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By Andy Mason (Warthog)
Reviewer

Product: ExpertShield iPod Video Overlay/Screen Protector

Developer/Vendor: Expert Shield
Price: US $12.95 Overlay
Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

I recently did a review for a Sena leather case for the iPod 30G/60GB Video. I liked the case. I must admit, though, I am easily swayed by the smell of fine cowhide! I also like the level of protection a leather case offers. However, a few people responded to my review recommending clear screen and whole-body iPod protectors. I have to admit, my interest was piqued. The clear plastic film would certainly be the slimmest form of protection I could add to my iPod. But how would it do at shielding my device from dings and scratches? I had to see for myself.

ExpertShield was kind enough to send a review copy of their iPod Video overlay. According to their website, “ExpertShield is today’s leader in screen and body protection for portable devices. Our Screen Protectors are produced using Optical-Grade CrystalFilm^TM from Japan. Strict quality controls ensure that each Expert Shield screen protector is guaranteed to offer an even and crisp display – making the screen protector “invisible” against any glass surface. ExpertShield designs and precision cuts each protector to the “exact” screen size of each device model. The screen protectors can be removed and reapplied without leaving any residue on the screen surface. Expert Shield screen protectors guard against scratches, dust, and fingerprints, providing a “Brand New” look for your device screen even after years of use.”

What’s in the package? The sample included a two-piece affair; a) a front-side protector to cover the entire screen and face of the iPod except for the click wheel and button and, b) a back-side protector for iPod’s notoriously fingerprint-prone chrome area. Of course before you can evaluate whether or not the product works as advertised, it has to be installed. After wrestling with applying a few screen protectors on my PDAs in the past, I was dreading the installation process. I must be getting better with practice because, much to my surprise, this installation was the easiest of all. Several folks in the aximsite/mobilitysite forums have noted that applying the screen protector in a completely dust-free environment is the key to success. Since I could not find such a room anywhere in my home, I opted for the “steamy bathroom” trick. Apparently dust devils are not very adept at flying in all weather conditions. A little moisture in the air is all it takes to ground them during the installation process.

Before you begin, it would help to have a lint free cloth (for pre-installation cleaning) and a credit card (for post-installation removal of any air bubbles). Successfully installing the overlay is a four-step process:

First, make sure that you iPod is dust and fingerprint-free. Allow the surface to dry and then proceed to step 2.

   Next, peel down a portion of the mask labeled “Step 1″. This is the side of the protector that will be applied to the iPod. Note: the labels for “Step 1″ and Step 2″ provide convenient “handles” that help prevent getting unsightly fingerprints on the protector itself.

   Carefully align the exposed portion along the top corners of the iPod. If you don’t get it right the first time, not to worry. Simply lift the protector and reposition it until it is correctly aligned. Then peel off the rest of the mask.

   Remove the surface mask protecting the CrystalFilmT labeled “Step 2″. Repeat the steps above for the back side as well.

As you can see in my installation photos, I encountered a few air bubbles but they were easily dispatched my brushing them to the edge of the protector.

The ExpertShield did provide the high-transparency, glass-like finish as advertised. Fingerprints are still an issue, even with the protector installed. However, they wipe off easily. Where the ExpertShield excels in the scratch-protection arena. The first time or two I left the house without its leather coat on, I was worried. I have been carrying my iPod without its leather case for a few weeks now and it is still scratch-free. Now, granted, I did not abandon it in the bottom of my gearbag. Nor did I put it in a plastic tub filled with nails and screws and given it a few shakes. I did, however, attempt to scratch it using house keys, the barrel of an ink pen, and other pointy, rough-edged objects. I wasn’t applying full brute force, but I definitely applied enough force to have ruined the screen if it had not been protected.

The biggest issue I have with the ExpertShield is that it leaves parts of the iPod unprotected. The click wheel and select-button are completely exposed by a custom cut-out in the front side. No CrystalFilmT is provided to cover them. The protector for the back side only covers the flat portion of the chrome. This leaves the top, bottom, and both side edges unprotected. I’m guessing the lack of protection has to do with getting the difficulty in getting the product to conform to the curved edges of the iPod. That means ~10-15% of the surface of the iPod (including the click wheel area) will remain susceptible to scratches and dings using this product. So far, I have not encountered any problems with the exposed areas, but it is a concern.

Overall, I think the ExpertShield is a good choice for protecting your iPod. It has a reasonable price-point, it’s easy to install, and it works as advertised. It allows you enjoy the aesthetic beauty of your device while providing a scratch resistant barrier. ExpertShield produces screen/device protectors for a range of today’s mobile gadgets. Check out their website for your favorite device.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Reusable. No adhesive or residue to worry about after removing or realigning
• Added bulk to the device is next to nothing. In fact, it still fits easily in the Sena leather case for extra protection when it is one of the bottom-feeders of the gearbag

Cons:

• Leaves edges and Click wheel of the iPod Video unprotected

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