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BodyGuardz on MacBook Pro - Good or Bad?
- Thread starter skymastr16
- Start date
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i have used the invisashield on my ipod before and i am currently using the bodyguardz on the macbookpro.
I have to say without a doubt that the bodyguardz is much better. The problem with the invisashield is that the flim is too tacky/sticky to the feel. You can't glide your fingers across it. it would always accumulate lint from the pocket. the bodyguardz on the other hand is great. the feeling is just exactly the same clear bra they use on cars. I would just have to complain about the side and bottom cover. they aren't that perfect in alignment but they are livable.
Best Skins Ever & Invisible Shield Removal
With respect to the removal of the Best Skins Ever and Invisible Shield product , both are very easy to remove with absolutely no residue.
I have used these products on my previous MacBook Pro, BlackBerry, Nano and Shuffle. I have experience removing the product from my Blackberry and MacBook Pro. Again, the removal was simple and there is no left over residue.
Jody
With respect to the removal of the Best Skins Ever and Invisible Shield product , both are very easy to remove with absolutely no residue.
I have used these products on my previous MacBook Pro, BlackBerry, Nano and Shuffle. I have experience removing the product from my Blackberry and MacBook Pro. Again, the removal was simple and there is no left over residue.
Jody
I have only ever used the BSE on my iPhone and iPhone 3G and loved it. However after reading about the clarity/shine and feel of the BSE, IS, and BG, as well as the coverage that all three provide, I decided to order the BodyGuardz. The pictures I saw showed that it did look a bit plasticky as they all will, but was the clearest and gave some grip without being too tacky. It also had coverage for the sides, etc. Not sure exactly what coverage the BSE and IS give because their sites doesn't show that as well if at all. Also from what I read the BG has better cutouts and the install didn't look to be any harder. I have only seen BodyGuardz photos of a MBP, and IS photos on a MB. I have not seen any photos of the BSE. So the consensus did seem to be BodyGuardz, while the one thing IS offered was lifetime replacement though shipping of replacements was still at question.
I have removed a BodyGuardz from my Macbook Pro. It does not leave any residue, but the glue is strong! You really have to pull very hard to make it come off, and I was worried that if I was not careful I might damage the case. I guess this is a pro and con as you probably don't have to worry about the skin coming off by itself.
I tried both a BG and BSE on my new MBP Unibody. The BG has a smoother finish and is thicker than the BSE. However, it seems that if you have any bubbles trapped under the skin, it does not evaporate as quickly (or at all). I waited about 4 or 5 days and the bubbles were still there. So you need to be more careful installing it. One big minus for me is that the BG does not cover the apple logo on the back of the LCD.
The BSE is what I use now. It is a little thinner and has a slight "orange peel" affect when you look at it from an angle. However, straight on you can not tell. Also, the air/water evaporates completely from under the skin in about 2 days so it is more tolerant of install errors. The BSE does cover the sides about the same as the BG. The only difference is that the BG covers the space above the CD drive (but not below). Also, the BG has a 1 piece wrist pad cover while the BSE is 2 piece.
Overall I like the BSE better because it covers the Apple logo on the back, and it is much cheaper. Otherwise, both will provide about the same protection.
Thanks TooBadSoSad, I would love to see some photos if you can of the BSE. I do really like their products and they are local to me, so I get their stuff fast and like supporting local companies. My BGz is already ordered and on its way, but I would consider sending it back if I need to.
So the BGz has a cutout in the top for the Apple logo?
But the BSE offers good side/etc protection?
So the BGz has a cutout in the top for the Apple logo?
But the BSE offers good side/etc protection?
Yes, the BGz has a cutout for the Apple logo while the BSE covers the entire top surface.
Both the BSE and BG provide about the same side protection. The BG covers the part above the CD-ROM drive while the BSE does not. However, the BSE covers the black plastic part on the back of the laptop while the BG does not.
Well I do like that BG sounds like it has better clarity while still providing some grip so that it looks as close to unskinned but gets the protection.
I like that the BSE costs less and covers the Apple logo, but don't like the idea that it will have that peely dimpled look in the right light.
I called BG as my order had already shipped and found out a few disturbing things:
1. replacements cost $24.95 plus the cost of shipping back the old skin piece(s).
2. if don't like it, the do offer a 30 day money back guarantee that means that I'd have to pay a $10 restocking fee plus the cost of shipping back.
3. according to them, they say the reason for the Apple logo cutout is that the logo gets hot and if covered the skin could melt to it or something.
4. if I receive it and send it back marked return to sender, unopened, they will refund my order less the cost of shipping, which they estimate somewhere in the $3 - 5 range.
So I'm not sure what to do. I don't like the fact that I may have paid $20 more for something than I should have and that it could cost me $3 - 13 to send it back.
I posted pictures of my MacBook Pro with BSE, its on the bottom of page two in this thread. Overall, after over a week of using it, I've had no issues with it.
