BODYGUARDZ iPod Touch Screen Protectors

Product(s): Bodyguardz iPod Touch Protector
Provided By: Bodyguardz
Price: Find Lowest Price - Click here

Introduction: 

If you're like me, one of the biggest features that persuaded me to buy an iPod Touch was its very slim and sleek design. As soon as I purchased my iPod Touch I figured a good idea would be to also pickup a case so that I didn't scratch it all up, so I bought a hard shell case that left the front touchscreen exposed. I figured a case like this would protect the body from scratches, while still allowing the touchscreen to work properly. Well, the case worked like it was supposed to, but unfortunately my iPod Touch wasn't as slim as it used to be, and went from a device that would easily slip into my pocket, to a device that was somewhat bulky and usually just got left in the center console of my car. Even with this case, my iPod Touch's touchscreen was still exposed, and undoubtedly would become scratched over time.

A few weeks after I purchased my iPod Touch we received an e-mail from Bodyguardz asking if we'd be interested in taking a look at some of their products, and immediately I knew that I would like to try their Bodyguards for the iPod Touch. The prospect of losing my bulky case, and still being protected from scratches (even more than the case protected), was something I was very interested in, and I was very excited to give this product a try.

Before we get into the review, I'm going to mention that most of this review is my experience with the Bodyguardz product. I attempted to take as many pictures as possible, but due to the shiny surface of the iPod Touch and the extremely see-through nature of the Bodyguardz film, most picture really don't show much at all. I've included as many pictures as possible, but if your curious to see how the entire Bodyguardz system works more in-depth, I recommend you watch their installation video over here. This video is great and shows you the whole process from start to finish and how it all works much better than I ever could.

Bodyguardz for iPod Touch - Box (Front)

Bodyguardz for iPod Touch - Box (Back)

Bodyguardz for iPod Touch - Box (Open)

Bodyguardz for iPod Touch - Included in Box

 

Installation:

As soon as you open the box of Bodyguardz, you're going to think to yourself "This doesn't look too tough to install!", and if you take your time and follow the instructions it isn't, but take extra notice the phrase "IF YOU TAKE YOUR TIME!"

My first attempt at installation was a bit of an experiment, I watched the movie quickly and browsed through the instructions, and gave it a shot. Let's just say that didn't go so well. For the first piece I decided to install the top piece that goes over the touchscreen, this piece is completely flat and there isn't too much to worry about other than making sure it goes on straight.

Things I learned from my first attempt:

You can't use too much solution. (Just like the instructions point out). I tried to be somewhat conservative with the solution, and it just made things tricky.

Go Slowly - Take your Time. If your hoping to get this done in 5 minutes, your wrong. Each piece (Top and Bottom) took me approximately 15-20 minutes each, it takes some time, but its worth it in the end.

Make sure you don't touch anything (like your shirt) while installing, these sheets of film are super sticky and even cotton fibers from your clothing can get stuck on the film very easily. Use a lint-free cloth for everything!

Make sure your device is super-clean; a quick wipe won't cut it. If you don't, things like fingerprints will be sealed between the surface and the film and you'll see them forever.

Go Slowly - Take your Time (Did I mention that already?)

My first attempt at installing the piece that goes over the touchscreen wasn't too bad but I had one major issue that ended up making me redo this top piece. While I was doing the install, I noticed a speck of dirt on the screen, so I quickly used my shirt to give it a quick rub. This was not a good idea, and once I got the film all installed, I noticed later that I had trapped some fluff (lint) in between the film and the screen. Naturally it was too late to do anything about it. This is why they say to use a lint-free cloth, and I just had found out that they weren't kidding around. Other than the trapped lint, the top part installed pretty easily and overall it looked very good, just like it was supposed to. After a day or two I decided to redo the top part to get rid of the trapped lint, and after 15-20 minutes, it was done and it looked great.

The front film that goes over the touchscreen is virtually undetectable, in the pictures below you probably won't be able to tell the difference between the two, and even if you look close on the iPod itself, its tough to tell its been installed. The biggest question people asked me was "Does it affect the touchscreen?". The film makes absolutely no difference, and I wasn't able to notice anything difference after I installed the film, which is a good thing since the touch features of the iPod Touch is really the biggest feature and it would be a shame if it impacted the touchscreen capabilities. Bodyguardz does offer a package of just the screen protector for $14.95 on their website.

Front of iPod Touch (Before Installation of Bodyguardz)

Front of iPod Touch (After Installation of Bodyguardz)

Now the bottom part of the installation isn't as simple as the top, you've got to worry about the curved corners, and this piece takes a bit more patience to get everything lined up properly. I found that after doing the top piece, I was able to get the entire bottom on without much trouble and got everything lined up without any issues. The biggest thing is getting the corners attached properly, but if you follow the video, you shouldn't have any issues. I was able to get the entire bottom piece installed in about 20 minutes, and was able to get it perfect on the first try, which I was very happy about. As you can see in the picture below, looking closely at the corners is really the only way you're going to be able to tell that you have Bodyguardz installed. However everyone I showed my iPod Touch did not notice that anything was different until I told them. If you look closely at the picture below, you will be able to see that the film is installed.

Bodyguardz for iPod Touch
Bottom Piece of Film Installed

The last two pieces (the small piece that goes over the antenna and the piece that goes around the edge) went on very smoothly after I'd done the big sections on the top and the bottom. Both pieces went on perfectly the first time, and did not require me to use the second set. If you watch the video you'll see in more detail what that last two little pieces are all about.

Well, that's it for the installation, while it might not have been the easiest installation, I think in the end it is totally worth the hassle. To be able to have your iPod Touch completely protected from scratches, yet be able to go without a case is a huge bonus for someone like me, and I'm very happy with the look and feel of the Bodyguardz product.