Screen protectors are the black sheep of the accessory world. We all love to hate them, but secretly we all want one. A screen protector usuually changes the texture of the touch surface and makes it more sticky when sliding your finger around, it adds thickness to the tablet which interferes with some cases, it can change the clarity of the screen, and they are notoriously hard to put on. Thankfully, Dynaflo’s Hard-Shield nano coating spray just may be to solution to this particular dilemma! (Note: Hard-Shield is also known as Liquid-Armor. They are both the same thing and sold by the same company, just labeled differently for some reason…)

What You Get

This may look like another one of those garbage “spray this repackaged windex on your screen to clean it” type of accessories, but let us assure you it is not. This is a high tech solution that utilizes nano technology to spray a coating of nano-particles onto your iPad or iPhone which molecularly bond to the glass that both protect and shine your device for up to six months.

In the package you get the bottle of this magical solution, and two premium quality double-sided microfiber cloths, and that’s it. However, that’s all you need!

How To Apply Hard-Shield

Application is drop dead simple:

• Step 1: Turn your device off
• Step 2: Clean your screen thoroughly with the dark side of the provided micro-fiber cloth
• Step 3: Spray the Hard-Shield/Liquid-Armor solution once or twice onto the light side of the micro-fiber cloth
• Step 4: Rub it onto the screen of your iPad or iPhone in long, smooth, unidirectional strokes. Make sure you always rub it on in one direction, not in circles, and not in different directions.

And that’s it. Let the iPad sit untouched for at least 10 minutes (longer is better) and you are done. During this time the nano coating bonds with the glass on the screen and allegedly forms an impenetrable shield of impenetrability which will deflect everything from dust and grime to scratches and arrows fired from skeleton archers. (one of those may or may not be true…)

We did find that the solution left long visible streaks on the screen after we applied it. These streaks buffed out after the allotted 10 minutes of time with the provided micro-fiber cloth and the folks at Dynaflo told us that the buffing actually enhances the nano-coating’s ability to adhere to the screen.

You just have to reapply the solution ever 4-6 months and you are good. Also, the included bottle has enough special sauce in it to last you for years and years of applications.

Does It Work As Advertised?

Tough call. Maybe. I don’t know… At MacWorld we saw one of the representatives take a screwdriver to the screen of his phone and it didn’t leave a mark. However, we’re not brave enough to repeat that particular test on our own devices. Since the Hard-Shield spray is still a very new product, there’s not a lot of tests that have been performed on it, and we will be eagerly watching the youtubes for any demonstrations of the scratch resistant benefits of said product. For now, we are giving this a 3 star review for now until we see further proof of it’s scratch resistant qualities, if it does indeed provide all the protection it promises, we will upgrade it to 5 stars.

But for $25, it’s certainly worth taking a look at and applying to your own iDevice of choice! It’s certainly not going to hurt, and it could potentially solve the age old screen protector dilemma once-and-for-all!

Check out the Dynaflo Hard-Shield Nano Coating Spray for $24.99

The post Hard-Shield Nano Coating Spray Could Replace Your Screen Protector Forever! appeared first on Apple iPad Accessories.

Zagg invisibleSHIELD Is The #1 Essential iPad Accessory

Use the Zagg coupon code ZAGG20 to get 20% off everything site wide right now!

ZAGG is a company committed to offering innovative ways to improve the relationship between people and their beloved gadgets. They specialize in looking at what products are out there, identifying their weaknesses, listening to the customers, and improving on the design to the point of near perfection. The Zagg invisibleSHIELD screen protector for the iPad is one of those nearly perfect designs. We have used them for years on our Apple devices, and can confidently say that they are absolutely essential if you want to protect your purchase, maintain its value, keep it in pristine condition, and show it off to the world.

