I bought this product specifically because it was originally described as being/having "mood-brightening Natural Spectrum light." I thought it would help on the gloomy Pacific Northwest winter days. I got it on a Friday sale price, so it seemed like a good value for the product description given here.
The lamp just arrived (a few days ago when I originally submitted this review), and the product's FAQ sheet states this product is "designed only to provide excellent quality light for daily tasks and hobbies. This lamp does *not* offer the correct level of light intensity specified by the National Institute of Mental Health for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).
The product literature packed with the lamp has no mention at all that this product offers "mood-brightening" light. Because of this glaring misrepresentation, I am currently debating whether to the return the lamp.
I agree with the other reviewer that the adhesive labels (there are two) are VERY sticky and difficult to remove completely. I used a combination of methods to remove the adhesive residue.
And I agree with the comments about the company name being printed on the front of the lamp. When I saw it in the picture, I thought it had to be some kind of company watermark or logo for the stock photo ONLY, so I was shocked to see "Verilux" actually printed/embossed into the lamp housing, in a very prominent location on the front of the lamp. Very cheesy, for a lamp of this price point and quality.
If you're looking for a "clean" bright light, in a stylish, portable lamp, this is not a bad choice. But if you're looking for a full-spectrum light that does offer some light "therapy," this is probably the wrong choice. The company does have other, "therapeutic" lighting options, but at a higher price point.
Nov 1, 2006 UPDATE I was concerned enough about the original, misleading product description that I submitted my concerns to Amazon. I now see that the description had been revised since submitting those concerns. I want to thank Amazon for their very prompt response in correcting the product description, which should help other buyers make a more-informed decision.
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Solid construction. An elegant design which would be a lot better if the name "Verilux" were not on the front. The type doesn't scream out at you but still, I don't pay this much money to look at ads.
Bought two lamps. One on each side of the easel makes my mistakes pop out from across the room. The lamps arrrived a few hours ago and I could see the second I turned them on I will save a lot of time and frustration while painting (note: brought two only because of a sale. One would be adequate)
For reading, I'm not so sure about the lamp. For traveling--definately. Far better light than the class of motels I stay in afford. And it is portable as it says. Very slick how it folds up. At home, I'm accustomed to a bright but soft yellow light. The Verilux light is probably better on the eyes. A matter of taste I suppose. Don't think it would take long to become accustomed to the Verilux for reading. Probably be harder to go from it to an incandescent.
For the price, Verilux should use better "removable" adhesive on the labels on the front and top. Or not put labels on at all. Took some effort to remove the gunk. Best way is to take the label and dab it back repeatedly on the gooey areas. Don't bother with soap and water. Doesn't work (as I knew it wouldn't when I tried but that was all I had).
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I've been using this as a reading lamp in both my home and work offices for about the past six months, and generally have been happy with it. The other posters certainly are right about the sticky residue, although the company name doesn't bother me, I guess, as I'm withing viewing range of my Samsung monitor, Jamo speakers, Logitech keyboard, Brother printer, etc., etc.)
I haven't thought about this lamp as being portable, given that it weighs over 3 pounds, but if you read a lot it might be worth taking along. It certainly is bright, but not overly so. I find the natural spectrum light makes the material easier to read and causes less eyestrain than regular incandescent or fluorescent light. The bulb does put out some heat, so be careful.
There's one annoying quirk. In my office, the lamp is near my Tivoli table radio. When the lamp is on, it causes an electronic buzzing on the FM band. There may be some filtering I can do to solve this problem, but I haven't found it yet.
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I love this lamp for crafting (making greeting cards) and reading. In fact, I pack it and take it with me to bridge tournaments because hotel room lamps are not exactly reader-friendly. Since it casts a relatively focused beam of light, I don't keep my bridge partner awake as I read into the wee hours of the morning.
Good features:
--The light is excellent, but not so intense as to cause eyestrain. You can see true colors using it (important for artists and crafters).
--The 27 Watt 4 Pin Full Spectrum CFL Replacement Bulb Verilux CFML27VLX lasts practically forever, and is the same bulb used in the verilux floor lamp that I own.
--It doesn't take up too much room on my work table or bed-stand.
--It folds up when not in use, and this feature also makes it easily transportable.
One not-so-good feature:
--Sometimes the large, inset screw that allows the lamp to fold loosens up, and you have to retighten it with a quarter. I just keep a quarter taped to the outside of the lamp. Believe me, a fingernail does not work in this situation.
NOTE: the non-pink lamps are a bit cheaper.
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At first I loved this light. It is nice and bright, and my office has no window so it brightened my room. However, after a few days, the top part would not stay up anymore. It slams shut unless it is completely vertical, which does not place the light where I need it most, and which bothers my colleagues. I also assume, based on the last week, that it will soon no longer stay up at all. I close the light every night and place it into a drawer, as my workplace is not the most secure. I wonder if this is why my light does not stay up anymore? For $90 I expect way better than that.
I am extremely disappointed by this, as it stopped functioning correctly by the second week of use, and I don't know if I can replace the item at this point, so $90 for nothing!
