Shielded the TZ (Pics)

I recently obtained a Sony TZ150N to replace a SZ120PB. Over time, the cover on the SZ would get horrible fingerprints. Even worse, the touchpad and keyboard became shiny from use.

I've been protecting my gizmos with products from Shield Zone for a few years now. I've covered Blackberries and more iPods than I'm comfortable admitting. The shield media is precision-cut 3M plastic film with non-residual adhesive. The stuff is pretty indestructible.

This being said, I went out to accomplish the following:
1. Prevent fingerprints, scuffs and other sundry damage
2. Prevent friction-wear on the touchpad and keyboard
3. Accomplish 1&2 without borking the lappy

I started off by reading this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=202510&highlight=condom

I reached out to have my M1330 covered by Shield Zone, but they wanted an install fee on top of the product itself. My more gentle sensibilities didn't allow me to pay for them to add a new product to their catalog. They have subsequently added the M1330.

Looking for a weekend project, I purchased a few 16x10 blank sheets of the 3m product from Best Skins. They use the same stuff as Shield Zone, but at a better price.

I then headed to Office Depot and picked up some supplies:


Most important gear is the Exacto paper cutter. It cuts the sheets cleanly and makes straight lines easy.

I used graph paper to create templates that I then copied to the film sheets. Just used a pencil to transfer the cutouts.

To apply the film, I put one drop of dish soap on a cookie sheet and added water. I then wetted the sheet and used a credit card to squeegee the film on the various parts.

I covered:
1. Entire lid, wrapped the lip down past the cam
2. Battery, power button and power connector end caps
3. Bottom
4. Full wrist rest and touchpad (one piece)
5. Each key on the keyboard

Here are the pics of the lappy after the application


I'm pretty happy with the end result. The film does pick up fingerprints, but they are easier to remove.

Here are a few notes:
1. The touchpad works perfectly, no reduction in sensitivity
2. If you use soapy water to apply the stuff, disconnect the battery and let it dry for a few hours before powering up.
3. The film does have an apple skin texture. This doesn't bother me. In fact, the film brings out the metallic glitter in the TZ's plastic. Makes it look wet and very attractive, IMO
4. Yes, I cut pieces for each key
5. The film does not leave a residue. I made three attempts on the lid.
6. If you have to ask how long this took, you don't have enough time. If you can purchase pre-cut film, do it.

 

WOW! I'm blown away! Very nice... I wish i had the time/materials to do that to mine...

 

Nice. I was afraid to apply my 3m film on the touchpad because I wasn't sure if it would be as responsive. I applied 3m film (purchased on eBay) for my touchpad buttons because they're glossy. I covered the keyboard with the Cooskin keyboard protector, which covers the remaining glossy portion on the TZ.

I noticed you said you covered the web camera with the film--do the camera and the microphone still operate as they did previously?

I'm REALLY looking to replace the ugly looking Cooskin keyboard cover with 3m film since I didn't think that was possible. So you made individual pieces cut to each key's dimensions, but did you also cover the gaps between the keys? If so, did you use just one big piece for the gaps, or did you have to compromise and make more than one piece? And does the keyboard look almost like it did before applying the film? The cooskin cover I have on my TZ makes the keyboard look stonewashed gray...not very attractive in my opinoin. =(

And I'm asssuming you left the vents alone on the bottom and didn't cover them, right?

I also wanted to send my TZ to invisibleshield and have them shield it but I knew the costs were going to be really high, and probably not worth it due to the "special order" fee they tack on that is non refundable according on the site.


Thanks for the post... I know some people don't care about maintaining a computer's look, so they don't see the value in the 3m film protection, but I definitely appreciate this. As I said, I only have film on my touchpad buttons, and wanted to also put the film on my lid but found it really tough to measure...need to buy a good ruler.

 

Great job!

Is a shame invisibleshield doesn't have the TZ as a device to fit the skin.

 

Well for invisible sheidl you can have them make custom orders, but definitely not for individual keys; well you can probably, it'll just cost you at least $30-50 more, but save you ALOT of effort.

*sigh* I wish I could do that with my T270 that I just bought =( But there's always the SZ that's coming in
btw AWESOME stuff, I honestly wish I had the time to do something as good as what you've done

 

thats cool........!!

but cutting pieces for each n every key.........wow u have a lot of patience

 

Wow... and the award for the most paranoid TZ owner goes to...

Good job. I have the Invisible Shield on my iPhone and I must say even that was a pain in the ass to apply to my satisfaction with no air bubbles. And that was pre cut! I couldn't imagine having to cut out 104 keys for this... Good job.

One thing I have noticed about the material for invisible shield is that over time it does actually get slightly darker over time as it accumulates dust and lint even if you clean it. I guess the only worry for that is that you're not stopping it from getting into the laptop through the keyboard. One plus for the cooskin on that point, but as admitted by most people the Cooskin definitely detracts from the sexiness of the laptop.

 

Yep. The film is close enough to the lens so there isn't much interferrence. However, the finger scanner won't tollerate any at all.

I have the cooskin as well. Fits great, but I hate it.

Each key has a piece. I did not cover the base of the keys, just the surrounding parts. The keyboard wasn't that bad once the sizes were sorted. Most keys are 1/2" by 1/2", just cut a bunch and apply. Believe it or not, It took about an hour once I had a plan. You can cut a few pieces at a time with the Exacto paper cutter.

Correct.

 

Thanks for the kind words and remarks about my anal-rententiveness

As a follow up, I used the lappy for the first time at work today. I'm even more pleased. The keyboard feels better since my fingers don't tend to slip as much. The film isn't as slick as raw plastic. I can find the gesture area on the touchpad a bit easier now too.

Like I was saying earlier, the film makes the plastic look wet and darker. I'm not sure if it's the extra contrast, but the keys seem easier to view in low light. Not night and day difference, but some improvement.

 

The Invisible Shield is a great product. I have it covering my cell phone, digital camera, and notebook.

Well worth the initial investment. Installation can be a pain though.

 

I see a lot of white speckles on the lid of your TZ. Is that dust?

 

I think it's part of the finish.

 

In addition to the comments about the texture, the comment of "apple skin texture" is spot on. I wouldn't have been able to describe it any better. I must admit the responsiveness on my iPhones touch screen was alot better after applying the invisible shield. The feel is alot more grippy hence it takes less scrolling effort to make the screen move more.

 

Correct, part of the plastic.

 

I applied protection on my 1400$ macbook but not on my 2000$ vaio sz
I got the macshield from the ebay uk site which had ready to stick precut sheets for top, bottom, webcam, palmrests, trackpad and each n every key of keyboard

 

Does the mouse pad feel comfortable with the protective film on it? Do your fingers feel sore or blistered when using the mouse pad for extended periods of time, with the film?

 

BestSkinsEver doesn't seem to be offering anything bigger than 9" x 3.75" so I searched zagg/invisibleshield. They didn't offer anything but their precut or "custom order". Then I found BodyGuardz and they offered to send me 18 inch x 13 inch sheets at 20 dollars each. Bought 2 sheets (for the noob that I am) and will be doing this once it arrives. Will post pictures =)