We know that a staple of most desks that designers and other creatives have is a desk lamp, but that can be troublesome.

So when BenQ approached us to try their new e-Reading Lamp and ScreenBar, we jumped at the chance. These have the potential to be a game changer, not only for your desk but for your productivity as well.

Ok, we get it, we’ll stop keeping you in suspense and let you peek behind the curtain.

Product Spotlight: BenQ eReading LED Desk Lamp – $229

The BenQ light’s sexy side profile

No matter what type of work we do, being able to see is paramount. Desk lamps have comes a long way from the simple post and lampshade and that is not more evident than with the eWit Reading Lamp from BenQ. With its innovative design, it certainly stands out from the competition. Let’s take a closer look.

Putting it all together

Once you open the box, you’ll find that set up is easier than you would normally expect. The lamp comes in two pieces – the LED array and the base and boom arm. Assembly requires only two screws using the hex key that’s included. It takes no time at all to set up. The power cord tucks nicely into the boom arm, keeping any cables out of the way.

The LED array moves on a ball joint allowing you to put it into a wide variety of positions to obtain just the right angle for your light source. The boom arm moves on a less flexible hinge with movement from 90 degrees to around 25 degrees. If you have a larger desk, opting for the double-hinged version of the lamp might be the right choice for you, otherwise, the lamp can handle most situations and be positioned to keep the LEDs out of your eyes.

Let there be light!

Fueled by 36 individual LEDs that are spread out evenly across the curved bar, the luminance of the light and the design are truly beautiful. Its unique design lets the lamp illuminate an amazingly wide amount of space. Unlike other LED lamps, the e-Reading lamp is not only bright but has warmth with its alternating between white and soft amber LEDs. To help control the amount of light you use, a circular dial on the top of the bar lets you adjust not only the intensity but the temperature as well.

Equipped with an automatic mode, the lamp uses a light sensor to automatically adjust the level of lighting based on the ambient light in the room but one that doesn’t feel necessary. Since the LEDs are positioned on only one side of the lamp, a good tip is to position the base on your right side if you’re on the shorter side and have the bar beneath eye level sometimes so you can avoid it shining directly into your eyes.

A bright solution

The e-Reading Lamp from BenQ is a beautiful lamp with a unique design and controls. This doesn’t mean that it is not a great choice for any designer looking to illuminate the four corners of their desk. While its overall price may keep it on some designer’s wish lists, the price is justified by the crisp and beautiful light it produces to brighten any dark work area.

It’s got a firm foothold on my desk!

 

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BenQ ScreenBar – $99

The perfect desk lamp for your computer

If you have a desk with a computer screen on it, you will inevitably end up getting a desk lamp. The problem is that many desk lamps are a terrible fit for a computer desk or even if you do find a good one, the lamp may cause glare on the screen if it’s too close. The ScreenBar from BenQ is an ingenious product that solves all of those problems.

 

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BenQ ScreenBar Plus – $179

The perfect desk lamp + desktop dial for your computer

ScreenBar Plus is a revolutionary lighting system. Simply hang it on your monitor to light up your desk without taking up any valuable space. The Desktop Dial makes the use even easier. With automatic dimming and asymmetric optical design, ScreenBar Plus illuminates the working space with just USB power, avoiding reflective glare off your computer screen

 

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Not your typical desk lamp design

The overall design of the ScreenBar is what makes it so brilliant. There is no base, no mechanical arm or gooseneck, and absolutely nothing that gets in the way. The lamp rests on top of the monitor in the same way a webcam does and is much like the lights that hand over paintings in art galleries.

The 18-inch cylindrical lamp uses a counterweight that rests on the back of your monitor and it is designed to stay in place without slipping or tilting forward. Powered via a micro USB cable, the lamp is designed to plug into your computer or the monitor itself.

Without Benq Screenbar

With Benq Screenbar

The bells and whistles

Like many of the tech toys that are out these days, the ScreenBar certainly has its fair share and each of them just adds to its ingenuity. Designed to provide you with 500 lux of brightness, the auto-dimming feature will brighten and dim to illuminate your desk to 500 lux when you turn it on. This can be a nice feature on a gloomy day where the natural light might be affected by the clouds in the sky. The ScreenBar can adjust immediately to keep the light even and steady.

When you first turn the ScreenBar on, it casts a very bright and cool white light. The temperature adjustment button on the top of the bar gives you the option to adjust the temperature of the light from a cool white and the way to a warm white that’s in the same color range as warm white reading lights.

A perfect choice

Normally, when we look at a product, we want to think about not only what we liked but also what we didn’t. With the ScreenBar from BenQ though, the combination of its sleek design, ease of use, and features easily put it at the top of the list when it comes to desk lamps. If you are looking for a desk lamp go out and get this lamp, you’ll be glad you did.

 

Product Spotlight: BenQ

When we find a great piece of tech that blows us away, we can’t help but share it with you! Perhaps the e-Reading lamp or the ScreenBar will be on your desk shortly.

Do you have a piece of tech that you think we should tell everyone about? Let us know in the comments below.