Clip on reading lights

[Lumo]

There seem to be many different kinds of battery powered LED lights that clip onto a book, such as this one:

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Clip-Book-Reading-Light-Bright-LED-Lamp-Booklight-/180681501337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a1174ea99

 

Does anyone here use a light like this? Any recommendations on features to look out for? Are they just a gimmick or do they really work?

 

Thanks :-)

[Maureen]

I used to use one like this, however if you are a quick reader, you have to unclip and re clip it lots of times

[Chrissy]

I bought a very cheap one from Asda, £2 think, and on the occasions I have used it I have been delighted. It is lightweight and the clip is firm without being likely to cause damage to page (or Kindle).

[Easy Reader]

I have one like in your link which I mainly use for doing craft things

 

It does give good light but I have trouble getting the angle right for reading with and sometimes depending on the book its too heavy and pulls the corners back. It would probably be ok for hardbacks where you could attach it to the cover and not the pages therefore wouldn't need to reajust each time you turn a page.

 

It clips onto the kindle too but I find you do have to have part of the clip covering the screen but still works better on kindle than books

Edited June 15, 2011 by Easy Reader

[Kell]

I've had several - it's easier if you use them with hardbacks, as you can just clip them to the cover and not have to move it each time you want to turn the page...

[Kylie]

I have a brilliant little light that is twistable and can sit/hang anywhere and be adjusted at any angle to suit you. It's a little bit like this, but mine is basically one long bendy piece with a light on top and you can bend it in such a way to make a base, clip it over your book, wear it around your neck etc. It's brilliant.

[Janet]

I have this one, which is a gorgeous colour (</Shallow> ) and comes in other shades too. It's effective... but the switch is at the bottom and it means that it doesn't travel well. I popped it into the side pocket of our suitcase when we went away but it switched itself on and had gone flat by the time we arrived at our destination. You can't get the battery cover off without a screwdriver so it was useless whilst we were away.

 

ETA: Although someone has commented on my review on Amazon to say their battery compartment slides off, so maybe they've changed the design?

Edited June 15, 2011 by Janet

[SueK]

I have this one, which is a gorgeous colour (</Shallow> ) and comes in other shades too. It's effective... but the switch is at the bottom and it means that it doesn't travel well. I popped it into the side pocket of our suitcase when we went away but it switched itself on and had gone flat by the time we arrived at our destination. You can't get the battery cover off without a screwdriver so it was useless whilst we were away.

 

ETA: Although someone has commented on my review on Amazon to say their battery compartment slides off, so maybe they've changed the design?

 

This happened to mine too Janet. Also, I've found that the light tends to go from very bright to quite dim in a matter of 5 minutes, I jiggle it about and it goes from bright to dim erratically. I've given up on mine now and use a small torch (bit like the one a doctor uses for down the throat ).

[poppyshake]

I have this one and I must say it's been fantastic, I've had it for several years and no problems at all. The neck is a little less bendy than it used to be but to be honest it's been used so much - hubby sticks it on all manner of things when he can't find his torch, it's been shoved in bags/suitcases and fallen on the floor countless times - that I'm surprised it's still functioning at all. Batteries are easy to change and I've never had to replace the bulb. I've had others and they've been a bit hit and miss, this one has been the best so far.

[Lumo]

Many thanks for all your replies and useful tips. I was also a bit concerned about the weight of something clipped onto a paperback. I'll look through the suggestions again and let you know how I get on. :-)

[Easy Reader]

I have seen a double ended bendy torch that you can make "u" shape out of and put behind your neck so the light will fall straight onto your book but I think the biggest draw back of this would be the same as wearing one of those miner light head lamp things and that is you will probably look a bit of a twerp whilst wearing it.