Devices That Ease and Illuminate Travelers’ Way
“Let there be light” seems to be the rallying cry of an increasing number of manufacturers, who are creating a bounty of mobile beams. Here are some products that glow on the go. Items may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping.
Mighty mini: The palm-size Shuttle Book Lite packs a lot of power into its compact 4-by-2-by-3/4-inch-thick frame. Weighing just 2 ounces with the required two AAA batteries (not included), the light unfolds from its base/book clip and turns on when extended along its plastic track. The clear plastic bulb casing diffuses the light, so it casts an even, non-glare glow across the page. The Shuttle comes with one spare bulb.
Shuttle Book Lite (item SP625) is $9.85 from Magellan’s; telephone (800) 962-4943, Internet https://www.magellans.com.
Color vision: CMG Equipment, a manufacturer of lightweight portable lighting products, believes that one color of light does not serve all situations. Consequently it offers its rugged little Infinity Task Light in a choice of four glow-hues-white for the brightest beam, red for night vision, yellow for non-glare reading and green for night vision while reading maps. The aluminum L.E.D. light, which is about the size of a large index finger and weighs about 2 ounces, operates on one AA battery (not included). The manufacturer claims the bulb will never burn out and that the light will last 41 hours on one battery.
Infinity Task Light is $20 at outdoors stores. Contact CMG Equipment; tel. (888) 699-0622, https://www.cmgequipment.com.
Flexi-flash: Here’s a key light with a twist. The J-Light looks like a tiny plastic periscope but is actually a surprisingly bright flashlight/key ring combination. The light turns on and off with a twist of the key-ring stem. The rubberized casing is water resistant. The light operates on four included button cell batteries and has a lifetime bulb.
J-Light (4500X) is $20 in stores. For locations, contact Zelco; tel. (800) 431-2486, https://www.zelco.com.
Beaming umbrella: The Totes umbrella folks have updated their innovative Nightlighter, a collapsible umbrella with a switch-operated high-beam halogen headlamp built into the handle. The light is angled, so instead of shining straight down, it illuminates the path in front of you or the keyhole of your car or house door. The 13-by-2-inch Nightlighter, now with a more svelte aluminum-and-fiberglass frame system, opens to a full-size umbrella with the press of a button and comes with a nylon pouch. The light operates on two AA batteries (not included).
Nightlighter automatic umbrella is $22. To find a store, visit the Internet: https://www.totes.com.
Gear & Gadgets appears monthly.
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