what can I get a discount for IS for MBA?? anybody can help? thanks!

 

[mctheriot]

Installed mine today - not bad at all! (don't ask for pics as it just won't work - makes it look shinier than it really is.) It adds a touch of gloss to the look but not too bad for me.

Product quality is excellent with a great fit. Take your time, use plenty of the lube and start from the center of each piece and work your way to the center as you're removing fluid and bubbles. Ensure you also use the lube on the outside as you squeegee so you don't "pull" on the piece and draw it off center.

Mark

 

[christof]

Has anyone applied the shield to the trackpad? Does it still work the same? No loss of functioning with the shield on it?

And also, someone else said that their MBA got "fuzzie" does your collect dirt/dust easily?

thinking about getting one, but if it is a dust/dirt magnet...then forget it.

The trackpad works great with the invisibleSHIELD. I think the only thing I notice is that the button is a bit harder to push--maybe I'm just not used to the smaller trackpad button. Alas, I use a Bluetooth mouse (Kensington SlimBlade Trackball) and use tap/multitouch gestures on the trackpad to minimize the use of the trackpad button.

I don't believe that the MBA attracts that much fuzz, but it's my understanding that over time, the edges/seams of the invisibleSHIELD may be prone to collecting some lint. I noticed this with my iPhone invisibleSHIELD.

It isn't a magnet, and it's not like lint is stuck on the machine--you can easily wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The only area of concern later on may be the edges/seams of the invisibleSHIELD, where (naturally) lint may collect.

 

[larryj]

I don't believe that the MBA attracts that much fuzz, but it's my understanding that over time, the edges/seams of the invisibleSHIELD may be prone to collecting some lint. I noticed this with my iPhone invisibleSHIELD.

I have a 'bestskinsever.com' skin on my iPhone and the edges are looking pretty nasty. I guess it's better than scratches, but I was suprised that the edges (around the curves on the corners) have started to 'unstick' and collect pocket dust. Every other part of the phone looks great.

But I wish I had ordered the invisibleSHIELD for the MBA when it was cheaper. I think I'd rather go with a skin vs. a case.

 

[ddd269]

I'm glad you guys took the "plunge" and gave the invisishield a try. I'm telling you, it's a nice product! I have purchased about 10 shields from them for different products, and been happy with every one of them.

Resale factor, like one post above... big plus!

Anyways, I'm glad there are some positive posts from the skeptics. Welcome aboard... You'll now understand the beauty of this product and why it's so effective. You never have to make a conscious effort to protect it, because it's always on!

Enjoy!

And for those with negative comments without trying it... Shut it until you try it. If you're not happy after you try it, then you can be free to post what ever you want.

 

[macsimonwoo]

i wonder when is the next discount???really want to get one of this...gosh..

 

[mykoljay]

I got mine in friday and installed the top skin. I think it still looks great and again, it makes me feel less freaked out all the time and the grip is better.

Furthermore, they bottom skin was cut incorrectly (it was backwards). I guess they had a bad batch. I'll call them on monday and hopefully they will send it out a replacement soon.

I'm a big fan of these products. I used bestskinever.com (much cheaper) for my ipod, camera screen and moto q (but they dont have the air yet) and I got to take advantage of the 50% off coupon.

 

[ddd269]

I got mine in friday and installed the top skin. I think it still looks great and again, it makes me feel less freaked out all the time and the grip is better.

Furthermore, they bottom skin was cut incorrectly (it was backwards). I guess they had a bad batch. I'll call them on monday and hopefully they will send it out a replacement soon.

I had the same problem. They sent me a new set in 3 days, no questions asked.

When you install the bottom skin, make sure you line up the screw holes well for future servicing.

Enjoy!

 

[lewisozz]

I Cant Belive It !!!!

OMG !!!! I had a mba for a week now and i just got my first scratch I CANT BELIVE IT !!!! PLEASE HELP ME https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/436769/

 

[joegomolski]

One question. Do you think that heat from the MBA will dissipate slower with the shield on?

 

[Cybergypsy]

FREE?! HOW?!

lol....if i told you you would not believe me