Reviews for 3M LCD Privacy Screen Filter

Where has this been all my (travel) life

Strengths: People sitting next to me can't see what's on my screen. It also adds some anti-glare qualities.

Weakness: There is only one set of tabs to hold the filter on the screen.

Great product!! I travel a lot and must work on the plane to meet my deadlines but at the same time the material I'm working on is very sensitive to my clients. I've been looking for something that will keep my work private and allow me to get my work done while I'm on the plane - and this is it. As noted, the one draw back is that there is only one set of tabs to attach the filter to the screen. I'll be getting a new laptop soon and will have to find some other means to attach the filter or buy a new one. Overall, though, I think this is one of the most useful computer addons that I've purchased in a long time.

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Save your privacy

Strengths: It blocks almost everyone from viewing your private documents, or simply.... the movie that you are watching. If someone really wants to watch your screen, they have to poke their head in front of you

Weakness: Well, the one behind you will still be able to see it. That is something that is not easy to achieve by other brands too. So to be fair, this is not the weakness for only this brand, but for every one

This product is widely used by my company and myself. It helps when you are doing your clients' work or your personal finance on a plane or at Starbucks. Don't let other people get to know something that you don't want to share.

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3M PF14.1 Notebook Privacy Filter.

Strengths: Easy to put on (not use tabs).

Weakness: Pricy; screen light dim a lot.

If really prefer to buy a Privacy Filter, besides 3M, I don’t think there is other brand as an alternative choice.
It’s OK blocker, pretty much do the job at side angle to shut off scrutinizer.
I did not use tabs, doesn’t look good at all;
It fits well at IBM ThinkPad T43, just the little notch (for pull out) will show up as bright spot with dark screen.
I have my laptop dock in the office, and doesn’t need to move, otherwise, I believe have to use tabs to secure it;
Another drawback for not using tab is when you forgot it, and slam close the laptop, it drop down in between keypad area, IBM has a little bit sticking out to turn off display, it definitely make a dent on the filter.

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PF14.1 Notebook Privacy Filter

Strengths: Easy to install. Blocks sun glare also.

Weakness: Not cut quite right for all screens.

This is a great filter although it didnt quite fit the screen right. Privacy filter works 100% and also helps with sun if you are using your notebook in the car. I would absolutely buy again if they could make it perfect size for my notebook.

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By member: nineteen9 - Jan 20, 2007

Screen protector as well as privacy protector

Strengths: - Very effective at keeping those around you to read your laptop screen. - Anti-glare. - Protects laptop screen from scratches and dust.

Weakness: - Pricey (~$46). - Only comes with 8 adhesive anchoring tabs (allowing for 2 ways to mount the filter to your screen) - Significantly reduces contrast.

I am a traveling consultant who finds himself working on airplanes more often than not. Oftentimes as my work is financially sensitive to my clients, I must be cautious of those around me (especially consulting competitors).


This privacy filter should be must have for anyone who needs to work on the plane. It has a simple universal install, provides dramatic glare reduction, and protects the laptop screen from scratches and fingerprints. The angle of visibility reduces from your usual 160-170 degrees to just 90 degrees. Granted it does nothing for those directly behind or slightly above you, but you don't need to worry about wandering eyes from the coach seat next to you.


On the downside, $46 is quiet a hefty price for a sheet of plastic. The "microlouver privacy technology" is an exclusive patent from 3M and, as such, 3M pretty much dictates the pricing. Furthermore, the filter significantly reduces contrast. Unplugged on the airplane, this means upping the contrast, which in turn decreases your battery life. Finally with just 8 adhesive anchoring tabs, I've seen too many fellow consultants end up using scotch tape (another 3M innovation) instead.


Overall this is a great product and companies should consider it a standard issue with company laptops.

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Great Idea

Strengths: Blocks side views. Stays on laptop even when closed.

Weakness: Price Doesn't do well for someone standing behind you. Needs more tabs instead of only one set.

The 3M PF14.1 Privacy Filter is a great idea. It blocks side view wells but not if someone is standing behind you.
They should send you an extra set of tabs though. If you need to change laptops, you don't have anyway to reinstall it.

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By member: iSalon - Jun 27, 2006

Great for frequent flyers!

Strengths: protects screen, provides privacy in public, and reduces glare

Weakness: Not cheap, but worth the price

The filter uses the 3M microlouver patented technology which only allows a person sitting directly in front of the screen to see what is on the screen. If you stand to either side, all you can see is a blank dark screen. It really does work, and prevents wandering eyes, be it at home or on an airplane sitting with your laptop. Even though the screen is darker, there is no blurring of what is on the screen.

The glare reduction is good, as my screen was quite bright before I applied the filter. This helps with eye strain.

I now feel like my screen is protected from a fingernail, or other object, from punching through the softer, somewhat pliable laptop screen. If you have a desktop, your monitor would be glass, so you wouldn’t have this problem. However, this was one of the main reasons I wanted this product.

The filter is also anti-static, which you know is good for a computer, as static can damage components if not kept in check.

The filter is removable and can be reapplied at any time. I found it a little hard to remove, but I was able to do so.

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PF14.1 Notebook Privacy Filter

Strengths: Easy to install; fits perfectly on my computer; lightweight; does not impede visual quality of words on the screen

Weakness: too pricey!

The PF14.12 privacy filter provides some peace of mind for privacy when I'm traveling in a plane or in other public places. Still, I can't understand why it has to cost so much!

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Worth every penny

Strengths: Severely limits what people passing by can view on your screen to enhance privacy. Tabs keep the filter in place and still allow your laptop to fully close.

Weakness: Only one set of one-use-only clear tabs are included, though I understand more can be ordered (apparently free) from 3M (voice message to 3M was recently left, no response yet).

It's hard to believe that such a thin polymer sheet can block visual access to a laptop screen, but it works very well. You do have to be right in front of the screen to see much more than an inch or so of data on either end, but once you're in front of it, there is no problem viewing your full screen. The darkness caused by the filter will take some getting used to, and I've never really had a problem with glare so am not sure if that feature is of much benefit. I travel at least 50% of the time, and it seems like people are automatically attracted to viewing what's on a laptop screen. I often have sensitive corporate information displayed, and I can finally feel comfortable working while traveling without keeping track of wandering eyes.

Several local office stores do not regularly stock these filters, but luckily there are many online sources. The price seems high for the material you get, but it's difficult to put a price on your privacy. I should have bought one of these years ago.

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3M Privacy Filter

Testseek.com has collected 6 expert reviews for 3M Privacy Filter and the average expert rating is 82 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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