Tips You Can Use to Purchase the Right Reading Light for the Favorite Book Lover on Your List
When you’re researching the best reading light, you should to keep in mind both how and where it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will your light be used to light? If it needs only to light standard size so called mass market paperback books, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will probably be sufficient. If it must evenly light a coffee table book, then you’ll need a light designed for significantly greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you like the warmer, slightly golden glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, cooler output of modern LEDs.
Another significant consideration is the cost of maintenance. While both incandescent and LED reading lights require about the same amount of power, discharging batteries with about equal speed, incandescent designs have a life expectancy of approximately 15-25 hours of use. LEDs, while they are only slightly more expensive than incandescent designs, typically have life expectancies of between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will cost much less to service over the long run if the reading light will be used regularly.
Many modern reading light designs offer the flexibility of running on batteries or optional A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is handy when the light is to be used anywhere an A/C outlet isn’t close by, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most fully charged alkaline batteries will last only for about 20-30 hours of use. A good alternative to consider would be a good recharger and rechargeable batteries.
Lastly, a reading light typically incorporates a clip that allows the light to be securely attached to your book, book holder or book stand. The clip also makes it handy to attach your reading light to a podium, music stand or piano music rack, which exponentially increases the uses for your light. Some designs also offer an optional base or cradle that 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.