^^ That looks fantastic. You really did a good job. I like the look even with the dimpled look. I guess I just have to decide whether to order the BSE at $30 incl. shipping and return the unopened BGZ for $3 shipping, saving $17, or to try out the BGZ and if I don't like it send it back for $3 shipping + $10 restocking fee, in which case the BSE will cost me $43. I suppose both are about the same. I guess I should have waited to order, or at least seen your pics.
ctnguye3, it doesn't look like you used the side pieces? btw, is the wrist/palm rest pieces you didn't use split in two for left and right halves?
ctnguye3, it doesn't look like you used the side pieces? btw, is the wrist/palm rest pieces you didn't use split in two for left and right halves?
Thanks, I decided not to install the sides mainly because I was afraid of spraying the solution into the ports and keyboard.
As for the wrist area, yes it comes in two pieces (left and right), but I didn't installed it on my MacBook Pro, I had it on my old MacBook and it just doesn't feel right under my wrist (it has that rubbery feeling).
I'm going to go the same route as I did with my old MacBook and purchase a wrist rug(for wrist area) and film set(for trackpad) from PowerSupportUSA, which feels a lot better than BSE and offer the same protection, but its not out yet, so I'll have to wait until than.
However, for top and bottom protection, I highly recommend BSE, they offer a great product and customer service. I remember a while back when I installed the skin on my old MacBook, installation didn't go well(it was my first time installing a skin), so I email BSE and they were quick to offer me a free replacement skin, they even paid the shipping cost and I didn't even have to send the old one back.
Hi... i have bodyguardz on my iphone, i had early 2008 MBP for just 4 days and now i think i have something like dot dent/scratch. going to buy bodyguardz , the only concern is whether when i don't want to use it anymore will it leave any marks or the glue still there. etc. ? anybody experience this?
so i guess the consensus is that MR really dislikes the Zagg shields? i still dont know what to order.
protection price and clarity are big issues.
From what i can see.
BG - clearest, but does not cover Apple sign. Which is a real eye sore in my opinion. $69.95 with shipping
BSE - covers the full back, but has some areas where it does not cover - it seems to pick and choose which areas to cover. They also have 2 separate covers for the wrist rest area. Is also dimpled/orange peel. $35.98 + $2.25 shipping - includes full skin for iPhone 3g.
Zagg - orange peel look and it does not look to cover the sides. But its the highest grade in scratch protection from what i know of. It also covers the Apple sign. $67.92 with shipping - this includes full skin for iPhone 3g.
I want to know how protective is BSE? Honestly I will most likely order the Zagg as i have had it only my phone previously.
Anyone know of any shipment delays on these products?
For other protection i also ordered this screensaver https://www.radtech.us/Products/NotebookScreenSavrz.aspx
ONE MORE - Would there be black friday sales on these websites?
protection price and clarity are big issues.
From what i can see.
BG - clearest, but does not cover Apple sign. Which is a real eye sore in my opinion. $69.95 with shipping
BSE - covers the full back, but has some areas where it does not cover - it seems to pick and choose which areas to cover. They also have 2 separate covers for the wrist rest area. Is also dimpled/orange peel. $35.98 + $2.25 shipping - includes full skin for iPhone 3g.
Zagg - orange peel look and it does not look to cover the sides. But its the highest grade in scratch protection from what i know of. It also covers the Apple sign. $67.92 with shipping - this includes full skin for iPhone 3g.
I want to know how protective is BSE? Honestly I will most likely order the Zagg as i have had it only my phone previously.
Anyone know of any shipment delays on these products?
For other protection i also ordered this screensaver https://www.radtech.us/Products/NotebookScreenSavrz.aspx
ONE MORE - Would there be black friday sales on these websites?
^^ maybe Zagg/IS will have discounts on BF, possibly BG, doubtful BSE will. I wish I had ordered the BSE, because from what I have seen/can tell, the BSE is about the same as the BG, I think essentially identical side coverage, etc, except for the BG Apple logo cutout. The BG does the wrist area in one piece and the two sides separately. The BSE does the wrist area in two pieces, seaming it down the center I think. I am pretty sure they both offer strips for the black section along the back side and all other side sections. I won't be doing my trackpad. As you pointed out, the BG sounds like it is a bit clearer though thicker film, and the BSE had more of the dimpled/peel look and feel. I have been very happy with BSE on both my iPhones, and had I looked at the pics here of them, probably would have ordered, but went with the BG first. Not sure I like BGs return and replacements policy. But I should be getting my BG today and will try that. If I don't like it, I can send it back for my cost of postage plus a $10 restocking fee out of my refund, giving my $39.95 less postage towards getting the BSE for about $30.
