Privacy is something very important to me, and I think most people feel the same way as I do. If I’m sitting in the local coffee shop with my laptop I really don’t want people looking to see what I’m doing, even if it’s just browsing the web or writing a review, it doesn’t matter to me what it is really, it comes down to the fact that I feel it’s none of their business what I’m doing.
Normally what I’m doing isn’t some state secret or something confidential, but what if you are doing something like that? Then you really don’t want people to see what you’re doing do you? If you’re in an airport or coffee shop with lots of people, it’s very easy for people to see what you’re doing if they really want to. 3M has come out with a Privacy Filter called the Vikuiti for just such occasions, it can be used on your laptop or on a standard LCD or CRT display. It’s very easy to install, lightweight and it works very well…
Review: 3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter PF14.1 for 14.1" Notebook and LCD Displays
Author: Kristofer Brozio
Sponsor: 3M
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter for Notebook and LCD Monitors
PF14.1 Notebook Privacy Filter for 14.1" Screens
Vikuiti brand products do amazing things with light.
3M Privacy Filters
Keep wandering eyes off your laptop with reassuring, removable 3M Privacy Filters. Uncanny 3M microlouver technology helps block out side views while you see your screen clear as ever. You have to not see it to believe it.
Privacy Protection – What is it?
3M Privacy Filters help block the screen view from anyone viewing the computer from a side view. 3M’s unique microlouver privacy technology allows persons directly in front of the computer to see on screen data clearly.
Why is it important?
With personal information disclosure laws becoming more restrictive, plus identity theft and corporate information loss costing companies billions of dollars a year, protecting your confidential information is more critical than ever.
How can a 3M Privacy Filter help me?
3M Privacy Filters use screen darkening privacy technology, rather than common blurring or distorting of screen data to prevent casual onlookers from viewing your screen.
It’s easier on your eyes
Protects your on screen data in high traffic areas
Protects the fragile surface of LCD screens from scuffs and scratches
Look for 3M Privacy Filters in a variety of sizes to fit:
Most Notebook Computers, including widescreen models
LCD Desktop Monitors
CRT Monitors
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ETC:
3M Computer Filters, protecting you, your confidential data, and your eyes.
3M offers the broadest line of computer filters available. Features that set 3M Computer Filters apart include:
screen darkening privacy no blurring or data distortion
sizes to fit notebook computers
notebook filters remain in place when the notebook is closed
reduce glare up to 99%
protect the fragile surface of LCD screens
block up to 99.9% of ELF/VLF E-field radiation plus reduce static and dust buildup, when properly grounded
most flat framed filters fit both LCD and CRT desktop monitors simply by changing the hanger arms (both sets included)
all anti-glare filters meet the AOA guidelines for Video Display Terminal (VDT) glare reduction
black and light grey framed filters to match your monitor
3M Executive Computer Filters are ISO 9241-7 compliant when used on CRT monitors
all framed 3M computer filters have a lifetime warranty
A Better Look at Things
:
The 3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter comes in a large cardboard package that is brightly colored and full or information all over it explaining what this product is, what it does and how it works. The model I received for review is the PF14.1 for 14.1 screens as that is the size of my laptops LCD display.
Inside we find the Privacy Filter between two pieces of cardboard to protect it and keep it nice and flat during shipping and transportation. Included with the Filter are two sets of adhesive tabs for installation on notebooks and standard LCD displays and a brief instruction sheet.
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Well that’s that.. there isn’t much to look at with this product, so let’s just jump right into the installation process…
Installation, Testing and Comparison
Installation is very simple, depending on what type of display you are using, laptop, LCD or CRT you’ll need to have the correct adhesive tabs ready.
My laptop is a Dell Latitude C640 with 14.1 screen.
Before we get into the actual installation, here’s some quick pictures for you before I installed the 3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter. The first picture is without the Privacy Filter in place, the second is with the Privacy Filter slid halfway across my screen to show the differences, and the third is with it over my screen.
In the second picture it does look like the filter is dark and might make my screen darker, but if you compare the first and third pictures there really is no difference.
Six tabs are used for installation on a laptop display, two on each side and two on the bottom. To install the Privacy Filter you just slide it down from the top under the side tabs and then under the bottom tabs, after that it stays in place until you decide to take it off. Yes it stays on all the time, it does not stop the lid from closing.
Ok, here’s a bunch of pictures I took with the filter in place, it’s essentially looking at it from several angles to give you an idea of how much privacy this product provides. Yes you can slightly see through it but that’s because of the flash from the camera.
Normally you won’t have the flash from a camera around you at all times so it will look to the average person that your laptop is off actually. They might be wondering why you look so busy typing on a laptop that is powered off.
The viewing angle is small, and for the best and clearest view you need to be sitting directly in front of the monitor at eye level, or adjust the monitor angle so you are looking directly at it.
As you’ve seen it does not distort the view of the screen at all, but if you look close in the upper right hand corner of the filter is the model number and I found it a bit annoying at times.
One bonus feature to the Privacy Filter is that it also acts as a screen protector as well.
Summary:
The 3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter is a great product for those that require privacy, and for those like me that just like their privacy. It works and works well, the fact that it also protects my LCD screen is a very nice additional feature as well.
The price for this is between $37 and $45 which might seem like a lot but it’s worth it for what it does for you. I looked around and compared prices for just a screen protector for LCDs and found them to be anywhere from $35 to $100, so the 3M Vikuiti is well worth the cost of it really.
DragonSteelMods gives the 3M Vikuiti Privacy Filter a 5 out of 5 score and our Recommended Award as well.
Pros:
-Works well
-Easy installation
-LCD or notebook installation kit included
-Keeps things private
-Reusable/transferable
-Doubles as screen protector
Cons:
-None really
I would like to thank 3M for the chance to review the Vikuiti Privacy Filter and for their support of DSM.
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