I vaguely remember having a light that clipped onto the headboard of my bed when I was a kid. It plugged into the wall socket so no battery issues. And it would seem to be both convenient and a sufficient light source. The looks... well, that might be a problem. Don't know if that would bother a spouse or not either.

What do you guys think? Is that a reasonable alternative, and are there any that don't look really out of place on a headboard?

I'm looking for something that won't bother my wife so a headboard clipon is out.

I have in order in for the $9.99 Flex-Neck Reading Light that was posted about (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7745). I'll let people know what I think when my reader and light arrive.

http://www.biggerandbrighter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BB&Product_Code=GP-02&Category_Code=clipon

Whatever you choose, LED lights should be a prerequisite to make sure you don't accidentally burn yourself or your Reader.

For the trekkies under us:

The "Borg" earlight

http://www.mykito.com/shop/images/medium/ES88_MED.jpg

Find it here (http://www.amazon.com/eGear-LED-Ear-Light/dp/B0006MQDNA/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0/102-4284232-6596122?ie=UTF8)

It uses two CR2016 button cells and lasts 18 hours. Price $12,00

****************************************

Here is another one:

http://img274.imageshack.us/img274/1936/2800kq9.jpg

Find it here (http://www.hammacher.com/publish/71931.asp?source=Nextag&keyword=71931&cm_ven=NewGate&cm_cat=Nextag&cm_pla=HOME%20ESSENTIALS&cm_ite=71931#)

This one uses one AAA battery so that's a big advantage over the Ear Light that uses two button cells. It lasts 25 hours. Price $24,95.

You can find the "same" light under a different name at Curcuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=131922&WT.mc_n=92&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=COMPARISON%20SHOPPING&cm_cat=NEXTAG&cm_pla=DATAFEED-%3EPRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=92) but instead of $24,95 they charge you $2,99. It looks the same but it could be that it's a cheaper imitation.

*************************************

This one looks good also:

http://www.radtech.us/Images/Products/ISight/btyProduct2.jpg

Find it here (http://www.radtech.us/Products/ISight.aspx)

It also has button cells but this one uses CR2032 and I can get them for free on my work. It lasts 36 hours. Price $12,95.

It's clear you can get a lot of these ear lights on the internet and I think it could be better instead of trying to clip something to your Reader. I will go for this type of light. I only need to decide which one. I'm also planning into modifying it so it is possible to dim the light. :D

I ordered the I-Sight from Radtech. (http://www.radtech.us/Products/ISight.aspx) And if it doesn't work with reading I have many other uses for it.

For the trekkies under us:

The "Borg" earlight

Ahh, but is it possible to get them in red? ;-)

I'm planning to have ago at making my own LightWedge type light. I'll let y'all know how it comes out -- I'm not sure when I'll get around to it, though.... :sad:

Ahh, but is it possible to get them in red? ;-)

No, but you can get the I-Sight in green. :p

I'm planning to have ago at making my own LightWedge type light. I'll let y'all know how it comes out -- I'm not sure when I'll get around to it, though.... :sad:

I also thought about the LightWedge but I will wait and see if they will develop one for the Reader.

Honestly, they might get one done before I manage to cobble a homemade obscenity together. :mad:

Did anybody think about using lightwedge (http://www.lightwedge.com/)? I don't have sony reader yet; so I don't know how it will fit with the reader. Anyone have any idea?

I also notice the lightwedge which can distribute the light onto the page but it is no appropriate size for Sony Reader or iLiad now.
I DIYed 'The "Borg" earlight' diabloNL post with a ligher LED.
It needs 2 CR2016 3V battery.
I perfer the type with one AAA battery like my Jabra BT110 bluetooth headset.

I also DIYed a lightwedge-like frontlight module for my EBK reader.
However, it was not good near the LED.

I hope the new EBK with white display would be good for reading.

Thanks for the link to the I-Sight -- I ordered one as well. Reading in the dark, here I come :)

Another Light (http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2006/10/beambag_light_for_night_owls.html) :bulb2:

I like that bean bag light, Slava. It certainly wouldn't have to be moved for page turns with the Sony Reader page turns. And I guess it would work with std rehargeable batteries just fine. Kind of pricey, but a nice alternative!

I got my I-Sight and I love it! :cool: Here are some pictures. Please note that the light is in reality more white and not so blue as my camera believes it is. :(

Anyway, thanks to it's parabolic reflector, lens and genuine Nichia LED (whatever that may mean) you get a perfect circle of light so almost no more light going trough your bedroom other than the circle. I see marriages being saved. :P

Because it clips on your ear it lights in the direction you are looking at and that works quite well. Of course you can and will need to adjust it so it's in the middle of your eyesight. On a average reading distance the circle won't be so big but hey, you only need light where your eyes are looking at, or not? Of course I don't know if it will work with the Sony Reader because of possible reflections, but I think it's nothing that can't be solved by tilting your Reader a bit.

Thanks for the pix, DiabloNL. I'd decided I wasn't interested in this approach, but you've convinced me to take another look at it. :smile:

I tried Flex-Neck Reading Light (link (http://www.biggerandbrighter.com/mm...ory_Code=clipon)) and was underwelmed. I acutally bought two (one for my wife) but found that I had to use both to have enough light to read. It was also a bit awkward having two things cliped to the reader and it still was not very good.

Today I picked up the I-Sight Ear thingie diabloNL was talking about (found it at Radio Shack - link (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103696&cp=&origkw=ear+light&kw=ear+light&parentPage=search)). This may be good but the problem, as you can see from DialboNL's pictues, is that you can't light up the whole book at once due to a tight focus when it is attached to your ear. I did manage to get it to work from a distance by hanging it on my over the bed lamp. I'll try that tonight and see if it bothers my wife. The reflection concern does not look like it will be a problem to me. The good news is that the batteries for the Flex-Neck fit in the I-Sight so at least they won't go to waste if the I-Sight works out.

I think I want a customized lightwedge very badly. I was tempted to take out my IPAQ last night for it's backlight but that would be giving up!