Sorry for the bad quality pics.. too lazy
i have the invisible shield on
and wow, im pretty impressed actually
i have bodygaurdz for my ipod touch but the IS is about just as clear
i dont know what kind of orange peel everyone's talking about
and yes, the IS covers the apple logo
and it covers the front side, back side, and on the left and right
left side, it covers up to the express slot but it leaves the hole open to be able to press for the battery indicator
and for the right side, it covers up to the cd slot and leaves a hole for the kensington lock
any questions, please feel free to ask
i have the invisible shield on
and wow, im pretty impressed actually
i have bodygaurdz for my ipod touch but the IS is about just as clear
i dont know what kind of orange peel everyone's talking about
and yes, the IS covers the apple logo
and it covers the front side, back side, and on the left and right
left side, it covers up to the express slot but it leaves the hole open to be able to press for the battery indicator
and for the right side, it covers up to the cd slot and leaves a hole for the kensington lock
any questions, please feel free to ask
Attachments
I got my BGz on Friday and went to install it on Sunday. Mine might be an isolated incident but these are the issues I had and why I sent it back and am getting the BSE instead. (This was for a 13" MacBook not Pro).
a. One or both of the solution bottles was cracked or had come open and leaked inside the container, causing the labels on the bottles to disintegrate and shred themselves. I washed off as much of the paper and glue as I could but had to wrap the bottle in a hand towel to keep from getting gunk on my fingers and then on the skin.
b. The top piece with the Apple logo perfectly centered on my laptop so that the cutout for the logo was equidistant all the way around it left the skin overhanging the hinge edge slightly, which would have caused it to have issues, or needing to be trimmed very very very carefully with an xacto knife.
c. The piece for the battery cover with 2 cut outs for the 2 black plastic feet were off by 1/4 to 1/2 an inch and could not be put on the battery cover without being badly off. It was a really shoddy cut job.
d. The two "L" shaped pieces that went down the sides of the keyboard to the mic and power button areas on the top did not meet the wrist rest area piece and there was no way they could line up, though earlier shots in this thread showed them coming together.
e. Unlike my experience with BSE on the iPhone and iPhone 3G where the piece can be slid around a bit until the solution started to evaporate, you have to get the BGz right when you lay it down, b/c no amount of solution will let it slide, it sticks immediately. I went through both bottles and refilled them a couple times and still have a few pieces left when I abandoned due to the bad cutouts for the battery cover. Also, as previously pointed out, unlike BSE, this is a less forgiving process and did not look nearly as good during installation, giving me reason to believe it would not dry to look much better.
f. Taking it off was difficult b/c of how strong the glue was. I hope that through this process I did not warp or bend the top casing.
a. One or both of the solution bottles was cracked or had come open and leaked inside the container, causing the labels on the bottles to disintegrate and shred themselves. I washed off as much of the paper and glue as I could but had to wrap the bottle in a hand towel to keep from getting gunk on my fingers and then on the skin.
b. The top piece with the Apple logo perfectly centered on my laptop so that the cutout for the logo was equidistant all the way around it left the skin overhanging the hinge edge slightly, which would have caused it to have issues, or needing to be trimmed very very very carefully with an xacto knife.
c. The piece for the battery cover with 2 cut outs for the 2 black plastic feet were off by 1/4 to 1/2 an inch and could not be put on the battery cover without being badly off. It was a really shoddy cut job.
d. The two "L" shaped pieces that went down the sides of the keyboard to the mic and power button areas on the top did not meet the wrist rest area piece and there was no way they could line up, though earlier shots in this thread showed them coming together.
e. Unlike my experience with BSE on the iPhone and iPhone 3G where the piece can be slid around a bit until the solution started to evaporate, you have to get the BGz right when you lay it down, b/c no amount of solution will let it slide, it sticks immediately. I went through both bottles and refilled them a couple times and still have a few pieces left when I abandoned due to the bad cutouts for the battery cover. Also, as previously pointed out, unlike BSE, this is a less forgiving process and did not look nearly as good during installation, giving me reason to believe it would not dry to look much better.
f. Taking it off was difficult b/c of how strong the glue was. I hope that through this process I did not warp or bend the top casing.
Well, I ordered my BodyGuardz skin and I'm anxiously awaiting it!
The pics (of all models) look awesome! So here's to hoping that mine turns out well too!!
Y'know... about the apple cut-out...
I was wondering if that's why they DID cut out the whole for the apple shape!
(about the possibility of it melting)
On one hand that's great.
But on the other hand... its going to make me a nut when i'm trying to install this thing "juuuuuuust so"!
The pics (of all models) look awesome! So here's to hoping that mine turns out well too!!
Y'know... about the apple cut-out...
I was wondering if that's why they DID cut out the whole for the apple shape!
(about the possibility of it melting)
On one hand that's great.
But on the other hand... its going to make me a nut when i'm trying to install this thing "juuuuuuust so"!
I was just reading some of the opinons on the forum of our products and wanted to personally answer you about the Macbook BodyGuardz. I am the President of NLU Products the manufacturer of BodyGuardz. We are a Mac shop here at NLU and most of us use MacBook Pro's. I am personally on my 3rd MacBook Pro, they keep upgrading them , and I wouldn't go without a BodyGuardz protector. Yes I am the Preseident and I know I am biased, we created this product because we believe in it strongly. So much so that we have a 30 day money back gaurentee. I can recommend it without hesitation. If you don't like it for some reason, remove it within the 30 days and send it back.
Thanks for being a current user and for considering the product.
Kirk
, and I wouldn't go without a BodyGuardz protector. Yes I am the Preseident and I know I am biased, we created this product because we believe in it strongly. So much so that we have a 30 day money back gaurentee. I can recommend it without hesitation. If you don't like it for some reason, remove it within the 30 days and send it back.Thanks for being a current user and for considering the product.
Kirk