How Your Can Buy the Best Reading Light for the Favorite Book Lover on Your List
General April 29th, 2010
When you’re researching the best reading light, you need to consider both how and where it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will it be used to illuminate? If it only needs to light standard size so called mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single LED or incandescent design will likely be sufficient. If it must evenly light a large dictionary, then you’ll need a light designed for much greater light output evenly distributed over a significantly larger area. Another consideration is whether you like the warmer, slightly yellowish glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, more “sun like” output of modern LEDs.
Another significant consideration is maintenance. While both LED and incandescent designs use about the same amount of power, using up batteries with about equal speed, incandescent bulbs have a life expectancy of between 15-25 hours of use. LEDs, while they are only slightly higher in price than incandescent designs, typically provide lifetimes between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will cost much less to operate over the long haul if the light will be used constantly.
Many modern reading light designs provide the flexibility of being powered by batteries or A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is convenient when the light is to be used somewhere an A/C outlet isn’t close, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most new alkaline batteries will last only for about 20-30 hours of use. A good option to consider would be a good recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.
Finally, a reading light typically incorporates a clip which allows the light to be securely attached to your book, book holder or book stand. The clip also makes it handy to secure your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which exponentially increases the uses for your reading light. Some designs also offer an optional cradle which allows your reading light to be affixed to any ferrous surface, such as a refrigerator or other appliance, a car fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The possible applications are truly unlimited.
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