Whether you’re retired and journaling on your computer or still working and longing for privacy at your office desk, ViewGuard is a product that might make your computing environment more secure. I had a chance to try out ViewGuard Anti-Glare Privacy Filter. My test results surprised me.

I work from home, so there aren’t lots of people around. Still, as a writer, I sometimes work on sensitive material that should remain private. I work in the middle of my living on a laptop. Or I work at my desktop in my non-private home office. Sometimes I’ve wondered if I should turn all the monitors to the wall, or just give up.

Trying the Intelligen ViewGuard Anti-Glare Privacy Filter

I installed the filter in about two minutes, using enclosed directions (printed in several languages). It’s a matter of carefully opening the glassine envelope and extracting the filter. I was careful not to slime it full of fingerprints, though an anti-static, non-abrasive cleaning cloth is enclosed. Laying the filer against the monitor screen, I applied four small, clear, self-adhesive tabs on the frame of my laptop display to hold the filter in place.

Next step, turn on the laptop and explore. The size was nearly perfect for my wide-screen. I could see the display from straight on, but people around me could not. From an acute angle, they saw portions of the screen, darkened. From an obtuse angle, the screen was as black as though it were turned off.  No casual onlooker could observe what I worked on.

Benefits of ViewGuard Anti-Glare Filter

• Total privacy for your computing.
• Overhead or peripheral glare is reduced or eliminated, and the manufacturer claims reduction of UV damage.
• Medical personnel, sales people, government employees, or anyone who works with sensitive data can work securely. Personal correspondence or writings remain personal.
• Protects display against scratches, permanent finger marks, and other damage.
• Prices start at under $15.
• Variety of sizes means no cutting or adjusting necessary. It’s kind of plug and play.

Drawbacks or the downside of ViewGuard

• Reduces image contrast. Quick fix may be to increase your display’s brightness.
• Fingerprints pretty easily.
• Sticky tabs have to be glued (self adhesive) to your computer display’s frame. Unclear whether removing them will cause a problem.
• Scratches if in contact with rough surfaces, but is easily replaced and cost-effective.
• Size is not perfect fit. A tiny line of unprotected display appeared at the top of the screen, and felt awkward.

Bottom line – ViewGuard

I’m not a government employee, nor am I subject to HIPPA regulations when I work most of the time. Still, I am enjoying a more secure sense of privacy as I work with my laptop. I’m seriously considering purchasing another ViewGuard privacy filter for my desktop monitor, and am looking forward to seeing the company develop a filter for outdoor computing. This Intelligen product is useful, easy to work with, affordable, and practical.