They are apparently similar to the
Gelaskins. I heard of them yesterday and went on a live chat to ask some questions. Here's what I learned:
1. They do not go on the screen, simply around it with 2 narrow strips connecting the top and bottom sections.
2. There is no actual screen protection to the touch part of the screen.
3. Like Gelaskins they are a vinyl decal that you can reposition slightly in the putting on process before pressing into place and they remove without leaving any residue.
4. They are a dry - hence vinyl press on - application.
** I would not recommend putting one on top of a static cling film screen protector because if you have to reposition during the initial placement that could get really tricky. If you are putting it on over a wet application screen protector skin, that would be different. But I'm still not sure I'd recommend that.
Differences, pros and cons to the
Decalgirl vs. Gelaskins. (I have Gelaskins btw and haven't used Decalgirl.)
Decalgirl Pros:
1. Decal has sides that come down the narrow black strips on the screen.
2. Decal has top and bottom pieces that cover the entire metal band, not just the sides.
3. Available in Matte (non-glossy) version.
4. No checkerboard effect can be seen in decal at any light.
5. Some skins can be cheaper than Gelaskins. $10 vs. $15
Decalgirl Cons:
1. The side strips have breaks at the black antenna bars, so it doesn't do anything to help the antenna bridging issue.
2. No interactive web-based Create Your Own tool. If you want a custom skin, you send them a URL to the artwork and I presume they send you a proof.
3. Custom artwork costs more.
4. The sim card tray is cut out on the side strip, which in my opinion is not necessary.
Gelaskins Pros:
1. Their online Create You Own tool is awesome. Just upload the artwork and lay it out. You get to see it an manipulate it any way you want. Then order.
2. No added cost for custom art.
3. Their side strips cover the black band and sim card tray. By covering the black band you get some alleviation but not all from the antenna attenuation issue.
4. They offer a buy 3 get 1 free promo.
Gelaskins Cons:
1. The side strips do not cover the top and bottom of the metal band. (I didn't find this to be a problem.)
2. The decal does show a glossy checkerboard effect which really can only be seen when the light catches it a certain way.
3. The front piece does not cover the two narrow black strips on either side of the touchscreen.
I ordered from Gelaskins before hearing of Decalgirl, and given that I went with 4 customs, I am glad I did because of their Create Your Own tool. I am quite happy with the product and from my understanding they are both good products. They are designed to be one time use. They shouldn't peel off, and if they do start coming up at the edges, you will still get 4-8 months out of it before it does. Some past users have said that carefully removing the Gelaskins and placing it back on a slick sticker surface can preserve them for changing from one design to another and back.
Here is a link to pictures of my Gelaskin.
As you can see there is no checkerboard effect in these images, but I can see it in certain sunlight and fluorescent light at the right angle.
