PSP Slim Full Body Invisible Shield
Posted November 10, 2007
The general lack of accessories for the PSP Slim is a serious problem for the early adopters of the product. The PSP Slim has such a fragile feel that one would assume cases would be a top priority for third party hardware manufacturers. While Logitech is spending time redesigning their popular Playgear model, Zagg has zipped out the PSP Slim version of their Full Body Invisible Shield to offer another choice to folks looking for a little protection.
For those unfamiliar with the Invisible Shield, it’s a thin clear sheet that’s made from material the military uses to protect the edges of helicopter blades. It’s marketed as being scratch / scuff resistant and durable enough to protect any electronic device. In the promo video, they actually toss a video iPod in a Tupperware container filled with rocks, shake it up and it comes out looking brand new. While digital music players and cell phones probably comprise a majority of their sales, they also created versions for portable gaming devices like the Nintendo DS and the PSP. In the PSP Slim’s case, they sell a screen only version and the full body.
Build
The plastic packaging is very thin and pops open very easily. There is no ridiculous clamshell packaging like on the PSP itself. Inside, you will find two sheets of the PSP material cutouts, a bottle of solution, a black rubber application tool and a set of instructions on the interior of the folded marketing material. Each piece of the clear material pulls off the white sheet very easily, similar to a sticker.
Installation
This is where you really can screw up the material if you aren’t careful. If you haven’t watched the installation video on the website, it’s an absolute must. The packaged directions are adequate, but seeing the steps in a visual form really helps out the process. You have to find a very sterile area to work, wash your hands before applying the material and make sure to spray your fingers with the included bottle of solution. Any errant hair or fleck of dust will be forever encased on your PSP, so constantly wipe off the area where the material will be applied.
Basically you peel off a section, spray it with the solution and carefully apply it to a portion of the PSP. As you apply the material, it’s a good idea to use the included black rubber piece to smooth out the surface and get rid of the air bubbles. After it’s sealed, wipe off the excess solution and repeat. The problem with this method is that it takes the steady hands and accuracy of an experienced watchmaker to get the material on correctly. If you are off by a hair, the material may cover an important section of the PSP such as ports or latches. Also, the material often tends to stretch and throws off the entire attempt.
I found myself reapplying the same section over and over before I finally got it right. The most problematic sections are the hinged cover to the UMD drive and the front face of the PSP (not including the screen). The majority of the pieces fit correctly, but it takes a painfully long time to get it right. One piece didn’t fit correctly, but it’s a minor problem. The piece for the silver circle on the UMD drive cover was a bit too large and left me with a couple centimeters of extra material. It’s easily fixed with a little snipping.
Design
I was worried the tiny air bumps would tarnish my Slim’s image, but they dissipated after I waited the recommended 24 hours. The Slim still has a glossy finish, but it’s ever so slightly subdued by the clear material. When the PSP is off, I can see the shield covering the LCD screen, but turning it on is a completely different story. I can’t tell if the shield is there during a game or watching a UMD movie. Basically, the image is crystal clear. It does offer about the same level of reflection as the PSP screen.
I’m also happy to report that the shield in no way causes problems when pushing buttons or moving the analog stick. The IS for the previous PSP had reports of causing movement problems with the analog stick, but it certainly doesn’t this time. The small, circular section is precut, but it will take a small knife to get it started. The only aspect of the IS that may cause discomfort are loose edges, but that’s only caused by incorrect installation.
