Condom stuck on my M1330

Well... not really but it does provide it very good protection. :wink:

Since I travel a lot with my notebook and my previous system got scratched up more than vinyl I've decided to wrap it with some protection.

I purchased some uncut sheets from bestskinsever (yes, it's their real business name) and trimmed it for the top cover and palmrests. I got the same clear film from them in the past for my Blackberry and to this day it still looks new. The only problem is that they don't make the sheets specifically for M1330, the only pre-cut sheets they make them for is macbooks.

The only challenge was to cut the sheets to the perfect size and to wrap some of the sides of the top cover. Application was fairly easy, just spritz water on the film and top cover, adjust and squeegee out the excess water and air bubbles and let dry for 24-48 hours.

I choose this method instead of Dell's skinit since skinit doesn't provide the protection on the corners and sides where it is prone to bumps, bruises and wear.

Pics for you. Enjoy.







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*****Update*****

I have received a handful of PM's asking me how to apply it. BSE has an instruction guide but it only exists for pre-cut templates.

Here's a mini guide on how to.

Once you receive your sheets, inspect them for imperfections, you don't want to find it after you cut them, prep them and applied it.

Necessary tools:
-x-acto knife or box cutter (new blade)
-ruler or tape measurer
-pen
-spray bottle
-credit card or some sort of squeegee (do not use metal edge, it will def scratch)
-a whole lot of patience

I use box cutters and only brand new blades. The film is tough, if you don't use enough strength to cut it then it won't cut all the way through and going back to correct it will make it look imperfect. Take your time. I recommend starting out with paper first to get the hang of it and if you get the perfect template, you can use that to cut the shape of your film. Relief cuts (to cleanly fold edges) are trial and error. Makes sure you not to take off too little or too much or else it will look ugly or not give protection to your cover's edge; definitely try on paper first.

Now, you will be using water on your laptop... don't freak out. Unplug and take the battery out. Wash hands to rid of all oils and dust, leave hands wet at all times while handling film so not to leave finger prints. Also use dust-free towels or cloth (microfiber recommended). Clean and wipe off all dust and fingerprints from the surface. Invest in a spray bottle of some kind that can spray a mist, a planter sprayer is good too.



Spray a thin sheet of water on the surface and lay the film on it. You should have some play in the film to move it around to better position it. After you set it to the perfect position, squeegee all the water out. Some areas like the corners and edges will not fold down at first... let the film somewhat dry (~30min-1hr) so the adhesion is best then fold. Wait 24-48 hours and you're ready to turn it on.

Btw, I am not responsible for any damage from the instructions given, I am not a pro at this, just trial and error... legal statement I have to say.

 

Wow! Great job. I'll have to consider that.

 

wow, first props for the title of the thread lol. 2nd, i really like the way that looks. i wanna try it on my 1520, but wondering if it'll mess w/ the microsatin finish. gonna do it for the palm rest areas and sides anyways. u said uncut sheets, but these were the only ones i could find: http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/the-DIY-Custom-Skins/Categories. did u use those?

 

The red cover m1330 is also microsatin, so there's no problem.

EDIT: How much did the sheets cost?

 

I dig, i should do on my black one.

 

I don't think you know what a condom is.

 

Haha @ the title. Very nice job on this.

 

Wow, that looks great and it's perfectly cut to it's own size. I might do the same for my 1520 since I'll be using it for years.

 

Very nice post. I don't know if the brushed aluminum on the xps palm rest will fade but I don't want to take any chances. With the inspirons and regular use the paint started to wear on my units.

 

Report back in a couple of years and tell us how the stuff stood up/weathered.

Nice application and pictures; wanna come tint my car windows?

 

Thanks! It won’t ruin the microsatin finish as I had to peel the sucker off to re-align it after it dried and it didn’t take any of the finish off nor leave any residue. It just takes forever to take it off since you have to go slow; adheres very well. I emailed Michael Herring at [email protected] for the film. The description on my invoice states: Special Product: Large Blank Sheet @ $17.99, it’s a large sheet that comes in a large shipping tube enough for 1-2 laptops, so if you mess up, you will have some leftover.

The only thing that might bug people is the surface of the film is like an orange peel.. not exactly flat and smooth but it doesn’t bug me.

I’ve had similar film on brush or anodized aluminum and they have never faded or rusted. Should not be an issue.

I actually had similar film (made by 3M) on my entire front bumper, half of the hood and fenders on my car.. I never had rock chips on those areas covered. This type of film has been around for a long time so it’s proven.

 

Is this type of film easily removable?

 

Very nice. I'm a heavy condom user myself, having Invisible Shield products for my iPods (Touch and 160gb) and Blackberry.