But that's what I meant Greg G. You don't need the light to lit the whole book. Unless you have a photographic memory that is. :P

I'll try it but I think I'd get anoyed fast trying to keep the part of the book I'm reading lit up.

Nice photo shots! I think I have to try it out first to decide. diablo, can you still wear headphone plugs underneath the i-sight? :)

Btw, use the attach function to post your pics - this way they won't disappear if your remote host suddenly decides to delete them ;)

Nice photo shots! I think I have to try it out first to decide. diablo, can you still wear headphone plugs underneath the i-sight? :)

Btw, use the attach function to post your pics - this way they won't disappear if your remote host suddenly decides to delete them ;)

Just tried in and it's no problem as long as they are normal earplugs and not this Sony Ericsson kind of earplug because thos are huge! :wink:

Post deleted by mistake :(

The Fliplight I have isn't very usable because it casts a circular reflection where the light is the brightest requiring you to tilt the Reader at a certain angle to avoid the reflection. For a second night, I gave up and grabbed my IPAQ.

I am getting disheartened. I really love the size and the shape of the Reader, but the troubles of getting content onto the reader and reading at night is really frustrating me.

simple and cheap solution is to just blindfold your partner.

simple and cheap solution is to just blindfold your partner.
Thanks for the laugh :laugh: I think I'll save that for a last resort...

simple and cheap solution is to just blindfold your partner.
And I just thought you'd do this after you read a book ;)

Only on special occasions

The Brookstone beanbag light (link (http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?wid=2&cid=65&sid=140&pid=541920)) works well enough to solve the problem. I read with it last night and while it is not as bright as the I-Sight it did the job. What I would really like is the I-Sight light hooked to the beanbag. I suppose I can rig something up but until a lightwedge version is created I think I'm good to go.

How hard is the beanbag light to reposition? I move around when I read, changing positions every 20-30 minutes or so. It looks nice, but if I have to futz with it for 1-2 minutes everytime I move it's not a good fit for me. How focused is the light?

Easy to move around. I'm the same way and did not have a problem.

Cool, thanks Greg. Might have to take a trip to Brookstone...

I picked up the beanbag light last night in the store. It is smaller than I expected, about the size of the palm of your hand. It works well. The light is *very* bright when looked at directly. On the reader I had to point the light slight to one side so the brightest spot was not reflecting back at me from the screen. The little chrome Sony at the top of the reader I had to make sure didn't reflect also. The bottom is a nice non-slip rubber and stays where you put it. I used it mostly on my pillow.

All in all a good bedroom booklight that works for me, I don't see any reason to keep looking. The small complaints I have with the reflections are probably issues with all booklights until a lightwedge type device.

Can anybody that has a Sony Reader tell me if the cover on the back of the reader allows you to fix a standard clip-on booklight that was intended for a real book? I like the I-Sight very much but I'm trying to find the perfect light.

The one they showed us in San Diego was clipped to the cover, so yeah, you can do that. The only fixed contact between the cover and the Reader is that round thing in the middle of the back of the Reader.

They were clipping it to front and back cover both, to keep them together.

In my own experiments, I've found that clips where the end of the clippy part itself turned up made me worry about scratching the Reader housing or the other part of the cover, so you may want to consider that. :)

The one they showed us in San Diego was clipped to the cover, so yeah, you can do that. The only fixed contact between the cover and the Reader is that round thing in the middle of the back of the Reader.

They were clipping it to front and back cover both, to keep them together.

In my own experiments, I've found that clips where the end of the clippy part itself turned up made me worry about scratching the Reader housing or the other part of the cover, so you may want to consider that. :)

Good point NatCh! I will try to look for something that doesn't have the end going up and it has to be a plastic clip. If I find something I will post it here.

Does anybody know how thick the clip on the light can be to fit between the reader and the cover?

The one they had was pretty thick ... 1/8" maybe. The stock cover is pretty flexible, I don't think you'll have a problem on that score. :beam:

What do you guys think of this:

1 Led booklight from: Great Point Light (http://www.greatpointlight.com/index.html) for $5,99
Runs on two CR2032 batteries for 30 hours.
http://www.greatpointlight.com/graphics2/1led-maingroup.jpg


2 Led booklight from: Great Point Light (http://www.greatpointlight.com/index.html) for $7,99
Runs on two CR2450 batteries for 30 hours.
http://www.greatpointlight.com/graphics2/2ledb-main.jpg


3 Led booklight from: Great Point Light (http://www.greatpointlight.com/index.html) for $14,99
Runs on two CR2450 batteries for 30 hours and has two light levels.
http://www.biggerandbrighter.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/gpl-3led-main.jpg


4 Led rechargeable booklight from: Great Point Light (http://www.greatpointlight.com/index.html) for $34,99
Runs on two rechargeable LIR2450 batteries for 30 hours and an AC adapter is included. I don't know if the adapter is also suitable for 230VAC. This one also has two light levels.
http://www.greatpointlight.com/graphics2/product-relight-silos.jpg

I like these lights because the clip is very thin, straight and made out of plastic. This is good because it won't damage or scratch the backside of your reader as far as I can tell.

So what do you guys think?

I went into B&N and sat on the floor and tried a bunch of lights. I didn't find any there I liked the light patterns on. These look similar enough that I'd want to try them before I bought anything.

The light (http://www.greatpointlight.com/book-flexneck.html) Sony showed us in San Diego had a pretty good light pattern.

I think it's getting on to time for me to run by Hobby Lobby and pick up some of those cheap acrylic picture frames and have a go at making my own lightwedge-oid light. Maybe Saturday....

I ordered the 3 Led light and hope it will be good. It's made by LightWedge LLC so I expect a good book light. :P

When I received it I will make some pictures.

I have the 3 led one (branded "Design GO", but looks exactly the same). It's usable, but not too great:
1) The clip gap is too narrow for the thickness of Reader's cover, it cannot go all the way.
2) The "low" light level is still quite bright
3) It's sort of hard to position so that you don't get reflection right in your eyes. You have to direct the beam at the top of Reader and the bottom half gets less light.

