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invisibleSHIELD - Look it up for the Diamond my mate got it and it hardly shows any finger prints even after a days use and smudges whilst retaining the sheen of the device, also your back and front will be fully protected whilst keeping its form factor... if you have microscopic scratches like mine on screen that are obvious in well light conditions they will also disappear after application- ordered mine already...
Review and good pics... http://joeygadget.com/2007/08/15/on...-shield-screen-protector-for-iphone-and-treo/
They are available on ebay in most countries for Diamond - make sure you get the legit one as I am sure there are **** counterfits...
The ones for the iPhone are very hard to install and keep all of the little bubbles out, have plenty of patience when installing.
Although it is tough, the appearance after installation is extremely ugly.
Esp the screen.( no more grossy). I finally uninstalled it ( my wife said that my diamond is very ugly after the invisible shield, looks like an old PPC) and use other anti scratch screen protector and silicon case for body protection.
I have invisible shield for both 3g iphone and touch diamond...installation was easy actually but it doesnt look nice....u can tell theres something on the screen.
Would not recommend
I've already ordered one but couldn't installed it properly. It was very very hard and although I tried to be very carefully, still a lot of bubbles remained under the iShield. I put it off again and now I've got no screen protector anymore. Instead I use the original pocket case to wear the Diamond in my pocket. I think my fingers won't be able to scratch the display when touching it
Thanks for all the feedback
Interesting after install my friends one looked alright to me... hmmm I will post some pics after install and post my findings...
Anyone have a positive experience?
My friend's iPhone 3G looks MINT with it, literally can't tell it's there... But it was a ***** to install, especially around the corners.
I got one the other day and i'm sending it back, it looks apawling, far from invisible. I followed the instructions to the letter but couldn't get all of the little bubbles out, plus it just generally makes an expensive phone look like a piece of plastic junk.
Another thing is it doesn't actually cover the corners of the front of the phone so when i dropped mine the other day the corner got scratched.
Personally I wont use InvisibleSheild again as I believe their claims do not live up to the actual real world application.
shinobi_uk said:
I got one the other day and i'm sending it back, it looks apawling, far from invisible. I followed the instructions to the letter but couldn't get all of the little bubbles out, plus it just generally makes an expensive phone look like a piece of plastic junk.
Another thing is it doesn't actually cover the corners of the front of the phone so when i dropped mine the other day the corner got scratched.
Personally I wont use InvisibleSheild again as I believe their claims do not live up to the actual real world application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might make it look plastic, but I really can't say since my friend's iPhone IS plastic. Heh hopefully yours works out better, OP.
Mixed Views
Such mixed views - I have a feeling its down to having the patience to do the install properly - same my mates Diamond looks mint... hmmm
I had one of these for my Diamond and wasn't happy at all. I'm a very patient person but after a while it was just getting on my nerves. Trying to get it to bend around the case without leaving any air bubbles was just impossible. The parts that did stick down OK didn't look that nice either. It has a strange rubbery feel to it that I just don't like at all. I ended up ripping it off in frustration. Looked at their site and you can get your money back but you have to send it off to the states and I can't be bothered with the hassle or cost so I've just chalked it up as experience and will not recommend the product to anyone at all.
i bought and installed it right after getting my diamond. you can definetly see
that there's a protection layer on it and i wasn't at all satisfied for the first
week or so after application because the invisible shield felt sticky. it took me
the better part of 2 hours to get it right with no bubbles.
it's been some weeks now since installation and i'm pretty happy with the
shield. the stickyness is gone almost completely. i still can't slide my fingers or
stylus as smoothly over the touchscrees as without the shield tho.
in the end it's worth it for me because the device won't get any scratches at
all and i really hate scratches on my shiny devices
nuumuun said:
i bought and installed it right after getting my diamond. you can definetly see
that there's a protection layer on it and i wasn't at all satisfied for the first
week or so after application because the invisible shield felt sticky. it took me
the better part of 2 hours to get it right with no bubbles.
it's been some weeks now since installation and i'm pretty happy with the
shield. the stickyness is gone almost completely. i still can't slide my fingers or
stylus as smoothly over the touchscrees as without the shield tho.
in the end it's worth it for me because the device won't get any scratches at
all and i really hate scratches on my shiny devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be great if you can post some pics front and back at a few angles in high light - not too much too ask surely lol oh and maybe put a cherry on top.
