March 10, 2010
How Your Can Buy the Right Reading Light
When you’re researching the perfect reading light, it is helpful to be mindful of both how and where it will be used. First, what size and type of book will it be used with? If it needs only to illuminate standard size so called mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will likely be sufficient. If it must light up a large dictionary, then you’ll need a light designed for much greater light output distributed over a considerably larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer 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 approximately 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 only slightly higher in price than incandescent designs, typically last between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will be significantly less expensive to operate over the long haul if the light will be used for more than 15-25 hours.
Most modern reading light designs provide the flexibility of being powered by batteries or A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is handy when the light is to be used somewhere an A/C outlet isn’t close by, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most new alkaline batteries provide sufficient power only for about 20-30 hours of use. A good option to consider would be a good battery recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.
Finally, a reading light usually incorporates a sturdy clip which makes for easy attachment to your book, book stand or book holder. The clip also makes it handy to attach your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which greatly increases the possible uses for your light. Some designs offer an optional cradle that allows your light to be mounted to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, a car fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The potential uses are truly unlimited.