WegnerO'brian176
Every telecommuter must go out sometime. Maybe to obtain some fresh air - maybe even get a little effort done at a local coffee shop. While in the local coffee shop, sipping a latte and crunching sales projections, you might get that uneasy feeling that you might not be the only person crunching your numbers. Do you prefer to refrain from putting your sensitive data displayed to passersby and curious onlookers? Perhaps you have seen the silly 3M commercials during the CNN morning news and are curious when the 3M Privacy Guard actually works? Lenovo Privacy Filter
If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, continue reading. The 3M Privacy Filter may be useful for you.
The 3M Privacy Filter is marketed towards those whose work may require utilizing a laptop in public places. This includes telecommuters who prefer to work inside a public wireless hotspot (Starbucks, Panera Bread) in addition to frequent business travelers who often focus on sensitive information in airplanes and trains.
3M's marketing literature makes many claims of its performance. In this review, I will attempt to verify or deny those claims. Additionally, I will offer input based on my using the 3M Privacy Filter over the past couple of months on the 15.4" widescreen Macbook Pro.
The 3M Privacy Filter promises the following: Narrowing from the viewing area so the screen information is visible only to those directly while watching monitor
Performs without distortion
Reduces screen glare
Guards against scratches
Unobtrusive design does not interfere with speakers or monitor controls
Easy to attach and remove - could be left in position when laptop is closed
Overall design
The 3M Privacy filter mounts to the laptop screen with clear plastic mounting tabs with - you guessed it; 3m adhesive. There are a total of 3 tabs used during this installation. As suggested by the included mounting instructions, two were placed on each side of the screen and something at the end. After many months of usage, the mounting tabs continue to be firmly attached and also have not degraded in performance or aesthetic appeal. There's a small round cutout towards the top of the Privacy Filter. This is to facilitate easy removal. While it is quite apparent within the photos, it is not a distraction. The biggest issue with these mounting tabs is that the privacy filter bows inward when closing the laptop. This may be a smaller amount of a problem having a smaller screen, nevertheless the behemoth 15.4" Macbook Pro screen causes bowing in the filter upon closure. This bowing of the filter does not affect performance, but only presents its self being an annoyance when closing laptops.
Item Performance
In normal light settings by having an individual sitting directly next to the laptop using the Privacy Filter applied, an incredibly large number of the screen is invisible to the onlooker next to the consumer. The filter does an excellent job of concealing the screen data. However, don't expect the Privacy Filter to work with individuals directly behind you! This drawback is probably to occur when relaxing in an aisle seat on an airplane. It's still easy to view some extent of screen data in this situation.
As mentioned before, the notch in the top left portion of the screen would be to facilitate easy removal of the privacy filter when ever it is not required.
3M states screen data is not distorted when viewed beneath the Privacy Filter. This claim holds true, to some extent. Screen information is not "Warped", nevertheless the screen is noticeably darker. Most documents possess a white background, whereby this isn't too negative of the factor. If however watching a darker movie, expect a decrease in brightness. Even in sunlight, the screen is still usable however this likely varies in line with the quality of the laptop's backlight.
The reduction in brightness is very noticeable, but because with everything else else, the trade-off between security and usability is omnipresent, like an overseeing deity of sorts.
Conclusion
While not perfect, the 3M Privacy Filter does meet the majority of its claims. Because of its easily removable nature, it's best used when entering a public area where the privacy and security of the screen information is at the largest risk. When privacy is not required, the screen is easily removed and stored in the provided packaging.