I have the 3 led one (branded "Design GO", but looks exactly the same). It's usable, but not too great:
1) The clip gap is too narrow for the thickness of Reader's cover, it cannot go all the way.
2) The "low" light level is still quite bright
3) It's sort of hard to position so that you don't get reflection right in your eyes. You have to direct the beam at the top of Reader and the bottom half gets less light.


I already ordered it. :( The dim level is something I will modify and for the rest I will see. If I really don't like it I will give it to my girlfriend because she reads real books made of paper. :P

I got a book light that has a clip. It's Energizer Trim Flex Led. It has one led bulb, uses two CR2032 batteries, and runs over 30 hours. The clip is actually plastic grip so there is no reason to worry about any scratch on the upper edge of the Reader. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

...real books made of paper.That is a base slander! Who says books have to be made of paper to be real?!? :laugh4:

That is a base slander! Who says books have to be made of paper to be real?!? :laugh4:

:earmuffs:

I did the same thing as Nat and had the same results. There really isn't a good booklight out there that doesn't have the pinpoint problem which requires constant adjusting to avoid the reflection. I haven't tried the beanbag light yet.

I just bought one that clips over the ear for undercounter work.(don't ask)
If I wear it to read and my wife interrupts, she'll get a blast! :happy2:

Here's another interesting option. A bedside lamp (http://www.ccrane.com/lights/light-accessories/aeonic-led-lamp.aspx) with a very long neck. But it's expensive at about $100.

"As a bedside lamp, the 36-inch neck adjusts to any angle to illuminate a book and not disturb anyone trying to get some sleep. For reading or crafts, the light quality is better than fluorescent plus it doesn't flicker. Makes reading much easier than any lamp we've ever tried."

Here's another interesting option.Should'a known: C.Crane! :laugh4:

They have some really nice stuff but it is very pricey.

Though this thing has the looks of an excellent hobby light. I may have to look into one of them.

You haven't seen funny 'til you've seen a slightly color blind guy trying to read resistor color codes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistor#Four-band_axial_resistors), gotta have my jeweler's loupe (to make the bands big enough to see) and my "white" light source (to counteract the greening effect from flourescent lighting). This looks like it may be a better & more usable approach than my micro-mag light. Good for a lot of other stuff too, though I'm not sure I'd get around to using it for reading. :grin:

Here's another interesting option. A bedside lamp (http://www.ccrane.com/lights/light-accessories/aeonic-led-lamp.aspx) with a very long neck. But it's expensive at about $100.

"As a bedside lamp, the 36-inch neck adjusts to any angle to illuminate a book and not disturb anyone trying to get some sleep. For reading or crafts, the light quality is better than fluorescent plus it doesn't flicker. Makes reading much easier than any lamp we've ever tried."

Hmmm - May have to put this on my Holiday list. If anyone tries it out I'd love to hear a report.

Here are some pictures I took of the Great Point Light - 3 LED Booklight.

http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/4803/1vc2.jpg


http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6880/2ae2.jpg


You could also use it as desklight.
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3738/3oe6.jpg


http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3152/4sf1.jpg


http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/286/5ba2.jpg


http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6352/6ab7.jpg

Please note that the white bright spot on the top of the page is something that you don't see in real, it is the camera. Of course the light is a little bit brighter on the top of the page but it doesn't have this bright spot. You can see what I mean on the next picture where the spot is already much less.
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5687/7uv0.jpg


http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/7159/8vj4.jpg


Bottom half of the page.
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8151/9fp6.jpg

Same story here about the bright spot.
http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/5775/10bc8.jpg

I can't say how it works with the Sony Reader because I don't have it yet. One thing is for sure; the 3 LED light almost doesn't suffer from light and dark spots.

In some tests I did with a gerber flexi light http://www.shop4gerber.co.uk/gerber_inferno_flexi_light_black.gif it seemed the best angle to have was to have 3 LEDS as close to the screen as possible in order to angle any reflections out of view. This also had a side benefit of making the page look very white.

I'm working on a clip light design that should mimick what I managed with the flexi-light

I don't have my Reader yet but I started by modifying my clip-on light. It is the 3 LED Booklight with the two light levels (check 2 posts back).

Well....now I have four light levels:

I placed a diode with a bypass switch to drop the voltage on the chip from 6Volts to 5,4Volts and it works great!
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/8576/1lx9.jpg

I also cut out the external holder so you can still fold the booklight.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9648/2tn8.jpg

Well, I think it looks good.
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6893/3pg8.jpg

Now...if I were only to receive my precious toy. :(

Nice job!

Thanks man! :cool:

I tried out the 3 LED at the bookstore. You still have the glare/reflection off the screen of the Reader.

whoops *duplicate post*

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this interesting temporary alternative....

You can use the backlight on a Treo or other PDA with a mostly white page displayed as your Sony Reader light!

:laugh4:

I went ahead and got the NexxTech light from Circuit City, linked on the first page... it incidentally seems to have been taken off their website already as well.

My initial impressions: In a completely dark room, I don't think the light is bright enough to read comfortably. Maybe my eyes suck too much, but it's not that comfortable...I guess I'm just used to lots of ambient light (from a table lamp or overhead lights). Furthermore, I'm not sure if it's the design or just because it is really cheap, but the earhook annoys the crud out of me. I can't really move my head much without the hook disconnecting (but which can be put together again easily). My main reason in getting this one over any of the others is because I already have rechargeable AAA batteries and I'm too lazy/cheap to deal with yet another type of batteries (the nice round ones).

One can also use the headlamps sold for outdoor activities.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this interesting temporary alternative....

You can use the backlight on a Treo or other PDA with a mostly white page displayed as your Sony Reader light!

And limit the super long battery life of the Sony Reader with the 4~5 hours of a PDA? ;)

One can also use the headlamps sold for outdoor activities.

I've finally settled on this solution. I've tried every book light device I could find and have not been happy.

