Eliminating Glare so that I Can See the Monitor
Written: Aug 23 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: reduces monitor glare by 90%, eases eye stress and fatigue
Cons: is not a privacy screen, will not protect against radiation
The Bottom Line: I’m viewing the Bottom line through this anti-glare filter. The text is sharp and the colors look great.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: 3M Anti-glare Filter for 13-15 In Monitors BF10L |
I hate squinting at a computer monitor trying to see beyond the screen glare. Not only is it bad for my eyes, but I find that I stretch my neck in bizarre positions trying to find a better viewing angle. Definitely not ergonomically correct! I requested some type of anti-glare shield from the purchasing department at work. That’s when the company bought the 3M Anti-glare Filter BF10L for my computer monitor. I’ve been using this anti-glare shield for about five years.
Description
This flat anti-glare filter has a smoked glass screen that measures about 11 1/2" wide x 8 5/8" high. A plastic putty colored frame about 5/8" wide surrounds the glass plate. So the overall size of the filter unit is 12 7/8" wide x 9 7/8" high. The viewing diagonal is a bit larger than 14 3/8" (the manufacturer gives the diagonal viewing size as 14.48).
A unique feature of this unit is that it hangs by two plastic arms. The plastic arms rest on top of the monitor and can be adjusted for height so that the filter is properly aligned over the monitor screen. Each arm is 1" wide x 1 3/16" long. A wide foam-rubber strip is affixed beneath each plastic arm to anchor the screen in place so that it does not shift.
The anti-glare filter screen can be adjusted vertically. The arms that rest atop the monitor are secured to the outside of the plastic frame that houses the smoked-glass filter. The arms can “ratchet” up and down to adjust where the screen is positioned. A plastic “finger” on each arm moves along grooved plastic, which provides a ratchet-like movement. The grooved area is 2 3/4" long.
The manufacturer has designed this anti-glare filter for 13" - 15" size monitors.
My Experiences
This anti-glare screen is wonderful. It’s saved me years of eye strain.
At work I use a 15" CRT monitor, and this filter covers the screen with a bit of room leftover on the sides. I did use the height adjustment to center the filter over my monitor screen. Since my monitor is a putty color, the putty-color plastic frame on the filter screen blends right in and is not distracting in any way.
The manufacturer states that this filter reduces glare by 90%. I have no way of measuring this, but I notice a huge difference when the filter is not in place. Without the filter, my screen is bright and glare from the overhead lights and windows plays havoc with my viewing. When the filter is in place, it’s like viewing my monitor screen through sunglasses. The colors are muted, and white backgrounds (such as in word processing programs) appear almost a light gray hue.
The text is clear through the filter, and easy to read. The colors are not as bright but still sharp and easy to tell which color is which. This screen has reduced my eye fatigue, so that my eyes feel more rested during a day of computer work.
Note that this is not a privacy screen. It covers the monitor screen, reducing glare. But other people can still see your computer screen just as they normally would. So if you are playing computer games at work ... beware! This filter will not block people from looking at your computer screen. Also, this filter does not protect the viewer from radiation or the screen from static.
This filter will smudge with dirty fingers. And though the screen does not attract as much dust as the monitor screen without the filter would ... dust still accumulates. After five years of use, this glass filter is scratch-free.
Even though the instructions state to clean this filter using a soft, lint-free cloth and glass cleaner ... I have also washed this glass filter with water and a bit of mild dishwashing liquid. Once when I was away from my desk, someone must have touched my screen with greasy fingers. What a mess! A drop of Dawn dishwashing liquid cut through the grease, and I wiped the glass dry. It was just like new.
Likes
* No assembly required
* Easy to install
* Height adjustable to customize fit
* Rests atop the monitor with padded arms – no adhesives necessary
* Reduces glare up to 90%
* Reduces eye stress and fatigue
* Text easy to read & colors are sharp
* Easy to clean the glass filter
Considerations
* Not a privacy screen
* Does not protect user from monitor radiation
Purchasing
This 3M Anti-glare Filter BF10L was purchased from Staples. Staples currently sells this filter for $28.11, and Office Depot sells it for $23.64.
Summary
I am delighted with this 3M Anti-glare Filter. It has made working at the computer much easier. And since my eyes are not straining to combat screen glare, I find I am more relaxed while I work. This was a great investment!
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
3M Worldwide
St. Paul, Minnesota
Toll-free Phone: 888-364-3577
Monday - Friday (7 am - 6 pm Central Standard Time)
One-year warranty from date of purchase
Please read my other reviews:
Belkin UPS Emergency Battery Backup
HP LaserJet 2200dse Printer
Hewlett Packard LaserJet 1000 Printer
Gateway 500X Computer
Logitech Mouseman Dual Optical Mouse
Dazzle Multimedia 6-in-1 Card Reader
Acco Electric 3-Hole Punch
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Fellowes Magnetic Copyholder
Stanley Electric Pencil Sharpener
Curtis Radio/CD Portable Boom Box
Concord Eye-Q Digital Camera
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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