How Your Can Buy the Perfect Reading Light

When you’re searching for the perfect reading light, it is helpful to be mindful of both where and how it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will it be used to illuminate? If it needs only to illuminate standard size mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single LED or incandescent design will probably be right. If it must evenly light a large dictionary, then you’ll need a reading light designed for considerably greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer the warmer, slightly golden glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, more “sun like” output of modern LEDs.

Another significant consideration is maintenance. While both incandescent and LED reading lights use approximately the same amount of power, using up batteries with about equal speed, incandescent light sources 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 be significantly less expensive to maintain 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 running on batteries or A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is convenient when the light is to be used somewhere an A/C outlet isn’t handy, 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 recharger and rechargeable batteries.

Finally, a reading light usually comes with a clip that securely attaches to your book, book stand or book holder. The clip also makes it handy to secure your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which greatly increases the range of uses for your light. Some designs offer an optional base or 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 potential uses are truly unlimited.

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