Perhaps, the problem is not so much which book light to use, but how to use it? :bulb2: Many book lights will allow you to adjust the angle at which the light falls onto the page, and when the angle is not direct 90 degrees, the reading may be much more comfortable.

I use the CYCLOPS 3-LED Book light (http://www.amazon.com/CYCLOPS-3-LED-BOOK-LIGHT/dp/B000BMFBX8/sr=8-3/qid=1162493191/ref=sr_1_3/002-1562441-4309614?ie=UTF8&s=electronics) (see the picture below), which I bought a long while ago. It's a bit expensive, but it may be worth it. When the light falls at the about 60 degree angle from the right the reading is just about as comfortable, as with an overhead lamp.

http://images19.fotki.com/v27/photos/3/3909/116140/T__SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V39560564_-vi.jpg

I picked up one of these:
http://www2.shopping.com/xPO-Energizer_Energizer_Trim_Flex_Led_Flashlight~r-1~CLT-INTR~RFR-www.google.com

at Target for $6. Seems to work pretty well after I added some additional "frosting" to the diffuser with #150 sandpaper. Very light and has a very skinny base/clip.

Cheers,
Bob

I have tested my 3 LED booklight with my Sony Reader and I think it works quite well. The clip is nice and tight and you can push it all the way down on one part of the cover.

The light is without spots. The only thing is that the downpart is a little darker then the top but still good readable. Reflection is no issue because it's a matter of good adjustment. I think I will stick with this for now.

Excellent, I'm glad you found something that works for you!

I have tried the 3 LED light for almost a week now and I think it's close to be perfect.

Reflection of the LED's on the screen? Not equal lighted screen? Here's a tip:

Clip it on the right side. This will give you equal light on the screen. And you can tilt the Reader without reflection on the screen.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2248/00064pe6.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7828/00065nd3.jpg

What is it actually clipped to? The cover? The unit?

What is it actually clipped to? The cover? The unit?


To the cover directly behind the Reader.

Cool. That's the Great Point Light you show in other photos?

Yep that's the one. The light is in real even better because the camera shows reflection on the right side of the housing that in reality is way less.

Something like the old GBA Triton Labs Afterburner kit would be perfect. The GBA product was an LED driven lightguide that installed inside the GBA case and looked stock.

If you're not sure what I'm talking about google for "GBA Triton Labs Afterburner"

Like this:

http://www.hahotech.com/english/en_flu.htm

Looks like they make different sizes, maybe be possible to get one custom for the sony..

Here's another Ear Light Device and its only $5.95
http://www.houseofrave.com/led_ear_light.html
Did a review on my site for it. Appears to be similar to other ear lights mentions in the thread but with a cheaper price.

Reading at night is very important for me. With REB 1100 I had a great night reading, so I spent some time to find the best solution for my new Sony 500.

1. I started with $5 NextTech LED lamp (rechargable Ni-Cd, RadioShack). Light is good, but intensity changes fast with discharging; not very uniform illumination and image is too contrast.

2. Flexible LED (similar to recommended by Sony). $10 at Barnes and Nobles. 2x2032. Better than 1), but the same too contrast image and necessity to change the batteries.

Strange enough, but manufactures do not care about adjustment of light intensity. To me this is important because light should be adjusted to illumination conditions, besides spectrum gets more "warm" with lowing the intensity. So I desided improve the lamp. First, I installed charge-pump LED driver (FAN5607, Fairchild, ~1.5$ at DigiKey )which gives constant (and adjustable) intensity independent on battery voltage; second, I replaced 2032 batteries to rechargable Li-ion (from GameBoy console).

http://www.msh-tools.com/lamps/lamp_inside.jpg
http://www.msh-tools.com/lamps/lamp.jpg


Inside the lamp cap there are 2 LED, 4 capacitors, 1 chip and potentiometer with the switch. The Li-ion battery is in the box at the bottom of the lamp.

Gets much better, the intensity can be changed for more convinient reading.

3) Next approach. I purchased LightWedge backlight ($25, Barnes and Nobles, http://www.lightwedge.com/prod_paperback.html). The light is more "scattered" and gives much more comfortable reading (though the illumination is not very uniform). The bad things are:
i) The wedge does not fit the reader size ii) it requires 4 AAA battaries (to heavy) 3) light is not stabilized and adjustable.
So I modified the LightWedge the following way:
1) Cut the wedge to fit the reader screen
2) Made a hole to get 2 LED according to new size
2) made the box with Li-ion rechargable battery with the FAN5607 chip, potentiometer and the switch.

Here are the images:

http://www.msh-tools.com/lamps/lw_box.jpg
http://www.msh-tools.com/lamps/eb_wedge_sm.jpg
http://www.msh-tools.com/lamps/eb_wed_bg.jpg

The illumination is not very uniform, but reading is much more comfortable than with any of other sources. Almost that comfortable as with REB 1100 (b/w LCD with back illumination)

May be my experience will be useful.

Mikhail

Look good Mikhail! Don't you have the pictures in high resolution that you can attach to your post so we can take a closer look?

Nice.

What did you use to cut the plastic, obelix?

I've been thinking of building such a thing myself but I'm not sure what I like for the cutting.

A wood saw works pretty good with all plastics. Then you file very cleanly with the smoothest file you can find, clean everything well and then the most dangerous step. You heat up the edge with a blowtorch in a continuous movement, don't stop at the same spot. It's dangerous work, use adquate protection, mask and glasses and have a fire extinguisher next to you. Try it on a piece of plexy first, and then the offcut you took out.

Okay, the blowtorch thing made me laugh (something I always appreciate). :laugh4:

I was trying to decide between a coping saw (even though they're a bit difficult to cut straight with), and just slowly cutting through it with an Xacto and a ruler. The file seems a logical step, and I was thinking of working with plexiglas or an acrylic picture frame as raw material in the first place.

