3M privacy filters

[sdmarcotte]

Has anyone used one of 3M's LCD protection filters like this one? The filter is suppose to prevent scuffs and scrapes to the laptop's screen and improve overall contrast. Would this help prevent the keyboard from damaging the screen? How easy is it to install?

I've had a number of Thinkpads and they all show signs of the keyboard rubbing the screen, I would like to avoid these problems with my new Thinkpad. Is this a good idea or just a waste of money?

Thx,
Quattro

[sdmarcotte]

Just as an update. I did get one of these to protect the screen from being damaged by the keyboard. I think I used it about day or two and put it back in the box. IMHO, the problems out weighed any benefits it has.

To attach it to the thinkpad, you are suppose to use tabs that stick to the edge of the screen. But that doesn't work well. I ended up using the supplied sticky tape that attaches to the screen itself (intended for monitors). Big mistake! It didn't work well for laptops and it took half and hour with some lcd cleaner to get the sticky stuff off.

It was a hassle even when the filter was installed and I was using it. The filter has "3M AF15.0" in bold letters in the lower right corner, directly over the Windows toolbar. Also, the filter doesn't exactly fit the screen, there is a small gap on all sides, and a cut out for your finger for when you want to remove the filter. Visually annoying.

In the end I got a ScreenSavRz by RadTech ( www.radtech.us ). The screensaverz is a microfiber cloth that you lay over the keyboard when you close the lid. It helps protect the screen from coming in contact with the keyboard, the reason I bought the 3M filter in the first place.

[doppelfish]

In the end I got a ScreenSavRz by RadTech ( www.radtech.us ). The screensaverz is a microfiber cloth that you lay over the keyboard when you close the lid. It helps protect the screen from coming in contact with the keyboard, the reason I bought the 3M filter in the first place.

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Do check out the tips I got when I asked a similar question. In the meanwhile, I've come to use the disposable paper tissue that is intended to be strapped over white-board erasers (hint: Use a new one! Take a few of them from the supplies department, mumbling something along the lines, "they wear out sooo quickly!"). Not the perfect solution, but when one tissue gets lost, there's a pretty good chance that a new one can be found nearby.

cheers,
-- fish