But seriously some pics would be great...
just finished installing my new invisible shield on my HD2. during the process of installing the it, phone did seem to get a bit wet so im going to follow the advice to let it dry out for out 12 to 24 hours before turning it back on. the process of applying the shield is different compared to ones i have bought before. now a small package with a sponge is included and instead of a squeegee a installation card is used which i feel works much better to take out the small bubbles after. the shield fits just right covering the screen and a little extra beyond that. if anything i will update once i have let it dry out a bit and report back on how the screen reacts to the shield being on it and the screen sensitivity to touch.
What version did you buy? I have the Maximum Protection coming in the mail. I am just wondering what the difference between Full body and Maximum Protection is.
Not so good
Hi all,
I bought the IS full body for HD2 and I'm very disappointed! It's called full body but there are just too many open spots. I had my first IS on my I900, and the full body covered everything except the camera lens, volume and camera keys, and the call keys. The HD2 is covered, but I won't call it full body because the Omnia was better covered. Those who installed it know what I'm talking about, for example on the back of the phone, between the cover and both the upper and lower part, you have some space, on the side, where the volume buttons are, the upper part (when you put the phone with the screen up) is not covered, and the half of the bottom, where the 3.5 jack and usb socket are, is not covered. There are other spots, hard to define, and most of all, when after taking all the bubbles away, some liquid is still there and guess what it will turn into when dry? Yeah, bubbles...
I wanted to ask .. does the full Invisible shield of the HD2 ( screen and the back ) better or the just back only ??
I mean does the Invisible shield of the screen will reduce the sensitive of the touch on the screen ??
please because I want to buy it so which one I buy
just back or the both ??
you can only buy
front - for the display
or
full body kit - for the display and 3 cut pieces for the back
yes, the one for the front will reduce the sensitivity compared to without one.
after the installation it sucks, but getting better each day.
after a few days it is ok, also to use swype for instance, without any problems.
so the full body kit is absolutely great, and i never will use a mobile device without such a nice protection.
I just bought one on ebay
Look at item, 180488642102 (can't post links since I rarely reply on the forum)
Installation was a breeze and much quicker than a zagg and in my opinion a cleaner look. My buddy wanted one, but didn't want to use their screen protector, so I asked if they would just sell the pieces for the housing. They said yes and all you have to do is buy the screen protector, item 170466295030 and put in the order notes that you want the housing pieces only. I would send them a note first.
This should save some $$$ and you could get the housing protector for around $6.
forelli said:
Hi all,
I bought the IS full body for HD2 and I'm very disappointed! It's called full body but there are just too many open spots. I had my first IS on my I900, and the full body covered everything except the camera lens, volume and camera keys, and the call keys. The HD2 is covered, but I won't call it full body because the Omnia was better covered. Those who installed it know what I'm talking about, for example on the back of the phone, between the cover and both the upper and lower part, you have some space, on the side, where the volume buttons are, the upper part (when you put the phone with the screen up) is not covered, and the half of the bottom, where the 3.5 jack and usb socket are, is not covered. There are other spots, hard to define, and most of all, when after taking all the bubbles away, some liquid is still there and guess what it will turn into when dry? Yeah, bubbles...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that is why they have the New Maximum Protection for the T-mobile HD2. I cant confirm until I receive the one I purchased either Monday or Tuesday. According to the description I thought it said that the maximum protection is supposed to cover virtually everything you would wanna protect and is able to be stretched to cover the extra parts.
