Such is the case with BodyGuardz, a scratch-proof, transparent film "for electronic devices" that was sent to me a few weeks ago. The version I got was for the iPhone 3G, and it looks like the countless number of other protection devices or materials that aim to protect your iPhone (or other mobile device). The box says that "BodyGuardz are a clear film that covers the body of a device, providing scratch protection from outside elements." In fact, they're made of the same materials used to protect "the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements."

I figured I would just slip on the film like some of these other protective sleeves, and it would be a quick write-up. But then I opened the box, and discovered an "application solution" and a "squeegee card", along with four-step instructions on how to apply the film to the iPhone. A closer inspection of the application solution revealed that while "not harmful", it was made of water and baby shampoo. Umm ... OK.

It gets better (or worse, depending on your point of view). First, I had to make sure I was installing the film in an area that was between 60 and 90 degrees, and to make sure that wind and dirt were not in the area ("wind and dirt are your enemies" was one hint offered).

Next, I was instructed to wet my hands with the application solution, and keep them wet whenever handling the film. In peeling off the film from the liner, I was instructed to spray the sticky side with the solution, to prevent the film from folding and sticking to itself before laying it on the device. If this worked, the next step was to lay the piece of film onto the device and position it correctly (there's a guide to let you know if you did it right). It seemed a lot like doing papier-mâché, or molding a clay pot on a spinning wheel.

Step three and four involved using the squeegee card to get rid of any extra moisture, soap or air bubbles, with the warning that if I tried to remove the film after 10 minutes, that I could leave fingerprints on the film.