« Working with the iPod Touch | Main | Idea-Jot-It »

Centro Coverup

Sammy,
In light of Pastor Steve's recent post regarding adding invisibleSHIELD to his iPhone, I thought I would do a review of invisibleSHIELD by Zagg for the Palm Centro. I have always had a case for all of my previous devices, most recently an aluminum case for my Tungsten T|3. However, overall, I loved the Centro's smaller form factor and didn't want to add a lot of bulk to it with a case. I did want to protect it from scratches, particularly the screen, as it was always thrown in my pocket usually with keys and a pen. After, some research on the web I narrowed it down to two products: invisibleSHIELD by Zagg and Ghost Armor by Ghost Armor LLC. Both are made of a polyurethane film that supposedly used to protect the blade edges of military helicopters from flying debris. In the end I opted for invisibleSHIELD for no particular reason other than invisibleShield had more reviews and videos on youtube as the two seemed nearly identical in qualities, cost and application. I bought the full body cover for my new Centro for a cost of $24.95 USD, including shipping. 
It came packaged in a sharp looking box. Included was the invisibleSHIELD cut-outs, the SHIELDspray application solution and a small, rubber squeegee. I had watched the application videos on the Zagg website several times to familiarize myself with the application process. Hey, this is my first new device in years and I didn't want to have it looking like it was covered with Saran Wrap! The application took about 2 hours with waiting for certain areas to dry so I could apply the next piece. The two strips alongside the screen were especially annoying as the needed to curve down along the sides. However, every time I would try to press it over the top part would pop up. It took many trials to find the right about tackiness when I could bend it and have both side sticking.  The main areas that didn't come out right were at the top. Two pieces were to run along the sides and wrap up over the top. Despite multiple adjustments using the tips suggested by the Zagg site, including the "palming technique" for curves, a small area remains sticking up on both sides. Nothing major, but for obsessive-compulsive types it may bug them. Overall, the finish is barely noticeable and it does live up to the scratch free guarantee. I personally have taken a key and pen to test it without any resulting scratches, whatsoever. There is a slightly tacky feel to it, which some may like as it does offer some slip resistance. Unfortuantely, it also seems to hold onto lint, dust and whatever else I have in my pocket.
Pros:
Scratch-proof
Inexpensive (IMO)
Slip resistant
Cons:
Tedious to apply
Lint/Dust magnet
Well, that's my take on the full body invisibleSHIELD for the Palm Centro. Pastor Steve, if you have this professionally installed it should look great. Cheers and good luck.
Anthony C in Oneida, NY
PS After I had already purchased the invisibleSHIELD, someone responded to post on the PA forums and stated that his Ghost Armor had a more glossy or smooth feel. He had his professionally installed on his Treo and thought it came out great.