The 5G iPod screen is beautiful to look at but scratches very easily. My local apple dealer did not have any of the stick-on plastic protectors that matched the 5G size but I purchased the ones for one of the other iPod models.

Needless to say, I was disappointed. Playing videos that had a lot of white background clearly showed up the 'protective screen'. It was a let down but what to do?

I came across a product called InvisibleShield. It was $US24 and it is a very strong and durable plastic coat that is applied to the iPod. See http://www.theinvisibleshield.com/.

I found a company that would ship to Australia. Guess what the shipping cost was? $US30. I wrote to them and asked if they would somehow reduce the cost of the shipping. A curt reply was NO. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions. More searching brought me to this web site: http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront.

The virtually same product was only $US6.99 and if you buy three, you get free delivery worldwide. Sounded too good to be true.

I was dubious about how good the skin would be, and I was a little concerned given that you have to place it on the iPod while it is wet. But what the hell. I was willing to risk it.

I placed the order and 7 days later, I received the skins. They are made by 3M. I followed the instructions and applied the skin to my iPod. You're waiting for a horror ending, aren't you? The end result?

ABSOLUTELY BLOODY BRILLIANT! This is the BEST, repeat BEST cover I have ever purchased for my iPod. I have many that sit in drawers from previous purchases for previous iPods. But this skin is the ultimate. You cannot tell that the iPod is completely enclosed in this skin.

I am NOT affiliated with best skins. I am a very happy user of this product and wanted to share this with others because let's face it, the 5G iPod is quite an investment and its screen needs to be protected. Forget about cases, stick-ons etc. This is the BEST.

PS. I could not pay by credit card on the bestskins site, only via Paypal. But I wrote to the company asking them why I couldn't pay by credit card even though the site says you can. Within 15 minutes, I had a reply that the problem was fixed and that the site would now accept payment by credit card for overseas purchasers.

Damn, That is a lot cheaper than the invisible shield I purchased (by the way, I wasn't charged shipping??! Otherwise i wouldn't have bought it).

They appear to be essentially the same product and I am VERY happy with my invisible shield (I woulda been happier to pay less for the bestskin! <_< ) hehe You can't tell there is a cover on it unless you look around the corners or the hold switch. The picture is as clear as ever.

Mel

I realy wanted an invisable sheild but wasnt willing to pay so much for it, I have put in an order for this one and I will see how it goes.

Not to detract from this thread and your skin...but I'm pretty sure there's a mob selling InvisibleShields on eBay for $30AUD, with $5 or so AUD postage anywhere in Australia.

Cheers,
- Febs.

I went into JB Hi-Fi in Sydney today and purchased Powershield for iPod. It is a screen protector film which is made for iPod with video. Streetwise advertise it for $19.95 but I bought it for $8.95,

It's just as good as the invisible shield.

Does it cover the whole unit though?

The Invisible Shield isn't just a screen protector, it covers the entire iPod.

Cheers,
- Febs.

Frankly I'm not one to wrap up my iPod, I can understand taking care of the screen but really as far as the rest of the iPod it's akin to wrapping up your iBook to prevent scratches.

Read about it HERE

i note that films either come as a single piece for the front of ipod or with spearate pieces for click wheel.

Powershield: "Why so many pieces? Because the all in one covers don't allow for the movement of the click wheel, and centre button, resulting in obstructed movement and possible bubbles."

my question is for invisible shield owners ... have you had any issues with the one piece on the front? also as the 5G has a completely flat surface how do you know when your thumb is on the click wheel or select button?

from the distributors page:

http://www.conexus.com.au/macwin/detail.tpl?item=FMH032

i notice that powershield RRP is $9.95 ... thats a nice mark up for streetwise.

always pays to shop around

In case anybody cares to look there are 2 versions available

4mac Body/Screen/Wheel PowerShield for iPod video - $19.95
http://www.streetwise.com.au/product_info....roducts_id=4298

4mac Screen & Wheel PowerShield for iPod video - $9.95
http://www.streetwise.com.au/product_info....roducts_id=4301

thanks. i've just ordered one for my new 60 gig.

The Powershield is an awesome product. I bought one for my 5G 30Gb and it is beautiful. I have to say that you don't see it at all.
I would say that it is a little hard to fit so be patient. I also found that the actual sticky part is smaller than the backing material.
Hence I lined up the screen protecter with the backing tape still attached. When I peeled away the backing tape, the sticky surface being smaller only just covered my ipod screen.
Only a small gripe, but this product is great.

Also 3 cheers for the staff of Streetwise where I bought the product. Nice store, helpful staff, and most importantly, a lot of staff available for helping customers.

frenchtoast ... well spotted.

i should say that whenever i have used streetwise their service has been outstanding and they usually have the best prices on accessories and ipods.

I just recieved mine today. It was easy to apply and looks ok so far. Iam just worried becasue you cant shake off enough water so when you apply the skin there is a fair bit that has to come in contact with your ipod. I will have to wait until tomorw to find out if it can still turn on.

menark - i assume you are referring to invisible shield?