How Your Can Purchase the Best Reading Light for You
When you’re searching for the perfect reading light, it is helpful to consider both where and how it will be used. First, what size and type of book will your light be used to illuminate? If it needs only to provide light for standard size so called mass market paperback books, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will likely be sufficient. If your reading light must evenly light a large dictionary, then you’ll need a reading light designed for significantly greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another consideration 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 important consideration is maintenance. While LED and incandescent lights require approximately the same amount of power, discharging batteries with about equal speed, incandescent bulbs have a life expectancy of approximately 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 are significantly less expensive to service over the long run if the light will be used constantly.
Many modern reading light designs provide the flexibility of running on batteries or optional A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is handy when the light will 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 approximately 20-30 hours of use. A good option to consider would be a good battery recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.
Lastly, a reading light usually incorporates a sturdy clip that makes for easy attachment to your book, book stand or book holder. The clip can also be used to secure your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which exponentially increases the possible uses for your reading light. Some designs also offer an optional cradle that allows your reading light to be secured to any ferrous surface, such as a refrigerator or other appliance, a car fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The possible uses are truly unlimited.