How to Buy the Perfect Reading Light for Your Reading Pleasure
When you’re searching for the right reading light, it is helpful to be mindful of both how and where it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will it be used to light? If it needs only to provide light for standard size mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will probably be sufficient. If your reading light must light up a coffee table book, then you’ll need a reading light designed for much greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another consideration is whether you like the warmer, slightly golden glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, cooler output of modern LEDs.
Another important consideration is the cost of maintenance. While both incandescent and LED reading lights require 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 only slightly more expensive than incandescent designs, usually have life expectancies of between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will cost much less to operate over the long run if the reading light will be used regularly.
Many modern reading light designs provide the flexibility of running on batteries or optional A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is convenient when the light is to be used where an A/C outlet isn’t handy, but it can be expensive to replace batteries, as most fully charged alkaline batteries provide sufficient power only for approximately 20-30 hours of use. A good alternative to consider would be a good recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.
Finally, a reading light typically incorporates a sturdy clip that allows the light to be securely attached to your book, book stand or book holder. The clip can also be used to attach your reading light to a podium, music stand or piano music rack, which greatly increases the uses for your reading light. Some designs offer an optional base or cradle which allows your clip on reading light to be affixed to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, an automotive fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The potential uses are truly unlimited.
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 5:01 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.