Sadly, I haven't got a blowtorch, and don't really have a place to keep one at the present time, but some day ... (dreamy reflection) ... some day. :nice:

Do you think a heat gun would do the job? I have one of those already. :smile:

Nice.

What did you use to cut the plastic, obelix?

I've been thinking of building such a thing myself but I'm not sure what I like for the cutting.

Just regular saw for metal, nothing special. But carefully, trying to keep the saw along the surface. No torch, no cracking...

One more thing. I was thinking before I could make similar device from parallel plastic (like CD cover, photo frame etc). This will not work! Light goes through such parallel surfaces without exiting out (the waveguide). You will see illuminated areas only at the LEDs and the edges. Something is needed to make the light go out of the waveguide. LightWedge technology uses wedge to break waveguide effect. may be something else can be also done (like some transparent irregularities on the surface).

Hmm. I could hit it with some #0000 steel wool or 200 grit sandpaper, I suppose, that'd also effectively give it a non-glare effect, and make dealing with (inevitable) scratches easy (just hit it again).

I also was thinking to arrange it so that it lies entirely in contact with the display, which may make a difference, though I don't know how much.

I'm serious about the methods I described. That's the way we made acrylic and plexyglass displays for stores. It is the way its done when you don't have the fancy heaters.
Take a piece of plastic and make an edge rough with a file. But a naked flame to it and you'll see it melt and become completely transparent.

Oh, I know you're serious, yvanleterrible, and I'm not doubting that it works just fine, but that doesn't mean it's not funny. There's something inherently funny about blowtorches, especially when they come up unexpectedly. :nice:

I admit a blowtorch in a reader blog is...surprising!...kind of! :shy:

Considering the bunch of clowns we are it becomes mandatory :happy2:

Here's another set of book lights. Don't know if they were mentioned before...
http://www.mightybright.com/Book_Lights/CategoryProductList.aspx

The clip, though, looks like it might be too thick to use with a Reader cover. Can't really tell.

And another collection of book lights that may or may not have been mentioned...
http://www.biggerandbrighter.com/

This site includes the 3-led Z-light that Alex and I have been using, and which you can buy at Borders.

Mikhail -- What would you charge to make me a light like your lightwedge for my own Sony eReader?

I started to make my own -- using a dremel tool.. but I cut a bit deep and it no longer works.. :(

have been following this thread with much interest. have gone through four clip-on lights and two LED-type 'table lamps' for my Sony Reader. none worked fine.
my current solution looks dorky and you might rotfl, but hey, it work wonderfully well.
it is a 19-LED headlamp, and if you angle it slightly off-center, it lights up the screen beautifully and there is no glare. It works on 3 AAAs. I am using rechargeables, and they seem to last for days of moderate reading. Will do a more precise measurement later. Will also post some pictures if you want.

I bought them off ebay, but you can google for more links http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=19+led+headlamp

image here:
http://www.pchub.com/uph/photos/item/6329538461980800002_19_LED_Headlamp.JPG

Tried a similar one. Lasted until I blinded my wife reading in bed when I looked towards her just at the moment she was turning around to face me. She was pretty clear in saying her piece. :laugh4:

Just a heads-up (which I posted in another "light" thread!): Barnes & Noble has the 3-led 'z-light' (see posts #52 and #69 of this thread) for only $12.99, plus there's an online printable coupon for 30% off. Total with tax is under $10. And you can get the CR2450 batteries for under $1 each on ebay.

This light is pretty bright, very good for regular books. (Still waiting for my Sony reader - damn you, SonyStyle, for your slow order processing and shipping!!!) A big plus is that it is very tiny when folded flat, about as thick as a box of matches and the size of a somewhat elongated business card. Portability is important for me. Several of the other lights posted here are simply too bulky. ;)

Tried a similar one. Lasted until I blinded my wife reading in bed when I looked towards her just at the moment she was turning around to face me. She was pretty clear in saying her piece.
__________________

Now that's funny ! I nominate Yvanleterrible's story for inclusion in the Sony Portable Reader Forum Hall of Fame.

Hughdal

This is my first post and have been keeping up with the various recs for book lights. I have several different book lights and my favorite for either treebooks or the Sony is the Readermate Model No. MBL3. It is a three LED design, running on 3 AAA's, and can be used with an external AC adapter. The light bulb unit itself telescopes out of the housing allowing for the light to be positioned well above the page. It is made in China so best not to chew on it. I also like the Energizer 5 LED headlamp.

Welcome to MobileRead, Quelle! :hatsoff:

And thanks for the recommendation. :yes: Do you have a site you could link to so we can see what it looks like? :nice:

The reader mate can be seen here:www.eyesave.com/styles/p9250/Accessories-ReaderMate-LED+Book+Light/index.aspx, although I picked mine up a couple of years ago at BN. I find that it provides even light-more so than a light similar to the z-light.

I know it's not ear-attachable, but I really *like* the Mighty Bright XtraFlex Duet Super LED Music Stand Light (http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex-Super-Music/dp/B000L7MNUM/ref=sr_1_6/105-4890328-3433209?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1189636997&sr=8-6) as it's light, flexible and casts a wide, flat light across the surface of the screen.

Derek

The reader mate can be seen here:www.eyesave.com/styles/p9250/Accessories-ReaderMate-LED+Book+Light/index.aspx, although I picked mine up a couple of years ago at BN. I find that it provides even light-more so than a light similar to the z-light.

I forgot to thank NatCh for the welcome, so thanks. In looking up Derek's favorite light, I see that the Reader Mate is also marketed by Mighty Bright. Thanks Derek.

I know it's not ear-attachable, but I really *like* the Mighty Bright XtraFlex Duet Super LED Music Stand Light (http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex-Super-Music/dp/B000L7MNUM/ref=sr_1_6/105-4890328-3433209?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1189636997&sr=8-6) as it's light, flexible and casts a wide, flat light across the surface of the screen.

Derek

How does having two lights affect the glare on the screen? I'm having a lot of trouble with glare. My best solution so far is the Triple LED Book Light I got at Borders, since with the telescoping arm it gets the light farther away from the screen. Unfortunately, it's too bright for reading in bed with a sleeping partner though.