I got the phantomskinz the same price as invisible shield, you get 2 of the skins, & comes in matte option!!
spoogedemon said:
you can only buy
front - for the display
or
full body kit - for the display and 3 cut pieces for the back
yes, the one for the front will reduce the sensitivity compared to without one.
after the installation it sucks, but getting better each day.
after a few days it is ok, also to use swype for instance, without any problems.
so the full body kit is absolutely great, and i never will use a mobile device without such a nice protection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
so you advise me to buy it better than the normal Protector like in amazon (Premium Crystal Clear LCD Screen Protector for HTC HD2 ) and it is 5 Pack and 5$ ... but the Invisible shield HD2 24$
Go to zagg.com and see the difference between the two.. The invisibleshield material is stuff that they use on helicopter blades. You cannot scratch it... The cheap stuff on ebay will easily be scuffed and eventually tear..
I've seen some reviews on Zagg's stuff and the screen protector is usually too thick and 'grips' your finger as you try to slide on the screen. Don't know if that's still the case but I went with Bodyguardz again since it was decent on my TP2.
don't buy the t-mobile screen protector it takes away from the clarity of the screen and the sensitivity
dtfast1 said:
don't buy the t-mobile screen protector it takes away from the clarity of the screen and the sensitivity
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought them when i picked up my HD2 on release day just until i get the invisible shield on it. It does make the phones screen a bit hazy but itll do until the get proper protection.
Meanwhile, I was browsing zagg's website and came across 3 different coverage options for the invisible shield. I'll be ordering the Maximum Protection package after i type this post!!!
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield...es-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php
Pic
Is there somebody who can upload a picture of his HD2 with an Invisible shield on it? Especially the corners.
The HD2 screen is already quite scratch resistant, yes?
well been using the invisble shield on my hd2 for the past day or so and i must say, im not sure if its because of the way i applied it or because it just simply made this way but iv have enjoyed having it on. i dont see absoulutly any hazyness as mentioned before, on my screen. the screen still work great just barely have to touch the screen for it to register my touch. yes u can feel the shield on but, depending on wether u have ur fingers clean or dirty does it make a diffrence when ur using it and how it feels when sliding ur fingers on the screen. also i have noticed i clean the screen less often from dirt and the oil from ur hands, so u get to see less finger smudges on the screen to. also ever since i have the protection on i handle the phone a little more loosely and freely when pulling it out of my pocket. one more thing. for those who have a tmobile hd2 which i do. if u have noticed when u look at the screen mostly during the day in sunlight u can see just barely small dots and lines arranged all over the screen. i can tell they were made to be on the screen because there arranged in a specific order kinda like to register commands and i have noticed that i can just barely see them now with the shield on. makes the screen a lil clearer. i would highly recommended it. this isnt my first device i have applyed the shield on but it certanitly is the device i have been most satisfied with it being on because of its look feel and protection. hope this helps u guys decided on wether to get it or not. also as a last note i only have the screen cover on so i cant comment on the full protection or apparently the new "maximum coverage" shield
kcab87 said:
I bought them when i picked up my HD2 on release day just until i get the invisible shield on it. It does make the phones screen a bit hazy but itll do until the get proper protection.
Meanwhile, I was browsing zagg's website and came across 3 different coverage options for the invisible shield. I'll be ordering the Maximum Protection package after i type this post!!!
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield...es-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered my Maximum Protection on Wednesday and I am hoping to get it on Monday or Tuesday (and I paid for 2 day Air), I am going to most likely only apply the body pieces and not use the screen protection itself since the glass is really durable if you look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcEaehKWr2s and I love the sensitivity of my screen and I know on my Mom's Pre and now her Droid eris as well as my brothers Droid eris, the screen is far from as sensitive once you apply the invisible shield. I will however stick with the product because I love there protection and how it gives you a tacky feeling that make me feel allot more secure with my phone in hand. I will also be taking some pictures and possible a quick video of the Invisible Shield on my device after it is applied (I am still debating if I want to pay Best Buy $7 to apply it for me lol)
This shield is perfect!
