Tips You Can Use to Purchase the Best Reading Light for the Favorite Book Lover on Your List
When you’re looking for the right reading light, it is helpful to be mindful of both where and how it will be used. First, what size and type of book will it be used with? If it needs only to provide light for standard size so called mass market paperback books, a smaller, single LED or incandescent design will likely be right. If your reading light must evenly light a coffee table book, then you’ll need a reading light designed for considerably greater light output evenly distributed over a significantly larger area. Another consideration 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 that of maintenance. While both LED and incandescent designs require about 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, typically provide lifetimes between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will be much less expensive to maintain over the long run if the light will be used constantly.
Most modern reading light designs offer 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 handy, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most new alkaline batteries last only for approximately 20-30 hours of use. A good alternative to consider would be a good battery recharger and rechargeable batteries.
Finally, a reading light usually 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 secure your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which exponentially increases the range of uses for your light. Some designs also offer an optional base or cradle which allows your light to be mounted to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, an automotive fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The potential applications are unlimited.