Conclusion
Two days ago, I was constantly afraid my PSP Slim would be damaged every time I picked it up. Today, I have no problem tossing the Slim around and allowing it to land on the screen. Despite a lengthy and wildly frustrating installation process, the Invisible Shield is the best solution for protecting your PSP Slim regardless of what protective case is released. The extra grip is exceptionally nice during extended play sessions and the appearance is identical to the factory aesthetic. Compared to a regular case, the Invisible Shield isn’t cheap. The Full Body portion sells for $24.95 and the screen only version retails for $14.95. But it’s certainly worth the investment to protect the sleek, stylish body of the PSP. Plus you won’t have to wipe smudges off the PSP body every time you pick it up. Link
For those unfamiliar with the Invisible Shield, it’s a thin clear sheet that’s made from material the military uses to protect the edges of helicopter blades. It’s marketed as being scratch / scuff resistant and durable enough to protect any electronic device. In the promo video, they actually toss a video iPod in a Tupperware container filled with rocks, shake it up and it comes out looking brand new. While digital music players and cell phones probably comprise a majority of their sales, they also created versions for portable gaming devices like the Nintendo DS and the PSP. In the PSP Slim’s case, they sell a screen only version and the full body.
Build
The plastic packaging is very thin and pops open very easily. There is no ridiculous clamshell packaging like on the PSP itself. Inside, you will find two sheets of the PSP material cutouts, a bottle of solution, a black rubber application tool and a set of instructions on the interior of the folded marketing material. Each piece of the clear material pulls off the white sheet very easily, similar to a sticker.
Installation
This is where you really can screw up the material if you aren’t careful. If you haven’t watched the installation video on the website, it’s an absolute must. The packaged directions are adequate, but seeing the steps in a visual form really helps out the process. You have to find a very sterile area to work, wash your hands before applying the material and make sure to spray your fingers with the included bottle of solution. Any errant hair or fleck of dust will be forever encased on your PSP, so constantly wipe off the area where the material will be applied.
Basically you peel off a section, spray it with the solution and carefully apply it to a portion of the PSP. As you apply the material, it’s a good idea to use the included black rubber piece to smooth out the surface and get rid of the air bubbles. After it’s sealed, wipe off the excess solution and repeat. The problem with this method is that it takes the steady hands and accuracy of an experienced watchmaker to get the material on correctly. If you are off by a hair, the material may cover an important section of the PSP such as ports or latches. Also, the material often tends to stretch and throws off the entire attempt.
I found myself reapplying the same section over and over before I finally got it right. The most problematic sections are the hinged cover to the UMD drive and the front face of the PSP (not including the screen). The majority of the pieces fit correctly, but it takes a painfully long time to get it right. One piece didn’t fit correctly, but it’s a minor problem. The piece for the silver circle on the UMD drive cover was a bit too large and left me with a couple centimeters of extra material. It’s easily fixed with a little snipping.
Design
I was worried the tiny air bumps would tarnish my Slim’s image, but they dissipated after I waited the recommended 24 hours. The Slim still has a glossy finish, but it’s ever so slightly subdued by the clear material. When the PSP is off, I can see the shield covering the LCD screen, but turning it on is a completely different story. I can’t tell if the shield is there during a game or watching a UMD movie. Basically, the image is crystal clear. It does offer about the same level of reflection as the PSP screen.
I’m also happy to report that the shield in no way causes problems when pushing buttons or moving the analog stick. The IS for the previous PSP had reports of causing movement problems with the analog stick, but it certainly doesn’t this time. The small, circular section is precut, but it will take a small knife to get it started. The only aspect of the IS that may cause discomfort are loose edges, but that’s only caused by incorrect installation.
Conclusion
Two days ago, I was constantly afraid my PSP Slim would be damaged every time I picked it up. Today, I have no problem tossing the Slim around and allowing it to land on the screen. Despite a lengthy and wildly frustrating installation process, the Invisible Shield is the best solution for protecting your PSP Slim regardless of what protective case is released. The extra grip is exceptionally nice during extended play sessions and the appearance is identical to the factory aesthetic. Compared to a regular case, the Invisible Shield isn’t cheap. The Full Body portion sells for $24.95 and the screen only version retails for $14.95. But it’s certainly worth the investment to protect the sleek, stylish body of the PSP. Plus you won’t have to wipe smudges off the PSP body every time you pick it up. Link