By By Mark Hachman Senior Editor, PCWorld
Publication Date: 2026-05-26 13:00:00
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld tested Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 8 for Business, which features a built-in privacy screen activated by a dedicated key next to the Esc button.
- The privacy screen effectively dims content when viewed from the side for enhanced privacy, but introduces noticeable display compromises including darkening and dust-like speckling.
- While more convenient than external filters and preserving touchscreen functionality, the feature doesn’t completely obscure high-contrast visuals and speckling becomes more pronounced on white backgrounds.
You’re sitting on Flight 02 from San Francisco to Taipei, settling in for a long 14-hour journey. Suddenly, a familiar face appears nearby — a competitor!
This is what Microsoft’s new “privacy screen” on its new Surface Laptop 8 was designed for: With the press of a button, your screen dims, darkening to a nearly opaque black when viewed from the side. Is it worthwhile? Microsoft sent…