Hello, Fanatics! MajorDouble7 here with a look into Skinomi’s TechSkin™ for the N97. There’s been a lot of discussion in the cloud regarding protection for the N97, and it always seems to boil down to preference. Some go for stronger, more durable cases, while other prefer a ‘cleaner’ screen protector-style look. I count myself as member of the latter group, which brought me to Skinomi’s TechSkin™ phone protector.
Of all the screen protector brands out there, Skinomi drew my attention first because they offer a skin to protect the entire phone, not just the screen. Most of the common ‘cheapy’ screen protectors offer you 5 or 10 sheets in a packet, thus admitting that their protectors are ‘disposable’ and eventually wear out. Skinomi makes no such admission. In fact, they offer a lifetime guarantee with every product they sell (products which, by the way, vary from digital cameras to portable gaming systems).
This is from the Skinomi website:
Skinomi TechSkin™ Features:
- • Toughest clear protective film on the market
- • Clear protection that is virtually invisible
- • Preserves your device’s original design
- • Protects your device from scratches and “wear-and-tear”
- • Patented layer of UV protection for anti-yellowing
- • Provides protection without affecting the functions of your device
- • Non-sticky or restrictive outer surface
- • Lifetime Replacement Warranty
- • 100% Made in the USA
Skinomi TechSkin protectors are the clear choice for maximum scratch protection. These go beyond your traditional screen protectors, skins, covers, and cases. TechSkin is made from the same film material used to protect luxury cars, military aircrafts, and NASA space shuttles. Skinomi TechSkin protectors are custom made to specifically fit your device.
So what’s the real story? Does their TechSkin stick to the issues? And what about installation?
I’m going to offer my experience regarding these questions, starting with the installation.
Installation was a real concern for me before, during, and after my purchase of the Skinomi product. I was dreadfully terrified of marring my N97 for life, even though for all intents and purposes I was just sticking a piece of plastic over it. Skinomi says that their protective skin is removable during installation to the point where you can do minor adjustments (it is also claimed to leave behind no residue of any kind if you decide to remove the protector later down the road). “Fear not” is the mantra coming out of the website. Well, I still like to err on the side of caution, I thank you.
All of the instructions for installation are posted on their website, www.skinomi.com, which is a real relief. When looking for which product to use, I wanted to know how it worked and how it was applied, in hopes to make a more informed decision. So having the instructions readily available was a real plus for me.
What I couldn’t find, however, was an application video. I was really hoping to find a video in the cloud that would show how to install the protector accurately on any device (whether by Skinomi or a fellow user). Let’s face it, I was probably a bit too paranoid about messing up my N97. Needless to say, no video was found. In fact, the only Skinomi application video I found at the time was for an electric cigarette device that’s basically in the shape of a cylinder…no help there.
So! I finally decided to get on with it and give the Skinomi a whirl (I know what you may be thinking, “Why didn’t YOU make a video while you were installing?” Well, the only camera I have is on my N97, so that wouldn’t quite work out as you can imagine). I followed all of the rules and tried my best to line up the edges just right. By the time I was finished, what was in my hand was a very unattractive piece of phone. Skinomi’s instructions say that any small bubbles and the like will disappear over time and remember: “Fear not.”
Being the trustworthy person that I am, I decided not to judge too quickly, and left my device to rest for a full 24 hours as instructed.
Fast-forward a week later and my device still had very unattractive bubbles and marks. NOW, it is completely possible (and highly likely) that my installation job wasn’t the best. Perhaps my nervousness got the better of me. I did admittedly blunder a bit when placing the front screen sheet, thus causing two nasty looking air bubbles that wouldn’t ‘push out’ with the supplied plastic tool for that exact purpose. After a while most of the micro bubbles did disappear, and my phone started to look a little more normal. There were still a few large ones present, but overall the skin was doing what it claimed it would.
After a while longer, say, three weeks or so after installation, I began playing with the idea of removing the skin, undecided as I was about my satisfaction. I finally decided that I didn’t like the ‘rubbery’ feel of the back of the phone. It was almost too ‘tactful’ (some call this ‘sticky’)…I liked the original, smoother feel of the plastic on the back of the device. Also the small pieces encasing the chrome frame felt a bit wonky around the edges.
Having made up my mind, I removed the back piece and the slender chrome-covering pieces. I opted to leave the screen and other side pieces on, as they were both ok for the time being, and I certainly wanted something to protect my screen until a replacement could be found. There was no problem whatsoever with removing the previously installed sheets of the TechSkin™ and my phone felt the same as the first day I took it out of the box.
Fast-forward yet again, to approximately six weeks after installation, and I find that my Skinomi TechSkin™ looks perfect…almost perfect. The large bubbles that I was no doubt the cause of have all but disappeared. You can’t see them when the screen is on or off (only if you know where they are and look *real* close). The tact of the protector is nice and smooth; no more ‘tacky’ or ‘rubbery’ feel at all. I’ve scratched it (intentionally) and nothing happens. If there are any marks, they either wipe off or disappear in a matter of minutes. The TechSkin™ has truly delivered as advertised.
Have a look at some shots of my (admittedly dirty) N97. You can see where the edge of the screen is. It looks a lot more pronounced in these photos than it does in person.
The smudge right by the green call button is one of my bubble mistakes...hardly noticeable in person
The screen no longer has the 'sticky' or rubbery feel...nice and smooth
The small pieces along the side of the N97...the pieces included with the Skinomi package that cover the chrome have been removed
Back of N97 without Skinomi Protection
I’m convinced that any imperfections and marks are due to my poor installation of the product. I’ve never installed a screen protector on any of my previous phones, and can tell that this is a practice that you can only improve on in time. Eventually I’m sure I’ll call up Skinomi again and re-order the N97 full phone protector. Sure, they have a lifetime guarantee, and I could make up some story to get a new one, but at only $19.95 USD, I’m willing to pay them again for what I now know to be a great product.
Overall the Skinomi product does exactly what I was hoping it would do when I first placed an order for it along with my N97. The best part about it is the fact that I can hand my phone over to (almost) anyone without any fear whatsoever that they’ll smudge it, mark it, or otherwise defile my beautiful N97.
How ’bout it, Fanatics? what screen protector do you prefer? Was it a hassle to apply? Tell us all about it.
Until next time…
MD 7
Related Articles:
- The N97 Does Need A Screen Protector After All
- The Best N97 Screen Protector Only Costs One (1) Penny, And You Get 2
- Review: AAS First Impressions With The N97
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On The Web: http://www.twitter.com/MajorDouble7
About: My name's Bryan and I'm an N97 Fanatic living in Cabo San Lucas. I contemplated my N97 purchase for close to two months, debating whether or not I should go with the N85 or the N97. Needless to say, the N97 prevailed. I wasn't too happy about the price (when converted to Mexican pesos it's pretty damn expensive), but I knew that I had to have one. I am forever a Nokia user, ever since my first Nokia almost ten years ago ('member those things? You 'member). There were a few times through the years that I was almost seduced by competitors...whether it was a hot new Sidekick or a business savvy Blackberry...but Nokia won out and has remained my permanent choice ever since. I am excited to be a part of the N97Fanatics group, and will try my best to keep you up-to-date and informed on all things N97. By the way, if anyone should visit Cabo San Lucas with their N97 in hand, I'll buy you a beer (or a glass of the best orange juice in town...your choice). MD 7