One question, why put the shield on the aluminum armrests and not the buttons/touchpad? I've got a Sony SZ which also has aluminum armrests and it's still clean but the touchpad is shiny with 2 years of use. I plan on covering the touchpad/buttons and leaving the aluminum bare on the m1330, may it soon be delivered.

 

Man I would REALLY love to do this. I would just be worried I would not cut it right and would have a stray bubble or 2 left.

Are there any good guides on doing this?

 

From their site:
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/the-template/application/Page

It would be great if he would add the 1330/1530 to his ready made ones.

 

Thanks for the link. Have you emailed him that request? Tell him to check these forums to see how popular the laptop is.

 

I'll buy one if they make a pre-fab kit. Full body including touchpad/buttons

 

I don't have a 1530 yet, so am not the best person to do so. I agree that someone who would be ordering the skin if he agreed to make it should make the initial inquiry.

 

I could care less about the 1530 LOL all I care about is the 1330

 

Makes sense that he would do both if he does them at all since he does both sizes of MBP.

 

@ DynamicZ...........

How do you deal with cutting to size? Do you do that before applying, or do you apply and trim along the edges? In either case, how did you do a precision job?

 

Want!

I would reckon an Xacto knife would do the job - before you even put the sucker on.

Also - I guess the large skin is a special request, since I don't see it anywhere on their site.

 

Nice job that you've done with your laptop! =]

 

It is easy if you take your time. It’s all about patience since you have to slowly peel it back.

You know… I am not sure why. I know I will use the extra scraps I have to cover the left/right buttons. Do you know if the functionality of the touchpad/scrolls is compromised if I cover that area?

As long as you have a thin layer of water on the surface of the notebook and film you area able to squeegee the air bubbles out easily. You just have to get over the fact you are spraying water on your laptop… eek.

If he see’s interest, I am sure he will have no problem getting a template together and making it for the XPS systems.

That was the most tedious part. Cutting it and making fit checks takes the most time and making the wrong cuts can kill it. I made some upside-down V cuts on the edges so I can fold them down onto the sides. Not perfect but close.

This isn’t the first time I’ve done this, I actually did my car with the same stuff but I was fortunate to have the pre-cut film so no cutting was involved.


Thank you to all for the kind words!

 

Not sure if someone else has done so but I emailed Michael@BSE to see if I generate enough interests/pre-orders if he can do a pre-cut for the top cover and palmrest panel. If he can't I asked if he can make the large sheet available on his website of you to order.

I probably won't get a response till after the holidays so sit tight.

Happy New Years everyone!

 

+1 for condoms

I have one protecting my treo and it's touchscreen.

 

If this is anything like car tinting films, then I don’t think it is easy to remove after few weeks. Sure, they can be removed easily after several minutes or even in 1 or 2 hrs after applying, but not after few weeks. With car windows, you have to usually peel it off with a blade, or use extreme heat.

 

It's not window tint. For one, it's a different adhesive. Two it's much thicker and stronger so it doesn't break away when you try to peel it.

 

Hi, great thread! I have a white 1330 which is prone to scratching with it's glossy cover. In your first post you mentioned Dell's skinit. Is that a custom skin you can get from Dell or some other company? I would rather not have to deal with cutting a custom one if possible, lol! If I do decide to go with the condom idea, I wish to confirm you cut before you apply, right? Also, I just want to be clear on where you put the skin; on the front cover, obviously but then did you wrap it around the lid for a couple of centimeters all the way along? I tried to tell from your photos but I wasn't sure . Much thanks, Yasmine

 

It didn't affect the Sony touchpad's base functionality, but did add some friction since the native plastic is slippery. The new\apple skin texture took some getting used to. I'm not sure about the Dell. Sony uses Alps touchpads (ALPS Pointing Device). If the Dell uses the same it might be worth a shot.

 

Tell him I'm waiting with a credit card

 

I went ahead to make illustrations in photoshop to show where the edges of the film end. I don’t have a picture of the front (headphone jack area) but the film covers to the edge there as well, essentially covering all the colored areas minus the tab to open the lcd.

You’re right. Cut and trim before applying.






Btw, when I had to re-apply the film, basically taking it off when it dried… the XPS lettering didn’t come off.. you have to be ginger with it peeling the film back to not rip them right off.

M1330 uses the Synaptics point device but I think they are one in the same. I’ll probably re-do it later as I can’t give my notebook one days rest.

 

Hi, thanks so very much for the illustrations, that has helped a novice (me) very much! I am so glad you started this thread as I was wondering how to protect my new, white, baby, lol. In gratitude, Yasmine

 

^^No problem. As long as I can benefit others, it's all good to me.

