This light seems to go by several names: "NaturaLamp Full Spectrum Daylight Book Light," "Sight Reader," (the particular one I'm reviewing), and another that seems to be the same, though it's priced $10 more, "CoolGlo Full Spectrum Daylight" (the specs are mostly the same, though this one includes a 'durable gig bag').
It's available from a number of places besides directly from MightyBright: Amazon,
Musician's Friend,
Gieardinelli -- I even saw one at Borders last night -- and the prices vary anywhere from $20 to $30.
Physical attributes:
• weight with batteries, a bit more than the Reader, so 10~12oz. at a guess
• batteries: 4 AA
• bulb length: 1.5"
• head length: 1.75"
• arm length: 4.75"
• battery compartment: 5.75" X 1.5" X .75"
• sliding switch on the end of the battery compartment closest to the arm connection
Articulation:
• shade rotates in its long axis ~ 170°
• shade bends with respect to the arm ~ 180°
• head rotates with respect to the arm ~ 350°
• arm rotates with respect to the battery compartment ~350°(this rotation is 'notched' in that it rotates in a series of clicked steps, thought it doesn't make any sound to speak of)
Okay, now that the details are dealt with, let me begin by saying that I found this light very agreeable to read from my Reader by. The full spectrum light makes the display very 'contrasty' (see attached photo), and due to the length of the arm, it easily and evenly lights the entire display.
The 'business parts' of the large clip are lined with a neoprene-like substance, which means it's very kind to the Reader's cover, and the size of the clip means that it will clip comfortably on any edge of that cover. I found that either side works best for me, though the weight of the light with batteries means that it's most comfortable clipped to the very bottom of the cover where it actually makes the reader
almost stand on its own. Not quite, but it does make it easier to hold up.
The dimensions of the arm mean that when it's clipped to bottom edge of the cover, on the right-hand side, the head of the lamp is pretty close to centered vertically on the display. The rotating shade means that most of the spillover light goes off to one side, nice for those whose Significant Others are light sensitive.
It seems that I was correct in my guess that the thing is a battery hog. I'm using 2050 mAh NiMh rechargeable batteries, so it's not that big a deal, but I actually
saw the light noticeably dim after about 4 hours of use. It's still plenty bright to read by, and I don't know yet how long it will run before it gives it up, but that should be adequate run time to allow for a 'read at night, charge in the day' cycle. There is a wall-brick available for it, but it doesn't charge batteries (it specifically warns to remove them before connecting the AC adapter).
In short, I'm pleased with the light, and if the limitations don't crimp your style, you might be pleased with it too.
Note, the lighting sample picture below, was taken in darkened, windowless room, on batteries that had been used for ~5 hours, so it's actually noticeably (though not radically) brighter on a fresh set. I'll try to add another one when they've recharged. The glare (which isn't as bad in real life) can be eliminated by angling the Reader slightly -- easier done while reading than photographing.
