A cheap way to minimize damage to your keyboard
Written: Mar 26 '09 (Updated Mar 26 '09)
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Pros: Prevents dust, dirt, sand, and most liquids from damaging keyboard and computer
Cons: Can leave "residue" on LCD screen when lid is closed
The Bottom Line: A small price for extra insurance against accidental damage to your laptop.
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| crystalattice's Full Review: Apple iSkin PTMBPR-GH ProTouch Keyboard Protector ... |
Though this particular model of iSkin is no longer available from the company, the concept carries over into the current line. There really is no difference between this version and the latest, except that the keyboard key spacing has changed to match the new MacBook layout.
Basically the iSkin ProTouch is a thin silicone membrane that fits over your MacBook or MacBook Pro's keyboard. The company doesn't currently make anything for non-Macs right now, probably because of the many variations for PC computers.
The membrane is removable yet stays on the keyboard very well under normal use because the silicone has been formed on a keyboard "mask". This mask creates a "fake" keyboard in the silicon, with ridges and depressions corresponding to the keyboard layout.
Because of this masking and the inherent nature of silicon, the membrane is very reluctant to slide off. However, it's not sticky and can be easily removed when desired. There is no residue left behind.
The membrane covers the keyboard fairly well; the only "entry" being on the edges of the membrane, but the silicone extends slightly beyond the edges of the keyboard itself so dust, dirt, etc. is unlikey to penetrate normally. Though it can protect against minor liquid spills, it's not completely proof against spills on the edge of the membrane, though it should prevent the vast majority from reaching the keys.
The company's site admits that, depending on the liquid, temperature, volume, etc., certain spills won't be stopped. Realistically though, you shouldn't be working with spillable liquids around a computer anyways, at least in my opinion.
For the most part, it should work reasonably well vs. water, coffee, and most other beverages. I can't claim how well it works against liquids because I either keep my bottles capped or simply don't keep them near my computer.
The iSkin also great against hair, dust, dirt, and other airborne "threats" that tend to congregate on keyboards. I took mine to Iraq on deployment and never once had a problem with sand getting into the keyboard.
The membrane can be washed when dirty, and it's recommended to wash it at least twice a month. Because the silicone attracts skin oil, the membrane itself will become dirty from use. This doesn't affect typing or anything but it can dirty the laptop screen if you close the lid with the membrane in place.
If you do close the lid with the membrane in place often enough, you can develop an impression on the screen of little squares where the membrane "keys" are located. These squares are very difficult to remove from the screen; it took me several tries with microfiber cleaning clothes to remove them. Even now, they are still somewhat visible when the LCD backlight is off. They don't damage the LCD but are simply residual impressions caused by the dirty oil on the iSkin.
It can take some time to get used to the feel of typing with the membrane, though now it feels funny if I don't have it on. My wife has one for her MacBook but rarely uses it because she doesn't like the feel. Personally, I would rather deal with it and know that the safety of my computer is enhanced than not use it.
With an $1800 computer, $30 or less is a small price to pay to keep dust and liquids from damaging it. Especially when a real environmentally-sealed laptop, such as the Panasonic Toughbook line, can reach $2500 or more.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 25
Operating System: Macintosh
Screen Size: 15 inches
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Epinions.com ID:
crystalattice
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Member: Cody
Location: San Diego, CA
Reviews written: 59
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Navy 11 years, Computer tech 14 years, Degrees: AS, BS, MS
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