The invisibleSHIELD concept from ZAGG has received plaudits from around the world from many of the larger websites. It has also received much criticism from smaller websites. The theory behind the product is great- you get protectors which cover the front screen and housing and another protector to cover the back. For devices like the iPhone, which I tried one on, this is a great way to protect your phone and also keep the overall size down to a minimum.

The claims of strength are also impressive. Take a look at the video below which demonstrates a scratch test on an iPhone-

There are other videos on the ZAGG site which demonstration how to install the protectors as well, and the process seems to go well in each of them. Now, I am a seasoned screen protector applier and have installed protectors on many PDAs and smartphones, but this one proved to be a challenge beyond my capabilities.

I followed the installation process to the letter and even let the protectors dry for the required amount of time, but the process of removing all air bubbles was akin to nailing custard to a ceiling. The front part was fine because it is of course completely flat, but the back was a nightmare. There are simply too many areas which need shaping to get it right and I eventually removed both shields.

There is a much better feel to the phone after applying the protectors and ZAGG is right to claim that it grips better, but I cannot see how this kind of protector will work for most people. The product is great, the claims are probably true and there is huge potential for this kind of protection. The problem lies in the fact that you cannot always stick things to surfaces which are not even, and no protector in the world will get around that problem.

Any of you tried one of these, and did it work for you?

Available from www.zagg.com for a variety of smartphones.