Hi,
My husband and I use the invisible shield from ZAGG. And not the full body, because it isn't really full. We have to protect and to see from the outside whos device it is. Skins from ZAGG... this is great. Easy to stick it on and it stays perfectly on. No sticky edges or something. I post some photos in this reply. The skins from ZAGG are perfect...
And we can separate the devices and won't take the wrong device to our work. (at 7.00a.m.)
The invisibleSHIELD is easy installed, but you need a lot of patience and a soft piece of fabric (don't know the right word! Doekje in dutch )
And keep your fingers wet! (oops! 1 picture of our cats!!! ) The pictures are made by the HTC HD2 (european version)
alvinmathew88 said:
I got the phantomskinz the same price as invisible shield, you get 2 of the skins, & comes in matte option!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for phantomskinz...I have been using them for awhile on all of my phones.
I have tried zagg and BSE as well and I think the phantomskinz have the least amount of "orange peel" effect and I have noticed zero reduced sensitivity from having it on there.
If you check around on sites like www.retailmenot.com...you can usually find some good coupon codes to save even more money.
...still trying to figure out why they give you two complete sets...not that im complaining, but I upgrade so often...I have never used the 2nd skin for any of the phones I have
On the package, they recommend dipping the skin in a bowl of warm soapy water to apply...I have always had better results using a small spray bottle with the warm soapy water to spray the skin, and using a small bowl to just dip my fingers in.
As an application tip...I have learned that applying them in the bathroom after someone has taken a shower dramatically reduced the chance of airborn dust settling on the phone while you are applying them...just remember to use warm soapy water, keep your fingers nice and wet, lots of clean paper towels or a lint free cloth, and a spare phone to use while drying.
Also...the edges that you have to fold over can be tricky to get down if the skin is still wet. After you get the large flat areas secured down...use a hair dryer and blow dry the adhesive side of the skin to dry it out a bit. the heat also makes the skin much more flexable and easier to shape to the contours of the phone.
Cheers
I have used the 'full-body' protection Invisible Shield, and must say that I am not very pleased with it. The salesperson asked for about 40% of the price to help me apply it. And I figured I could do a job as well as some aunty, and so I did !
And found myself looking at Not-So-Invisible-Shield. There're 3 specks of dust that wouldn't come out even after I unpeeled it and used the sponge provided to scrub it. ANYWAY, the IS doesn't seem to change the sensitivity of the screen much, but it certainly does increase the friction, so swpye-ing might feel a little odd. But I am overall pleased with the product and protection.
Anyone know how to get the front bezel off this thing?
It's begging for a paint job.
Thx!
and perhaps a generous application of rubber cement. I had ONE creek point when i bought it - annoying but livable enough (plus the fact all the bad hours of xmas I was working I never had time to return it in the 30 day period to best buy). now almost 2 months latter theres three...
theres a teardown thread or two on here somewhere but the search button seems to be failing (or my browser....)
- Will.
It must pop off, but I don't want to be the guy to try it...
In the tear down I remember seeing roughly 10 small philips screws holding it from the inside to the metal sub structure. To tighten it you need to remove the back of the device then you will see the screws running around the perimeter. I also remember the screen is held to the bezel with a form of double faced tape.
waremaster said:
In the tear down I remember seeing roughly 10 small philips screws holding it from the inside to the metal sub structure. To tighten it you need to remove the back of the device then you will see the screws running around the perimeter. I also remember the screen is held to the bezel with a form of double faced tape.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its funny because the guy at Best Buy was trying to pull the back off of the one I returned... No idea why he was trying to yank the back off of it...
I guess if he had succeeded I would have seen the screws..
Funny enough the display model NookColor at my local best buy was practically falling off. When I first looked at the device I nearly did not buy one because of that but then getting one in my hands at B&N changed my mind.
The front bezel is a "tape and cover" paint job. The screen is glued to the frame pretty solid. I had mine apart to fiddle around and to get the back off for a mold. Most of the screws are Torx #5 or #6. Tape it off good and you should be ok as far as the front bezel. The rear and metal frame you can easily get to by proper disassembly.