(PS: Triple LED Book Light is at previously posted site: http://www.mightybright.com/Book_Lights/CategoryProductList.aspx)

First, the totally flexible nature of the light post makes it quite easy to position the LED where it produces little or no glare. Note I said 'it', because in medium-low-light situations, you can turn *OFF* one or the other lamp to reduce power consumption! And the housing of the LED as well as the lens tend to give a much broader light on the screen. With both lamps on, it's *VERY* eye-friendly in an otherwise completely dark room. And it's very lightweight. It runs $17.95 through Amazon, so for ease of use, price, low glare and light weight, I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 LEDs rating! :grin2:

Derek

How does having two lights affect the glare on the screen? I'm having a lot of trouble with glare. My best solution so far is the Triple LED Book Light I got at Borders, since with the telescoping arm it gets the light farther away from the screen. Unfortunately, it's too bright for reading in bed with a sleeping partner though.

(PS: Triple LED Book Light is at previously posted site: http://www.mightybright.com/Book_Lights/CategoryProductList.aspx)

As a note of interest related to this thread.

The Kindle in its manual provides an optional light. You can see a drawing in the manual (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7575) post #7 on pages 18-19.

Quick question..How deep inset is the screen to the reader? (mine shipped yesterday do I dont have it yet :))

I was thinking of just removing the top cover, putting 4 little holes in it and gluing LEDs to the inside. It would have a similar effect as obelix's modified light wedge, but running on internal battery.

Also how much would 80mA draw(20/LED) reduce battery life of the reader itself ? I might even be able to cut that down to 40ish mA total depending on how much light I end up needing..

But this all hinges on the reader screen beeing inset at least a couple mm and there beeing enough room behind it to stuff these leds :D

Anyone had their reader open to look?

Anyone had their reader open to look?Yup (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8426).

The inset might be a couple of millimeters. Personally, I don't have much hope for such a mod working very well, I just don't think you're going to get enough light out of it without some sort of a light guide. :shrug:

If you get it working, though, there will be many people interested in it. :yes:

Makes me wish I had a broken junked reader to play with. Maybe some time ill find one on ebay then I can play.

Maybe 8 leds would do it (2 per side). Or maybe ill go to industrial paint&plastics and get a 1mm sheet of plastic, grind 1mm off of the bottom of the reader bezel, glue the (frosted) plastic on, and shine 4 leds on that. Should light a lot more evenly but its a lot of work :)

I'll do some testing when I get the reader itself. I've successfully compiled a hello world app for the reader, so a folder view app may be just around the corner!

I know it's not ear-attachable, but I really *like* the Mighty Bright XtraFlex Duet Super LED Music Stand Light (http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex-Super-Music/dp/B000L7MNUM/ref=sr_1_6/105-4890328-3433209?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1189636997&sr=8-6) as it's light, flexible and casts a wide, flat light across the surface of the screen.

Derek

I might pick up one of these for the piano at home. Although forgood light with excellent portability, I would have to give the 3-LED z-light the big thumbs-up. It is small, flat, and I use it on the dim setting and still get plenty of light.

Don't forget about Verilux Natural Spectrum Deluxe Book and Travel Light (http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-Natural-Spectrum-Deluxe-Travel/dp/B000F93508/ref=pd_bbs_7/103-7493779-1955817?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1189936277&sr=8-7) light. I am using it for 6 months and more than happy with it. IMHO, it is far better than anything else out there except BUG light (which might be as good or better, I don't know). I have tried 4 different light before this one, including Sony light and z-light. They don't come even close in comparison to verilux. Again imho, it is better than BUG, but it is very personal judgement :)

Astra_lestat,

Thanks for the suggestion! Now that my Cybook Gen3 has arrived from Bookeen, I'm letting Mom have my PRS-500. She doesn't like the ExtraFlex Duo and she likes to read in bed. I'll be picking one of these up for her, today!

Derek

Don't forget about Verilux Natural Spectrum Deluxe Book and Travel Light (http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-Natural-Spectrum-Deluxe-Travel/dp/B000F93508/ref=pd_bbs_7/103-7493779-1955817?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1189936277&sr=8-7) light. I am using it for 6 months and more than happy with it. IMHO, it is far better than anything else out there except BUG light (which might be as good or better, I don't know). I have tried 4 different light before this one, including Sony light and z-light. They don't come even close in comparison to verilux. Again imho, it is better than BUG, but it is very personal judgement :)

Astra_lestat,

Thanks for the suggestion! Now that my Cybook Gen3 has arrived from Bookeen, I'm letting Mom have my PRS-500. She doesn't like the ExtraFlex Duo and she likes to read in bed. I'll be picking one of these up for her, today!

Derek


There is one small drawback with verilux. It might be regarded as a bit too heavy (I use both hands when I read at night with verilux, so it is not an issue for me).
Hopefully, your mother will like it :) Just use 2 powerful re-chargeable batteries 2500mA or similar. When I just brought the light, I tried to use batteries that I bought 18 for £1 ~ $2 :smack: Obviously it didn't work :smash:

I use the Mighty Bright light that uses the same type of bulb as the Verilux (that full-spectrum CCFL is just marvelous for e-ink!), but puts it on an arm -- the weight is actually an advantage on that design, because the light can be clipped onto the lower, right edge (aligned with the bottom) and it becomes kind of a base for the Reader, actually makes holding it up easier that way. :nice:

Don't forget about Verilux Natural Spectrum Deluxe Book and Travel Light (http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-Natural-Spectrum-Deluxe-Travel/dp/B000F93508/ref=pd_bbs_7/103-7493779-1955817?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1189936277&sr=8-7) light. I am using it for 6 months and more than happy with it. IMHO, it is far better than anything else out there except BUG light (which might be as good or better, I don't know). I have tried 4 different light before this one, including Sony light and z-light. They don't come even close in comparison to verilux. Again imho, it is better than BUG, but it is very personal judgement :)

Can you show pics of this light on your Sony reader? How does it light the reader? Since the light doesn't come over the top like other lights?

