When you’re researching the right reading light, it is helpful to keep in mind both how and where it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will your light be used with? If it needs only to provide light for standard size mass market paperback books, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will likely be fine. If your reading light must evenly light a large dictionary, then you’ll need a light designed for considerably greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you like the warmer, slightly yellowish 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 incandescent and LED reading lights use approximately 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 only slightly higher in price than incandescent designs, typically have life expectancies of between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will cost much less to maintain over the long run if the light will be used for more than 15-25 hours.
Most modern reading light designs offer the flexibility of running on batteries or A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is handy when the light is to be used somewhere an A/C outlet isn’t close, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most new alkaline batteries provide sufficient power only for approximately 20-30 hours of use. A good alternative to consider would be a good battery 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 possible to secure your reading light to a podium, music stand or piano music rack, which exponentially increases the range of uses for your light. Some designs also offer an optional cradle that allows your light to be secured to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, an automotive fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The possible applications are truly unlimited.