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear…

This is not your ordinary screen protector. The invisibleSHIELD comes stock with more features than some luxury cars. Optically clear and virtually indestructible, this truly is invisible protection for the iPad. Constructed from a nano-memory technology that is self healing and military grade, you are guaranteed some of the toughest protection available. This is the same material that is used to coat high-speed helicopter blades from dirt, dust, and debris. Not only is it self healing, it helps reduce the glare and appearance of fingerprints on the screen, is easy to install, and it also makes your iPad more drop resistant. The Zagg invisibleSHIELD is custom cut and designed to cover even the sides and corners of the iPad completely, protecting it from all angles. Add to that the special adhesive material that leaves no traces of residue and a lifetime replacement guarantee, there simply isn’t anything better on the market! Stay far far away from those cheap screen protectors that cost pennies and leave a strange residue on the iPad’s screen, discolor the display, scratch easy, and make a strange feeling texture on the surface.

Currently the invisibleSHIELD screen protector for the iPad is available in either the Full body easy install version or the Full body Maximum Coverage version (recommended) for $39.99. You can also get the front and back cover separate if you like. We are big fans of adding a touch of distinction to our iPads by using the Zagg genuine leather LEATHERskin for the iPad on the back, and a Zagg invisibleSHIELD for the front. It makes your iPad look and feel that much classier. Even if you are currently using a cover, case, or sleeve for your iPad, it can still get scratches and scuffs from the dust and dirt that get inside. Do yourself or your loved one a favor and get the invisibleSHIELD for the iPad right away. You will not only be protecting your investment, you will also be maintaining its value by keeping it in its original pristine condition.

Zagg invisibleSHIELD for Apple iPad

The post Ultimate iPad Screen Protector- Zagg InvisibleSHIELD appeared first on Apple iPad Accessories.

Note: We’ve got lots of pictures at the bottom of this post!

Preparation For Zagg Installation

It’s important prior to starting that you set aside an hour or so for the installation process. Being in a rush will show in the final product so be sure to take your time. I like installing the Zagg iPad screen protector in the morning while still fresh and patient. I also leave the Zagg SHIELD under some heavy books overnight to help flatten it out since they are shipped rolled up in a tube. This makes removing it from the paper backing much easier.

Make sure to choose a clean place to perform the installation. Pet hair, dust, and dirt are the enemy so choose wisely! Wipe down your chosen installation surface first. Turn off the iPad by holding down the power button for a few seconds and swiping the slider and make sure it’s unplugged from the wall so there is no danger of shorting out the electronics or yourself! It IS a bit disconcerting having to mix liquids and electronics but don’t worry about it, so long as you keep your device off and unplugged for the recommended 12-24 hours the installation process won’t harm it at all.

Get your Zagg pieces set out and lined up in the right direction. The alignment direction depends on what Zagg invisibleSHIELD kit you bought. If you bought the “Full Body Easy Install” then just remember that the front sheet has the home button cutout and that the back sheet is slightly larger. If you got the “Full Body Maximum Coverage” then make sure you know where each of the little tabs go prior to starting. If you just bought a one piece kit then hopefully it’s obvious. Once you remove the invisible SHIELD from the paper backing you will want to minimize the amount of fussing around you do with it. Starting with the back piece first is recommended both for practice and to get used to the steps. The aluminum back will hide flaws much better then the glossy glass screen.

Zagg Invisible SHIELD Installation Directions

The first step is to wash your hands with hot soapy water. Anything that is on the screen will stay there and the tacky side of invisibleSHIELD will take up fingerprints so your fingers need to be oil free. Better yet, take a hot shower!

Next, give your iPad a good wipe down with a lint free cloth paying particular attention to the whole front, the apple logo, and if you have the 3G iPad, the black antennae window on top. Anything on the screen when you install it will still be there after the installation so cleanliness counts.

Spray your fingers with the included shield spray liberally. Remember that fingerprints are the enemy! Carefully remove the iPad scratch protector from the paper backing. I found it helpful to peel a bit off then respray my fingers and repeat those steps until it’s completely removed. I kept my thumb and pointer moist so they didn’t stick to the adhesive.

