Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I am quite pleased with this product. I have been debating on purchasing this produt for quite a while because it is sooo pricey for something like privacy. The decision was made for me the day when classmates sitting behind me starting talking about what I had on my screen as if I couldn't hear them. The absolute rudeness of this invasion of privacy hit me so hard, I immediately put my order in for this screen. I know it's human nature to be curious, so this is one small step I can take to protect my own privacy a little. It is a shame to have to resort to such measures, but I was left with no other alternative.
The good:
1. It does the job. You can only read the screen if you are within a 60 degree range direcly in front of the screen. So when you are sitting in front, you can still view from 30 degrees from either side of yourself. After that, the screen looks progressively darker to black. With the newer model laptops with such amazing screens, you can read the screen while being at almost 180 degrees (completely at the side), this privacy screen reduces that viewable area by a lot - giving you considerable more privacy while allowing you to still view the screen.
2. It is easy to install. This product is obviously custom made for my Sony SZ laptop. It has tiny tabs at the top/bottom which slide into the laptop, holding it in place. Once installed, you can't even tell that there is something extra installed onto the laptop. It looks completely integrated. This is much different from the 3M version which sits over your screen by tabs that you stick onto your laptop - making it easier to fall off, get caught on things, etc. .
Other observations (not good, not bad):
1. It does darken the screen slightly, even when looking straight on. Not as bad as the 3M one - the 3M one darkens the screen so much I deemed it as a negative, but this one only darkens it slightly.
2. You can notice lines on the screen after installation. I'm not sure how to explain this one. The privacy screen works by having these slanted lines running across it - it bends the light rays, therefore creating the privacy effect. Well, you can notice this. The screen alone is completely bright and clear. The screen with Privacy Screen over it is a little darker and has the miniscule lines running across it. It is barely noticeable and you can quickly get used to it - it's definitely not a "negative" feature for me...but of course, I would love a privacy product that absolutely does NOT effect the look of the screen itself (in effect be completely invisible)...but that product does not exist. In light of reality - this product is definitely a good second. Definitely better than the 3M product who was so invasive that I deemed it not worth the privacy it provided.
Another note:
1. You do have to remove 2 protective coverings on the privacy screen before installation. Note that the covering is on both sides of the screen. If both coverings are not removed, the screen will not work as well.
2. It is a little difficult to remove because once installed it is so integrated. But it can be done. With care and some finesse, it can be removed easily and without damage to the laptop. I recommend gently trying to get a fingernail under the privacy screen from the side and lifting it up. It is anchored in from the top and bottom, so your best bet to get some lift is from the side. Once you get a little lift up, it pops out easily, just be gentle so you don't break off the little tabs holding it in in the first place.
Conclusion:
I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who wants some privacy. It integrates perfectly with the listed Sony Laptop models - others won't even know there is an extra screen installed on your laptop unless you tell them - or if they realize that that is why they can't read the screen from their angle. The only negative is the price...but even the price is something I came to grips with once the privacy issue was put to the test.
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Sony Privacy Filter for VAIO S, SZ And C series NotebooksWork on confidential documents in public without concern that onlookers are catching a glimpse. This privacy screen makes on screen data visible only to the persons in front of the PC.
Click here for more information about Sony Privacy Filter for VAIO S, SZ And C series Notebooks
