Product: InvisibleSHIELD for iPhone 3G
Company: Zagg
Contact: (800) 700-9244
Price: $24.95
Pros: Allows au naturale effect for the device, non-skid surface helps keep a hold on the phone when “shoulder shuffling.” Tough!
Cons: Application of product can be a bit maddening.

This past July I went all out and got myself a brand spanking new white iPhone. A purchase like this is something I wanted to protect. That first scratch is always the worst, so I wanted to get some kind of a case on my phone right away.

Zagg’s InvisibleSHIELD was released almost as soon as the iPhone 3G was. It is not like most other cases that can be removed. It is a polyurethane film that adheres right to the phone. The film is advertised as a product that was developed for the military to protect heliocopter blades. It lends a slightly more tacky nonslip texture to the phone. It’s permanent in that it stays on the phone as long as you want it there, but can be removed surprisingly easily if you don’t.

The InvisibleSHIELD comes in a box containing all the pieces, kind of like a puzzle, all attached to a paper backing. Also included is shield spray to aid in application and a cute little squeegee. Application can be a bit tricky, as it is done wet with the spray and all those pieces like to go slip-sliding around. Then there is the matter of air bubbles. It’s a perfectionist’s nemesis, but once it’s on there is no more maintenance. For the more apprehensive, there are plenty of support videos available on YouTube and Zagg’s website.

The InvisibleSHIELD can be the only case you need, but I like having a belt clip. I have an incredibly stylish leather sheath style case that I use with the InvisibleSHIELD. The texture of the InvisibleSHIELD helps keep my phone in the case, and it also protects my phone against the types of scratches you normally get with the friction of a sheath case.

The most remarkable characteristic of the InvisibleSHIELD system is the warranty. When you buy an InvisibleSHIELD, it is more like buying into an insurance policy. The InvisibleSHIELD is guaranteed for life. If it peels off or gets damaged, it’s replaced for free. I had the opportunity to use this service on another item covered by the InvisibleSHIELD. It needed to go back to Apple for warranty work. I was able to easily remove the InvisibleSHIELD with a bit of determination and requested a new InvisibleSHIELD for free. The new InvisibleSHIELD and my replacement item arrived on the same day about a week later and I had no hassles setting up the replacement device.

So far, my InvisibleSHIELD has stuck tight. I always get a kick out of people’s reactions when I drag my keys over the face of my iPhone. Thanks to my InvisibleSHIELD, I don’t have to worry about damaging my phone with unsightly scratches.

I give the InvisibleSHIELD a 5 for fulfilling its purpose as advertised while allowing me to show off my lovely phone without a bulky case.

Note: Zagg makes the InvisibleSHIELD for about every electronic imaginable, including cameras and GPS. It’s not just for Mac lovers.