Product Description

3M Privacy Filters poke figurative sticks in the eyes of nosey neighbors. Not that sharing doesn't give those involved a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. But shoulder surfing is just plain annoying. Working on a notebook computer in public leverages the portable computer's value, makes constructive use of time you spend passively waiting to travel and traveling, and reduces or eliminates boredom. But chances are you'd prefer what's on that 15-inch LCD screen to be "For Your Eyes Only," to borrow an espionage phrase. That's where 3M Privacy Filters come in!

Product Details

• Color: CLEAR
• Brand: 3M
• Model: PF15.0
• Platform: No Operating System
• Format: CD
• Original language: French, English, Spanish
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .70" h x 11.40" w x 15.50" l, .29 pounds

Features

• Only persons directly in front of the monitor can see the image on screen
• Passersby see only a blank, dark screen
• Stays in place even when notebook computer is closed
• Lifetime warranty
• Fits a 15 inch LCD display

From the Manufacturer
Notebook/LCD privacy filters keeps confidential and private information private. Also fits a 15 inch LCD display. Utilizes 3M's patented microlouver technology so only persons directly in front of the monitor can see the image on screen, passersby see only a blank, dark screen. Unique attachment system, stays in place even when notebook computer is closed. Lifetime warranty.

Customer Reviews

Doesn't work as advertised...
I saw this at a small local computer store for dirt cheap so I decided to pick it up. The fit on my Toshiba laptop is perfect. Looking right at it, you can clearly tell that it is there as it has a dark tint and you can see the thin lines in it, but everything on screen is still readable and enjoyable, except for the annoying, non-removable "3M PF15.0" logo near the bottom right of the filter that blocks off some of the text in the taskbar. It probably won't hinder daily use, but just the fact that it's there is annoying.
For the screen to actually appear black, one would have to stand at a rather extreme angle where the screen wouldn't even look all that clear to them in the first place. It will block somebody from reading any text, but for the most part they will still be able to tell what you are doing.
Also, once you get dust on the back side of the filter, forget about getting it all off. I can spray it with compressed air all day and wipe it with my microfiber dust clothe as much as I want, but there is still some dust on it.
In short, it does *NOT* make on-screen data visible only to the person directly in front of the monitor. I suggest that if you can, try one out first to see if it fits your needs. Maybe somebody at your local computer store will let you put one on a monitor and you can test out the angles to see if it is worth the price for you.

Works at a 45 degree angle or better
As stated in another review, this product doesn't limit the view to those directly in front of the screen. It does fully limit the view from a 45 degree angle or better and starts to dim the view at about 30 degrees. In other words, that cool commercial with the guy in the airplane freaking out about the passenger at the left and right of him seeing his screen is utter garbage. Someone directly next to you would have it more difficult but would just have to tilt his or her head to see what is on the screen. At 45 degrees the filter works great and that is enough to dissuade the guy at the desk next to yours or if you are angled a bit in your cubicle (which is why I bought it). The filter does slightly dim the back light on your screen but very little and the effect is negligible. I also noticed a lot less glare, not that I had really noticed before.

Pros:
1) Stops the majority of onlookers (although angling of laptop may be required for full effect)
2) Easy to use, remove, reuse
3) Glare reduced, no discernible loss of screen resolution.

Cons:
1) Does NOT limit the view to directly in front of the screen, must be at an angle of 45 degrees minimum for full effect
2) Seems expensive for a piece of plastic, but what do I know?

Bottom Line:
Buy it for increased protection from "lookie-loos"
Don't buy it if you 100% need the screen blocked from non-eyes-only personnel.

Don't Waste Your Money on This One
Just bought 2 3M privacy filters online for my MacBook and 22" monitor. I assumed the 3M brand would guarantee a great product, but these filters are HUGE let down! I got the 15" mainly for privacy when I'm on a plane viewing company-sensitive data. But I tested the filter in the office for viewing angle, and unfortunately you can still clearly read the info on the laptop from either side-angle. All it really does is darken the screen a few shades. A total bummer! This product is totally worthless. I'd suggest visiting a local office supply store and comparing several privacy filters FIRST (like Sony, Fellowes, HP, Kantek, Kensington and Targus) - for viewing angle!!! - before buying one. BTW, if you know which one has the tightest viewing angle - please let me know.