Here's the zdnet guide,
http://www.zdnet.com/photos/nookcolor-teardown/487636?seq=21
Here's what I did.
You'll need a torx 5. After you unscrews the 2 screws by the sd slot, use your nail along the chamfer corner to lift the back siding up. Then use a credit card to lift the back up and run along the edge to unhinged the back.
techboydino, are you going to make a new front bezel? might be a small after market for such things. I'd pick up a more solid one if the price was right.
actually metal front and back pieces would rock...
- Will.
I would like to see a silicon back cover case that has a kickstand..
WillCameron said:
techboydino, are you going to make a new front bezel? might be a small after market for such things. I'd pick up a more solid one if the price was right.
actually metal front and back pieces would rock...
- Will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was really considering metal but the fact that most would have to really take special care to actually seperate the bezel from the screen really kind of set me off that. making a case for this is rediculously hard. (compared to my attempts at other devices. if you ever seperated a screen for a cell phone from the glass then you know what I mean. I am trying to replace the back with aluminum and wanted to do a carbon fiber front. so far everything is too thick or just plain looks bad.
Ever heard of masking tape?
3M BLUE painters tape FTW
Glad to find this post!!!
This maybe a little off the subject but does any know where I can purchase a replacement faceplate frame cover.
I accidentally drop my nook color and now it has a nasty crack...
Thank you all in advance!
i took the kickstand off a picture frame...white glued it and had one. Then took it off to fit my new cover...replacement kickstand not put on yet..
nookme said:
This maybe a little off the subject but does any know where I can purchase a replacement faceplate frame cover.
I accidentally drop my nook color and now it has a nasty crack...
Thank you all in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is probably to pick up a smoked one off EBay or one with a cracked screen and a good bezel.
Actually post up WTB (want to buy) dead Nook Color in the XDA market and link to it in this thread. I seem to recall a couple readers here who have more than "gently used" Nooks....
Finally got home after being on duty for the last four days and found my skin waiting for me in the mailbox. started smiling like a school kid and went inside to see about putting it on. I must say I think this is the first time I have put anything on that is a dry installation. I was wondering how the install liquid would work on the back of the phone... Yea... Perhaps I should do more research huh?
Any way installation was a breeze. I had to lift it to re align it once as I was off just a touch, but the 3M material lifted clean and re-stuck with no issues. One thing I would note, once you align the camera, IR lens and flash cutouts, check the spacing around them VERY CLOSELY! I didn't know at the time but I was still just a touch off. it is really hard to see that I was off, but once I got the edges heated and pressed down and the corners formed to my device on two corners the material was right at the edge and I could tell that over time with me constantly inserting and removing from my pockets like I always do the material would start getting peeled back and eventually need to be removed. My solution was simply to gently trim with a razor. again this was due to MY install issue and not a problem with the skin.
I was wondering how the rounded corners were going to stick, and with a few seconds of warming with my wife's hair dryer, and a little gentle persuasion with my palm all the corners stuck nice and smoothly.
At first I wasn't going to install the two small front pieces, but so that I could review for the OP I decided I would. Again, just a simple matter of aligning and gently pressing down and all the cutouts lined right up and you would think this was installed by someone who knew what they were doing! I normally don't like screen protectors around the ear piece cutouts because the inner edges of the cutouts tend to be sharp and slightly rough against my ear, but I will leave the pieces on for at least a week to see how the feel.
Overall the quality of the skin and the ease and accuracy of install is way better than I was expecting. I am definitely impressed with the initial fit and finish of it. i will post back after a week of wearing it to post my opinion of how it is holding up.
Ok, here are some pics...
Overall shot of the back...
Here are shots of all the cutouts. Notice how exact they are. Little attention to detail needed for install, but once they are lined up they look GREAT!
Close up of the back cutouts... If you look at the IR lens and the left side of the camera cut out you can see that I am off with my alignment. I didn't notice until I had about 90% of the skin pressed down and just decided to live with my mistake.
And the bottom cutouts...
Top cutouts...
Speaker cutout...
