3M Notebook Privacy Filter (PF12.1)

by 3M

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.7 x 7.3 inches ; 1.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000067O5H
• Item model number: PF12.1
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #79 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Monitor Accessories > Screen Filters
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 1, 2002

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Notebook privacy filters keeps confidential and private information private. 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 monitor is closed. Lifetime warranty.

Product Description

3M Notebook/LCD Privacy Computer Filter PF12.1 Screens & Filters

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Does the job...bit too pricy, though, January 3, 2005

By 

Eddie (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 3M Notebook Privacy Filter (PF12.1) (Personal Computers)

As advertised, the 3M Notebook Privacy Filter does its job by masking what you are typing on the screen from other people. Someone seated right next to you cannot tell what is being typed on the screen...guaranteed. For people travelling on business with sensitive documentation, this filter is a must. For masking personal letters or emails, its a must.

If you read other reviews from other websites stating it is possible for others to see the screen behind you, it's true. But it'll take someone with super, telescopic vision to be able to read the typing from that far away. If they are looking right over your shoulder, then you should have the right to give ther person a dirty look and tell them to back off. This filter's purpose is to mask unsuspecting eyes from spying from the side view in a crowded environment and that is what it does. It's not 100%, though...from a sixty degree angle, your screen will appear really dark, but it is more than enough to mask what you are typing.

This 12.1" filter fits perfectly into an IBM Thinkpad X40. It clamps right on it making it seem like a part of your notebook. There's no sticky adhesives necessary to keep it on.

So why am I giving it only three stars? Well, in my opinion, there is absolutely no logical justification to make it so expensive! At most, I could understand if they charged this product for something like $24.95 or so, but asking for $80, retail, is just plain ridiculous. Even half that amount is too much. It's simply a piece of plastic. I was lucky and got mine at an auction for $0.99, but it is too pricy for private use, seriously.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Pros and cons, June 30, 2005

By 

lazybird (MA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 3M Notebook Privacy Filter (PF12.1) (Personal Computers)

Here are my pros and cons. Hope this helps.

Pros:
- Nice thing was that it is quite easy to attach or detach. You don't really need other sticky stuff to leave it on all the time, either.
- It does the job. Others sitting next to you will not see what you have on the screen.

Cons:
- The filter darkens your LCD quite a bit as if brightness level was brought down by a full step. (My laptop has 7 levels.) It is not a surprise, but at the same time, I expect a bit more from a $80(retail value) plastic piece. I actually called 3M to check this before I placed my order, and they were saying that the filter "enhances" the contrast. Don't trust them on this.
- It has a 3M logo and part number (pf 12.1) printed at the bottom in small fonts, which I found to be annoying sometimes. It also has a notch (1/2" long) at the top, which you do not really see in any of their advertisement/pictures.

All in all, if you really need to have a good privacy filter, you will end up buying this 'cause there is not a good altenative on the market for now. If you are more interested in protecting your screen, check out other products.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It works...but you knew that, April 15, 2008

By 

Thomas Welsh "you know if you know me" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3M Notebook Privacy Filter (PF12.1) (Personal Computers)

3M makes a great product. I bought this so that people sitting next to me on airplanes couldn't see what was I working on - lest I reveal super top secret corporate information to someone who would neither understand nor care about the content. It works wonderfully in that capacity.
I also found out that it was helpful for use during business meetings so that my neighbor wouldn't see that I was actually playing solitaire or checking job boards. It also works wonderfully in this capacity.
I further found it useful at the airport, on the rental car bus,and at crowded restaurants. I wear it over my face to avoid inadvertent side glances or accidentally catching the eye of the wrong person across the room. I will only see those directly in front of me and only those directly in front of me will see me. It cuts down on small talk, believe me!
Good luck!