Next, hold the sheet adhesive side up cradling it using your palm and upper wrist and apply the shield spray. You want it wet without dripping. Make sure to get everywhere including the sides. The shield spray makes it possible to align the screen protector and remove all the air bubbles during installation and is the same trick that professional window tinters use on car windows.

Place the Zagg on the iPad and carefully center it. Check the alignment carefully and slide it into place. If it doesn’t slide around easily you can remove it, spray it again, and place it back in place. Once you start with the squeegee it’s not recommended to remove the screen protector. While it is possible it could stretch. If you do need to remove the screen protector get your fingers wet again and slowly and carefully peel the shield away from the iPad. If it does stretch it should return back to it’s normal shape within 10 to 15 minutes so just start the installation process over again. Once it fully dries overnight the only way to remove it will ruin the invisibleSHEILD and you will need to obtain a replacement through Zagg’s warranty program (don’t worry, it’s free).

Once it is aligned properly then spray the backside of the film to help the squeegee glide over the invisible shield. Use the squeegee to push out bubbles starting from the center and moving out to the nearest edge using a cloth to soak up the expelled liquid. It helps to keep a finger or two on the back with your offhand while squeegeeing, at least for the first few swipes. Whenever possible, avoid the ports, buttons, and speakers so that the liquid does not get inside. Slight streaks and imperfections, like tiny bubbles (smaller then a pencil tip), should disappear as it dries and cures.

With the back under your belt the front is the exact same process. Extra care will be needed during the alignment phase to get the home button in the right spot. It’s up to you if you want to put the home button on or not.

Now That That’s Done…

It’s true that the installation process is a bit touchy, especially if you’re a perfectionist like myself, but I hope that these detailed instructions make it possible for your first attempt to be a successful one. If you have any hard won tips, or if this guide was helpful (or not…) please leave a comment! I’ll be updating this document with other helpful tips as they come in. You can order your own Zagg InvisibleSHIELD kit here.

Step by Step Pictures in Slideshow Form

Click on an image to bring up the step by step gallery.
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Step 1 - Gather Materials

Step 2 - Start With The Back

Step 3 - Wipe Back w/ Lint Free Cloth

Step 4 - Wet Fingers With Spray

Step 5 - Peel Back Sheet Off Paper

Step 6 - Back Sheet w/ Adhesive Side Up

Step 7 - Wet Back With Spray

Step 8 - "Roll" Sheet Down The Back

Step 9 - Back Side Before Alignment

Step 10 - Aligning The Back

Step 11 - Spray Back For Squeegee

Step 12 - Squeegee Starting From Center

Step 13 - Work Your Way Around

Step 14 - Use Cloth For Expelled Liquid

Step 15 - Back Is Complete

Step 16 - Wipe Front w/ Lint Free Cloth

Step 17 - Wet Fingers With Spray

Step 18 - Peel Front Sheet Off Paper

Step 19 - Front Sheet w/ Adhesive Side Up

Step 20 - Wet Front With Spray

Step 21 - "Roll" Sheet Down The Front

Step 22 - Carefully Align Front Side

Step 23 - Really Carefully...

Step 24 - Spray Front For Squeegee

Step 25 - Squeegee Starting From Center...

Step 26 - To The Edge To Remove Bubbles

Step 27 - Continue Until Complete

Step 28 - No Problem and Good Luck!

The post Zagg’s iPad Screen Protector: Ultimate Installation Guide appeared first on Apple iPad Accessories.

Keep Their Prying Eyes Off Your Junk

Secret agents dealing with sensitive digital documents are going to want to be sure to equip their secret agent iPads with XGear’s 2 way or 4 way privacy film. Part screen protector, and part privacy preserver, this is one accessory that will come in useful for many. Though it’s a bit pricey, can you really put a price on your privacy? The 2-way film makes the iPad screen look black to anybody sitting on either side of you. It’s perfect for when you are on the subway, waiting at the DMV, or feeding pigeons at your favorite bench. However, for the super privacy conscious, the 4-way film will keep their eyes off your junk from any angle besides yours. It may not be worth the price to you, but that’s probably because you’re not cool enough to be a CIA spy.

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