Side view. Notice how close to the screen edge of the phone the skin goes to.
Here is my one boo-boo on install. Notice the slight rough edge on the side piece just below the face piece? that is where I trimmed just a bit off. it isn't noticeable on the phone, and again it was MY fault...
Here are a couple of the corners. they were easy to smooth out and make look good.
Cutouts for the ear piece, front camera, sensor, and what ever that little dot is... Microphone??
All in all, I really like the skin, and since it is cut from the 3M material I can only assume it will last. I just want to see how long the edges stick and look good with my use. I tend to be hard on them...
I also want to thank the company for doing this and going above and way beyond.
Here is a LINK to where you too can purchase these skins. (thanks for the reminder about this Sweets55)
That little dot next to the sensors is the front facing LED light. Its tiny, but very bright.
Flex · D950G · ROGERS
huh. no kidding. I should have known that.... lol
Nice review. I have the White Carbon Fiber on the way. Maybe put the link of the company in the OP. I thought about not putting on the front pieces as well.
http://www.xgearlive.com/products/android/lg/exo-skin-6
well sweets, that would have made sense to put a link there... I couldnt remember about the front LED, you really expect me to remember to include a link to the product?
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
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I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
*edit, 11/21/2015*
Here's the installation video:
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Finished results video:
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
dpwhitty11 said:
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the in-depth review, and sorry to hear of the alignment issue! Looking at the picture #2 of the Toasted 5X, it appears that that side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional. We have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on everything, so if you'd like another set of wraps, just shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order.
In regards to the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time!
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
rgerrans said:
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
LAURCORE said:
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the alignment, it's tight on the power button side, just 1 mm short of full wrap and/or the sim card side is just short of coming up high enough. Thanks for the offer on the replacement but it's such a small piece that snapped off that it's barely noticeable and not worth the effort to replace.
For me the bigger issue is turning out to be the size of the 3.5mm audio cutout. I can't get my Bose to get a secure connection. Unfortunately, it looks like the only way to get the opening big enough would be to actually take it into the first bend cut since the Bose plug cover is 6mm in diameter vs. what looks like a 5mm cutout now. Not sure if that's even an option? May have to see if I can cut back part of the plug cover on the Bose.
Other then that, still liking the cover. No issues with snagging or extra lint pickup from the small side gap or any of the corner cuts.
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
littleguevara said:
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's typically a little bit of exposed adhesive around the edges, but this should never be an issue after a few days of use. We always tell people to just leave it be and it will go away on it's own. :good:
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 PM ----------
ElecTriX666 said:
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the disappointment, but we plan on adding a cherry wood this Spring!
---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
graffixnyc said:
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing the Nexus etching info, and you won't regret Toasting them!
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 PM ----------
dpwhitty11 said:
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent video - thanks again! Those button covers were definitely underscored by the laser... don't know how that passed through QA. Please let me know if you'd like a replacement set of wraps & buttons!
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
dpwhitty11 said:
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
Great review thanks!
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in Houston, I'd say (generally) more grippy. But like I said, once it got cold and less humid, it easily became more slippery.
bkjones88 said:
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a similar kind of magnetic mount. I have mine just stuck right on the back. If the magnet is strong enough it should be okay.
radeon962 said:
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
ShishkaBerry said:
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
dpwhitty11 said:
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! I've been working on a custom case design since yesterday, the first time I've ever used photoshop lol. The fingerprint sensor looks like a full moon to me, so I'm thinking forest treeline with orion constellation above it on ebony. Currently waiting for the ice blue 5X, just ordered it Friday.
dpwhitty11 said:
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up just trimming the opening for the buttons with an Exacto knife so that I could leave the buttons bare.
Just a quick update to my experience with my Toast cover. Unfortunately, after 7 months I had to take it off. The cover on the power button had slowly chipped off (kept snagging on my pocket) down to the point it was difficult to press and a couple of the corner curve pieces had snapped off. Fortunately using a hair dryer helped it come off with no leftover adhesive.