BONUS: VIDEO ADDED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY6pYOtb328

From responses and questions from people wondering how tough it is. The worst I've subjected this type of film was in my car. During track days, a car ahead of me picked up some gravel and rocks and I ran into them at 110mph. Just small indentations from that.

 

Nice fork action!

(geek)The films have been historically used on helicopter blades and aviation plastics to prevent wear from sand and whatnot. This is why the adhesive was designed to never leave residue when removed. The films then crossed over onto car bra's to deflect rock chips in paint and are highly effective (as DynamicZ mentioned). ShieldZone started the gizmo-condom trend and the folks at Beskskins started selling the items at reduced cost.(/geek)

 

OMG. Your M1330 has got to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

WOOOOOWW!!!

I'm considering buying some of that stuff to put over my black lid. I love how it shines. Man.. Beautiful!. You don't happen to live in toronto do you? I'm afraid to do it myself :'(.

 

Home come you didn't use a ribbed condom?

 

what is it exactly you are saying??? need help putting condom on!!

 

that is good stuff...

 

lol wow

 

i am gonna try and make a template once i get my 1530 in. Shouldn't be too hard, just gonna wrap paper around the whole cover, trace the edges, cut it out, then trace it onto the plastic covering

 

I started with that method but it got too tedious and time consuming. I just got some measuring tape, box cutter and pen and I was set but whatever is easier for you.

 

I have received a handful of PM's asking me how to apply it. BSE has an instruction guide but it only exists for pre-cut templates.

Here's a mini guide on how to.

Once you receive your sheets, inspect them for imperfections, you don't want to find it after you cut them, prep them and applied it.

Necessary tools:
-x-acto knife or box cutter (new blade)
-ruler or tape measurer
-pen
-spray bottle
-credit card or some sort of squeegee (do not use metal edge, it will def scratch)
-a whole lot of patience

I use box cutters and only brand new blades. The film is tough, if you don't use enough strength to cut it then it won't cut all the way through and going back to correct it will make it look imperfect. Take your time. I recommend starting out with paper first to get the hang of it and if you get the perfect template, you can use that to cut the shape of your film. Relief cuts (to cleanly fold edges) are trial and error. Makes sure you not to take off too little or too much or else it will look ugly or not give protection to your cover's edge; definitely try on paper first.

Now, you will be using water on your laptop... don't freak out. Unplug and take the battery out. Wash hands to rid of all oils and dust, leave hands wet at all times while handling film so not to leave finger prints. Also use dust-free towels or cloth (microfiber recommended). Clean and wipe off all dust and fingerprints from the surface. Invest in a spray bottle of some kind that can spray a mist, a planter sprayer is good too.



Spray a thin sheet of water on the surface and lay the film on it. You should have some play in the film to move it around to better position it. After you set it to the perfect position, squeegee all the water out. Some areas like the corners and edges will not fold down at first... let the film somewhat dry (~30min-1hr) so the adhesion is best then fold. Wait 24-48 hours and you're ready to turn it on.

Btw, I am not responsible for any damage from the instructions given, I am not a pro at this, just trial and error... legal statement I have to say.

 

****Update 1/3/08****

Email that I got from Michael@BSE
------------------------------------------

Hello A-----,

We are hoping to add a XPS Skin to our lineup but unfortunately getting our hands on a lap top is usually harder than a cell phone or iPod. Hopefully we can make a custom Skin available in the future. We will look into listing the larger sheet on the site though.

Best Regards,

Michael Herring
President
www.BestSkinsEver.com

-----------------------------------------

If someone wants to be a guinea pig and send theirs in, let him know.

 

HAHAHA, you know what i just noticed?

I can hear your computer whining in the video.

 

DynamicZ, msg me. I'm more interested in the 64gb SSD I'm getting than the actual lappy (I can live with my Sony for a while). I'd be willing to ship it for research. Need Michael's contact info and a few assurances.

 

not sure if bestskinsever ships overseas so i found this on ebay for international buyers...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Notebook-Lid...ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

hopefully it will do a nice job also...but it would be great if we can get pre-cut films for xps systems

 

No dude! They're not real condoms!

Hmm.. what?... oh.
Sorry bro.

 

Great pics but how can you get a Dell skinit?
They don't appear to make one for a xps 1330 yet.
Or am I missing something???

 

Hi, I hate to impose, especially after you have done all this work for us already with this thread but maybe you could give us the dimensions of what you cut out? I think that would really help all of us . If not, I understand but I thought I would ask. Much thanks, Yasmine