Sharon

Where can one see the BUG light? and which mighty bright light works the best?

Sharon

Can you show pics of this light on your Sony reader? How does it light the reader? Since the light doesn't come over the top like other lights?

Sharon

Where can one see the BUG light? and which mighty bright light works the best?

SharonYou can see pictures of both the verilux and the bug light in the early posts in the Which light for the Sony Reader (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12668) thread, and the question of which works best is somewhat subjective.

I have a Mighty Bright light that uses the same CCFL bulb as the Verilux does that I like quite well -- the full spectrum light makes a significant difference, in my opinion. Ah, yes, this is it here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10022).

Can you show pics of this light on your Sony reader? How does it light the reader? Since the light doesn't come over the top like other lights?

Sharon

1 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65237&postcount=66)

2 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65269&postcount=70)

Although I never use clip it at the reader's side. Only at the top. The light is very bright and even across a whole screen.

I've noticed a wide variety of clip-on led lights at Gamestop. It seems the first version of the Gameboy Advance had no backlight, so a cottage industry of front-light devices was born, and the remnants can be bought in the used parts section.

Reading back through the thread I remembered seeing the i-sight device somewhere else...then I found it, my son had one that came free in a box of Kellogs cereal. I compared it to the pictures here and it is either the same device or a direct knockoff. It even has precisely the same groove pattern on the ear-clip. I'm thinking of swapping in a high-brightness led, then sand-blasting the lens to diffuse the light.

About the Verilux. Does this project alot of light outside the Sony reader? Since I will be using this in a movie theatre (before movie etc) and don't want alot of light projected elsewhere including myself.

Also how big is it when closed?

Where's the best place to purchase it?

Sharon

I think the 505 would be fine as is in a movie theater. They do have some lighting turned on until the movie starts.

I think the 505 would be fine as is in a movie theater. They do have some lighting turned on until the movie starts.

Actually no, our theatres are very low lit and I can't read anything in them. Trust me I've tried. They used to be lit really well until about a year ago. They must be trying to save money.

About the Verilux. Does this project alot of light outside the Sony reader? Since I will be using this in a movie theatre (before movie etc) and don't want alot of light projected elsewhere including myself.

Also how big is it when closed?

Where's the best place to purchase it?

Sharon

Sharon Do you use google before you ask questions? Just curious :)

Anyway, have a look on verilux site, there are many pictures: verilux (http://www.verilux.com/full-spectrum-booklights/travel-book-light). It is about cigarette pack size.

The lamp is bright, which is the strongest point of this lamp for me. I have tried at least 4 or 5 others and they were too dim. However, if you hold your reader as a real book, i.e., with open cover 90 degree to the reader, it will shelter anyone to your left completely. In full darkness it might disturbe a person to your right.
If you are from the USA, you can easily order it from any website and return it back if you don't like it. I think it is the best way to find out whether it suits your needs or not.
It is quite cheap (IMHO) for what it does :)

Why yes I google all the time, but sometimes you just need info from people who actually have the light itself. As for where to buy it, was hoping to find out where others have bought theirs and their experiences. Many stores have restock fee and high shipping.

Why yes I google all the time, but sometimes you just need info from people who actually have the light itself. As for where to buy it, was hoping to find out where others have bought theirs and their experiences. Many stores have restock fee and high shipping.

I lives in the UK, so it was a problem to find a store that ships overseas.

Amazon.com stocks them.
Verilux in the link above stocks them as well.

I bought mine here (http://toolsforwellness.com/).

This is a single bright LED gooseneck light. The gooseneck is black and the rest of the light is silver, so it looks sharp with my new Sony black leather cover.

Got it at Amazon for $10.00 plus shipping.

http://tinyurl.com/29r5v9

It also comes in a metallic blue, as well as silver, so it should match the blue Sony 505s.

It's bright enough to light the entire page. I use it clipped to the back Reader cover and aim the light to the right so that it shines on the dull silver edge, rather than on the screen, so I don't get a hot spot.

The unit uses three AAA batteries. I don't know how many hours they rate the batteries at, but I've been using it for two months for many hours each day, and it's as bright as ever. I've forgotten it a time or two, and it's run for 10-12 hours at a time.

Starfish

It looks almost exactly like the Mighty Bright XtraFlex 2 that I bought at Borders. It's the best booklight that I've used.

3) Next approach. I purchased LightWedge backlight ($25, Barnes and Nobles, http://www.lightwedge.com/prod_paperback.html). The light is more "scattered" and gives much more comfortable reading (though the illumination is not very uniform). The bad things are:
i) The wedge does not fit the reader size ii) it requires 4 AAA battaries (to heavy) 3) light is not stabilized and adjustable.
So I modified the LightWedge the following way:
1) Cut the wedge to fit the reader screen
2) Made a hole to get 2 LED according to new size
2) made the box with Li-ion rechargable battery with the FAN5607 chip, potentiometer and the switch.
I have just finished a "Do It Yourself" project
I have no means of purchasing LightWedge for reasonable price.
So I have manufactured one at home.
I glued (using tape that is sticky on both sides) a piece of 5mm thick plexiglas
to a board.
Then I fixed a piece of wood next to the plexiglas.
Next I glued a very coarse sandpaper to a flat surface.
I have put the plexiglas glued to the board on the sandpaper so the wooden spacer was sliding on the surface next to the sandpaper. By sliding the plexiglas back and forthe I was able to grind an even and uniform wedge.
It takes about an hour. Next I used finer sandpaper, then finer, then very fine, then 1200grit to make the sufrace very smooth. I finished the surface with a very fine polishing paste (purchased in a car-shop accesories for "paint restoration" on a car)

If you are interested in some photos, please send me a private message or reply to this thread.


