Review Zagg invisibleSHIELD for my Envy 17 (PICS)

I asked around before I even received my computer and didn't get to much information about covers for the palm rests and trackpad. So I thought I'd just give it a shot and see how the Zagg product worked out.

Why I want a protector:
Mostly I'm just a little OCD about these type of products (cameras, computers, etc) and like to keep them in perfect condition, as long as the protection doesn't affect the performance. I also know that I will probably sell these type of products eventually, so I always make a point of keeping all packing material and trying to keep the product in as good as condition as possible, while still getting my use and money's worth from the product.

With some past computers, the mousepads and palm rest discolored or had the paint wear off. I try to avoid that happening if i can, so I like to cover the areas that are touched the most (this kit comes with protectors for both palm rests, mouse, and top of display lid. I would have bought it without the display lid cover if possible).

My relationship with Zagg:
I have 100% no interest or relationship with the Zagg company. I have used some of their products before, with mixed experiences (I actually had their camera LCD protectors but now use the glass protectors available on amazon). Their products are decent but maybe not as great as advertised. I have gotten scratches on their screen covers before, so I don't believe they are as indestructible as claimed. I no longer use Zagg products as screen protectors because they aren't smooth enough and introduce odd "micro-distortions" in the image, but for other protection, I basically have no problem with Zagg.

So why buy Zagg?
Well, recently I have just cut my own protectors, but besides being a huge hassle, my protectors have been wrinkling up. I thought for a change I'd try something precut and not supposed to wrinkle up. This was the only precut protector for the Envy 17, otherwise I would have looked at other options as well.

Installation:
Pretty easy, just follow the instructions. The large piece that covers the top of the display lid is the hardest to get right just because it's so big. Also, it's a challenge on the Envy to get all the bubbles out because of the texture on the body. But overall, definitely not the most frustrating protector install I've ever had.

ALSO, I had read that some people were having problems with the installation of the Zagg laptop protectors (not Envy specific though) because the pieces were too hard to remove from the backing and it would stretch the protector pieces out of shape when removing from the backing, and make them fit poorly. I did NOT have this issue at all.

Impressions:
Of course it changes the look of the Envy. I prefer the look (and feel!) without the protectors, and may take them off eventually. But the look isn't bad. The worst part probably is that the body of the Envy has texture that will trap bubbles/installation liquid that will not come out unless you remove the protectors. But they fit reasonably well and WILL do a good job protecting it. If I had one MAIN complaint, it is that I don't think the type of material they use works well on the mousepad/trackpad. It doesn't slid smoothly and makes the mouse pad harder to use. Eventually, I may take that part off and replace it with a matte-type finish protector that I cut to fit. Matte-type protectors will work better for the mouse because your finger won't stick.

Overall, the protectors do their job and I'll give them a chance. I will say though that while my previous plastic laptops didn't change much with protectors (self-made) on them, I already miss the feel of the cool and strong metal body on the Envy. Eventually, I might take them off, and find a matte protector just to cover the mouse pad, so I can feel the metal under my hands. The best way to describe it is a little like covering a supple leather couch with a cheap plastic cover. It doesn't look or feel nearly as nice, but it IS protected. But I might miss the look and feel eventually and take them off.

Pictures:

**NOTE this is just after installation and most of the bubbles you see here have already worked themselves out. There are a few left, but only a fraction of what you see in the pictures.



Showing the way it reflects with the protector on:


Mousepad detail (there are 3 pieces here: 1 mousepad cover, and 2 palmrest covers, 1 left-1 right) most bubbles are gone only a day after install:


Detail of where the palm protector stops:


More palm protector detail:


Another reflection shot:


Corner detail of the lid cover (ended up pretty flush and satisfactory):



That's all, please let me know if you have any questions. It was hard for me to get any real info, reviews, or pictures of this product on an Envy, so I'd be happy to help any one else who's considering this product.

Thanks,
Marcus

 

I prefer resting my hands on the zagg as opposed to the cold metal feeling of the stock envy. It's more comfortable (to me)

I've been running a tiny bit of Armor All Ultra Shine on the touchpad. Nice and slippery and if you get just the right amount on there you get the benefits of the slickness without getting enough on your fingers to transfer to the keyboard when you type.

Still in search of a better chemical treatment, surely there is one out there.

 

My OCD is having to have perfect screen protectors with no bubbles whatsoever.

 

This doesn't go on the Envy screen.

And after you have few under your belt it's pretty easy to get them installed bubble free.

 

I can understand this on a screen but on metal? Its not gonna scratch

 

Ah yes sorry I mislabel all film protectors as screen protectors and yes, a couple protectors helped me reduce bubbles in the past.

 

I wish there were protectors for HDX16 series.
The design is just awesome and very nice.
That metal glossy lines, black stripes.
Just awesome.
HP knows how they must design.

I like the Envy 17 too.
Nice slim and flat design.
Having protectors for it would be good too.

The only con is these bubbles.
I remember assigning a screenprotector on my PSP.
The very tiny dust screw it up.
Bye money and bye protector.

 

Well, it isn't as much about trying to avoid damage like a scratch as it is just avoiding wearing from constant daily touching. I've never gotten a scratch or damage on any computer I've owned, but EVERY computer I've owned will start to wear and discoloring under the palms and where I touch the track pad.

 

haha, to each his/her own. I love the cool feel of the metal, but I can understand that others might now.

I do think the zagg is ok, and I'll leave it on for a while. It's tightened up a lot and it's actually even getting sucked down into the dimples that make up the Envy's etched pattern.

I don't think I'll mess with the Armor All though, I'll just find a cheap matte screen protector and cut it to fit the touchpad. It should feel more like the original hp touchpad, kind of a non-stick teflon-type feel. That's what I have on my phone right now and I love the feel of it.

 

I used to have one of these on my old Envy 17. I botched the protector for the lid. You have to be very careful in removing it from the paper it comes with. My experience with the protector was OK, but I definitely prefer the feel without it. I don't have any protectors or skins on my current Envy 17. I'm overly protective of my Envy but for my own interests. It's not about selling it in the future. My last machine developed an annoying if small dent in the lid. Hopefully, this will never dent.

 

There is zero reason, IMO, to cover the Envy in a plastic wrap to protect it form wear that won't happen.

 

The wear that DID happen is what caused me to get one for my old Envy in the first place. The lid is not very hard to scratch. I used to sit my antenna for my USB TV stick behind my computer, and when it fell against it, the top would sometimes scratch the lid. Once the plug hit my lid and scratched it.