Have you ever found yourself shaking an upturned keyboard trying to expel crumbs from its not-so-bottomless underbelly? If so, then you should probably be in the market for a keyboard protector.
It’s impossible to estimate how many keyboards I’ve gone through in my lifetime. What I can say is that if I used one of these things, I’d probably go through quite a good deal less.
I’ve been using one of these on my Powerbook for about a week now and I’ve been marveling at the stuff that can accumulate on top of it—stuff that would have previously ended up in the aforementioned underbelly. The utility is definite, but I’ve had trouble getting used to the rubberized texture. In other words, I prefer my keyboards to emit clacks rather than dull thuds.
So is it worth it? I’d say it really depends on the user. For laptops, it’s definitely useful, maybe even necessary. The problem is that it doesn’t really fit too snuggly. It actually just kind of rests on top of the keys.
For desktops, I’d say the gain is negligible. If you eat at your system frequently, then yes, it’s probably worth it. If, however, like me, you prefer to just get a new keyboard every few months, you should probably pass.
The iSkin is available for Macbook, Macbook Pro, Powerbook and Apple Keyboard. You can get an iSkins protector for $24.99, but if you’d prefer not to pay, I have one for the Macbook, the Powerbook and the Apple Keyboard. The first person to comment asking for one gets it. One per person and all that other noise.
Hi have a rule of thumb with computer keyboards which I will share with you Blake.
If your keyboard ever wears out or stops working… time for a new computer ;-)
If you don’t eat or drink on your keyboard then you are fine for YEARS… worse comes to worse, you can buy a USB or bluetooth keyboard to use for your laptop should it stop working until your new laptop comes in the mail FOR THE SAME PRICE AS THIS PROTECTOR!
Jon
I wouldn’t mind having one of these to keep my grubby mitts from dropping detritus into my keyboards nooks and crannies.
Do you think it would fit my IBM Thinkpad? Just kidding.
I had a rubberized, flat keyboard at one point given to me as a promo from the manufacturer. I, too, was annoyed by the lack of feeling like I was typing on keys rather then depressing a mushy spot.
I would love to have this for my powerbook. It would make those long stretches of eating and working for a week straight a lot less messy.
I remember seeing something like this come out for the iBook and one question a lot of people had was whether or not the lid could close with the cover on. Any insight?
Not so attractive…
Does it mark the screen when the laptop is shut?
I’ll take one for the macbook pro to test and post sub-review if you’d like :)
I used to have one of these way back on my first computer. So here I am officially asking for another one for old times sake. Thanks either way.
If, however, like me, you prefer to just get a new keyboard every few months, you should probably pass.
o.O Or you could do what I do–pop the keys off, clean it, tada. My laptop accumulates dust, not food, but yeah. I end up doing that every few months. Why buy a new one???
Would love one for the Apple keyboard if still available! :-)
Hey, good idea! Should get one to keep my keyboard cat-hair free since the keyboard seems to be their favorite place to sleep (well, only while I’m typing anyway).
I will happily take the one for the Macbook if it has not been spoken for – and pay for a lunch in exchange. :)
++`
-*
As a specialized manufacturer and exporter for laptop (IT digital products) beautification and protection products in China, our products contain Laptop Skin (colourful), Laptop Skin (Transparent), LCD Screen Protector (UC & UD & UF), Keyboard Protector/Skin, Laptop Crystal Case, and Laptop Bag/Sleeve Bag.
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our company and some newfangled products, with the hope of establishing business relations with you in the future.
I-Skin ruined my keyboard touch — it is impossible not to make ‘typo’ mistakes through the ‘thick’ I-Skin. I-Skin is tedious to use because it requires more finger muscle power than a naked keyboard. Not good for arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
That said, I-Skin has prolonged the life of my MacBook simply by protecting the keyboard from crumbs and liquid spills. If there is anything of utmost importance for laptop crash protection, it is, unfortunately, the I-Skin.