The illumination is not very uniform, but reading is much more comfortable than with any of other sources. Almost that comfortable as with REB 1100 (b/w LCD with back illumination)
now comes the interesting part of my project.
I went to a cheap "chinese" store - selling low quality shoes, clothes, flashlights, knives, toys and other assorted junk
I have purchased a flashight with 21 white led diods for cca $7. (yes 21 leds purchased in a store selling electronic parts cost more, plus I have holder for three AAA batteries :D )
I have used my beloved "dremel" tool (actually manufactured by Proxxon :D ) to cut the printed circuit board with LEDs to a thin strips. Then I glued the LEDs to a little thin piece of board one segment next to the other. I used a hot glue gun. I have soldered all LEDs so all plus contact are soldered to a single long wire and all minus contacts are soldered to another wire.
When you place those 21 leds next to each other they cover a distance of 13 cm (the height of the display is 12cm) with a nice bright even light.
I have glued that LED assembly to the side of my homemade wedge and I got a very nice even frontlight. The original LightWedge uses just three LEDs (or is it two?), and I can imagine the light is uneven.

You heat up the edge with a blowtorch in a continuous movement, don't stop at the same spot.

There are some alternatives.
You can use chloroform to "etch" acrylic surface. Unlike other solvents chloroform leaves acrylic surface nice and shiny. Yes besides the use in Bond-esque plots where chloroform is used for kidnaps it is also used as an industrial solvent.
Or you can use solvent from a set for casting acrylyc parts (in some parts of the world sold under the name Dentacryl, or Dentakryl)

Or you can use very fine sandpaper to smooth the surface and a polishing paste to polish the surface. You can use toothpaste instead of polishing paste. It is not nearly as efective, but it works. You can buy polishing paste in the car-shop accessories (it is NOT a wax, like Turtle wax, but a polishing paste for thorough ... aehm ... restoration of the paint).

I often use the polishing method.
It is very, very easy to polish the acrylic glas (if the original lightwedge is made from acrylic glas). You can polish almost any kind of hard plastic.

There are some alternatives.
You can use chloroform to "etch" acrylic surface. Unlike other solvents chloroform leaves acrylic surface nice and shiny. Yes besides the use in Bond-esque plots where chloroform is used for kidnaps it is also used as an industrial solvent.
Or you can use solvent from a set for casting acrylyc parts (in some parts of the world sold under the name Dentacryl, or Dentakryl)

Or you can use very fine sandpaper to smooth the surface and a polishing paste to polish the surface. You can use toothpaste instead of polishing paste. It is not nearly as efective, but it works. You can buy polishing paste in the car-shop accessories (it is NOT a wax, like Turtle wax, but a polishing paste for thorough ... aehm ... restoration of the paint).

I often use the polishing method.
It is very, very easy to polish the acrylic glas (if the original lightwedge is made from acrylic glas). You can polish almost any kind of hard plastic.Very easy but time consuming and you need all that expensive fine sandpaper. This trick I shared comes from industry where things have to move fast and cheaply. Treating acrylics with files and heat leaves them perfectly transparent in mere seconds, albeit more dangerously.

I am currently manufacturing my second light-wedge derived book-light for my 505. The first one met an untimely end when i tried to bake the polymer clay i used to make the battery holder. I was about 75% sure that it would get soft... but what i didn't count on is that the tempering process used in the book light causes the plastic to contract in strange ways... It was extra industrial grade short bus riding special. luckily for me the only light wedge I could buy in a store around here was at office depot, and was the full sized monster, so i have another peace large enough, and a 1" strip of material to do manufacturing tests on.

The original book wedge only has 2 leds, so I will only be mounting 2 on this version (my first version only had one, and though a little ... patchy, it worked pretty well). I'm making this version more contoured to the book, that may come back to bite me.

I have also done extensive research into how such a front light device would be produced on an industral scale, and have made contact with a few overseas venders of the surface treated plastic materials that would make the most since. A good example of a product using the technology I would be duplicating can be seen here (http://www.byfort.com/lightboxes/crystallightbox.htm). I have plenty of time to invest in such projects as my 2 girls sleep a lot still, but they do take all my money in diapers and feeding supplies. If anyone would like to front the money for r&d, I would be happy to put in the time and document how to make a proper front light display. I will have to do some research on using solvents to make the edges crystal smooth, without turning them into putty for 6-24 hours.

I will post a picture in a few days once i have finished this version, and would be willing to replicate my efforts for others. It is impossible for me to buy the materials for just one light, so It would make more since if you could pair up and demand 2 at a time :-P

They're called Fresnel Lenses and that might be a pretty good place to start investigating...


Thats what i thought at first as well, but thats not what this is. First a frensnel lense would make it look bigger, by refracting light in a circular pattern. and edge lit fresnel lense will not work very well (I have a 9x12 one about 2 ft from me from my first round of research about 4 months ago).

The group of devices that I have been looking at are described as light guides. That general term is any device that can in a slim form factor rotate a light source 90 degrees. These are bipolar transparent lightguides that take advantage of something similar to one way glass. There are other light guide designs that use small etched grooves to cause their refraction, while others still are using some strange grown crystline stuff. There are even talks of using the laser tech for polar light guides (like what is behind your LCD).

The lightwedge it using 2 principals, the major is its geometry, light bounces around in non parelle area till it can escape.. by then its all over the place... and second they have "tempered" the plastic to give it an optical bias towards guiding light out... but about 80+ % of the work is being done by the geometry.

So... what I have so far:
parts for 2 cost about 40$, and it would take me about 5-8 hours to manufacture 2 of them properly... still getting the kinks out of the current design.

These are half built, but i wanted to test some stuff out... That one of it lit up is with just one LED, to make sure the holes I drilled were letting enough light through.

(ps youll find this exact same post in another related thread... about building a custom light for the 505. I was looking at my subscribed threads and posted to the wrong one :-P)

Has anyone tried this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex2-Light-Black/dp/B000TXZIDM/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_a

I am very curious about the following features:


Two SUPER LED's as bright as six regular LED's and never need replacing!
LumaLenz™ Optical grade lens spreads light evenly with no hot spots