I've applied screen protectors to an embarrassingly large number of devices over the past 8 years or so: iPhones, iPod touches, iPads, Droids, and others. I've almost always opted for the more expensive brands, figuring "you get what you pay for" and figuring that my precious expensive gadgets deserve the best protection.
Since the iPad Air is so new (it's been out 5 days, I've had mine 3 days), my preferred brands of screen protectors aren't available yet for it. So I thought I'd try these iSmooth protectors. They've received excellent reviews, and they're cheap enough that I won't feel bad if I don't like them and have to replace them.
But guess what? I LOVE them. They are JUST AS GOOD AS the more expensive brands. They aren't super easy to apply--none of these are, especially for a large-screen device. But I watched the installation video at iSmooth's website--it is excellent and a must-watch before installing. And 15 minutes later, I had a nearly perfect installation.
I *never* have a PERFECT installation with these things--there are always 1 or 2 dust bubbles I can't get out, or the screen film is not PERFECTLY positioned. But I end up settling for "good enough" rather than "perfect" because trying to remove a dust bubble or reposition the film by lifting it up can easily allow more dust particles in. It is really hard for me to get it "perfect," and I can easily live with "good enough."
I would say my installation of the iSmooth film is as close to perfect as I've ever achieved. The film is not quite perfectly positioned. The space between the right edge of the film and the right edge of my iPad is just slightly bigger than the space between the left edge of the film and the left edge of the iPad; and the hole for the home button is not perfectly centered around the button. But this is really hard to notice if you're not looking for it. Importantly, I was able to push out all the bubbles without having to lift the film and use tape.
What about the look and feel of the iSmooth film? It is crystal clear - you can't tell it's on. There is no prism effect. It does NOT diminish the resolution of the beautiful retina display. It is really hard to tell that you have a screen protector on the device.
It feels smooth as glass as you glide your finger across the screen. When you first install it, it feels slightly friction-y. This has something to do with the film not having access to oxygen while it's in the packaging. This goes away in an hour and then the film feels like the glass it's protecting.
Yes, as you use your iPad, the film collects fingerprints--just as the iPad itself would if you had no screen film on it. You can easily wipe them off, though, with the included microfiber cloth or any lens cleaning wipes, and then the iSmooth screen film again looks flawless.
Yes, the film has a glossy appearance which is reflective. But so is the iPad's bare display. You can get other screen films that reduce the glare and reflection, but these add a prism effect or otherwise interfere with the clarity and resolution of the display. I'd much rather deal with the glossiness and reflection (which is the same as if you used no screen protector at all). But that is a matter of personal preference, I guess.
The packaging includes a good medium-sized microfiber cloth for wiping down your iPad screen before applying the film. It includes several pieces of dust-removal tape (which I happily did not have to use). And best of all, it includes TWO screen protectors in case you screw one up during the installation. I didn't, so I'll have the second one in case my first one ever gets scratches.
Finally, iSmooth stands behind their product and has good support and a liberal replacement policy.
This is a LOT of benefits for a screen protector that is much less expensive than the big-name brands like Zagg and PowerSupport and 3M.
I highly, highly recommend this iSmooth film. The expensive films are no better, just more expensive. I'm a convert.
(p.s. - I have absolutely no relationship with iSmooth and no personal interest in their success or failure as a company - I am recommending this to you ONLY because I think it's a great product at a great price.)
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Reviews with images
Fast shipping & useful
i got my iPad Air on Nov 1st, the protector came on Tues..Shipping on time and also delivered on time,too.Quality is ok, just cannot judge the different btw it and some $2/pec protectors. I did it by myself and took like 5 mins. Looks good. ** Not easy while you get duet in.
