When you’re looking for the best 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 illuminate standard size mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will probably be fine. If it must light up a large dictionary, then you’ll need a reading light designed for significantly greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer the warmer, slightly golden glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, cooler output of modern LEDs.
Another important consideration is maintenance. While LED and incandescent lights require approximately the same amount of power, using up batteries with about equal speed, incandescent light sources have a life expectancy of approximately 15-25 hours of use. LEDs, while only slightly higher in price than incandescent designs, typically provide lifetimes between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs are much less expensive to maintain over the long run if the reading light will be used for more than 15-25 hours.
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 somewhere an A/C outlet isn’t close by, but it can get expensive to replace batteries, as most new alkaline batteries last only for approximately 20-30 hours of use. A good option to consider would be a good battery recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.
Finally, a reading light usually incorporates a clip which securely attaches to your book, book stand or book holder. The clip also makes it possible to secure your reading light to a music stand, podium, desk, piano or organ music rack, etc, which greatly increases the range of uses for your light. Some designs offer an optional base or cradle which allows your light to be mounted to any ferrous surface, such as a refrigerator or other appliance, a car fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The potential applications are unlimited.


