M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle Fits 6″ Display, 2nd gen Description:
The M-Edge e-Luminator2 booklight is the ultimate accessory for the Amazon Kindle. Based on the input of loyal M-Edge customers, this custom designed booklight has been developed to work seamlessly with most of M-Edge’s jackets for the Amazon Kindle (2nd Generation). The powerful light features a super-bright LED light bulb which provides ample illumination for the Reader’s screen while a mirrored reflector and optical quality lens disperses the light uniformly.The light is powered by a standard AAA battery (not included) with endurance enough for more than 20 hours of operation without dimming.The light is operated by a three position switch with two light intensity settings.A flexible and resilient steel neck allows the user to position the light in the desired direction.Perhaps the most impressive feature of this light is that it is designed to be stored via a slim support arm sized to match a pocket sewn into the back of many of M-Edge Jackets for the Amazon Kindle. The light pocket is conveniently located behind the Kindle and does not interfere with the use of the eReader. When in the storage position, the light is located conveniently in the jacket so you can easily bring your light while on the go.
- Brand: M-edge
- Dimensions: 7.50″ h x .50″ w x 4.75″ l, .6 pounds
Features
- Lightweight and compact booklight works seamlessly with most of M-Edges covers for 2nd Generation Kindle
- Light stows in many M-Edge covers and easily pivots up to allow for optimal light positioning.
- Powered with 1 AAA battery that provides more than 20 hours of use without dimming (battery not included)
- Optical lens spreads light evenly over Kindle screen, and Super Bright LED light bulb never needs replacing
- High and low light intensity settings allow for tailored screen illumination
Customer Reviews:
It was Worth the Wait!
Unlike some of the other reviewers to date, I actually bought one of the things and I have actually used it. I am not going to carp on features that it doesn’t include. (e.g., “I’ll NEVER get one of these until I can use it as a flash drive!”, or , “BATTERIES?? Why doesn’t it have a solar cell or a little windmill attached to it???)
Here are my observations about the e-Luminator 2 Booklight:
1. As you would expect, it is perfectly designed for the M-Edge Kindle 2 cover. I had no trouble inserting the base into the pocket, and it feels quite secure.
2. The gooseneck seemed a bit loose at first; that is to say, it wanted to droop a bit under the weight of the LED head. I twisted it a tiny bit in the clockwise direction and it tightened up. Not unusual for this kind of flexible shaft device and nothing that I am concerned about.
3. The battery fits quite snugly in the battery compartment. I suspect I’ll have to give it a bit of a shake when it’s time to replace the battery. Again, just an observation.
4. The swivel mechanism that allows the light to be stored along the spine of the cover is ingenious. It will be interesting to see how it holds up with repeated operation.
5. There are two light level settings controlled by a three-postion sliding switch on the LED housing. (The device is “OFF” in the center position. Frankly, I do not see a significant difference in the amounts of illumination provided by the higher and lower settings. I suppose one could use a light-meter and measure the difference, but I don’t have that kind of time on my hands. My only other quibble here is the added complexity that a three-way switch brings to the device, but that’s just me-I prefer simpler over more complex.
6. And now, the most important observation: it illuminates the Kindle text evenly without undue glare, once I learned to position it properly through some trial-and-error. When it is aimed correctly, there is no direct light “leakage” from the business end of the device. I’ve had other booklights that have half-blinded me, until I built little shields around the LED assemblies. This one does not unduly illuminate the surroundings, so it can be used in bed or on a plane at night without disturbing someone else who’s trying to sleep.
7. It is unobtrusive visually. It does not interfere with operation of the Kindle navigation buttons or keyboard.
8. With the device tucked into the M-Edge cover’s spine for storage, it adds some support to the spine and gives it a smoother, more “finished” look.
9. This light adds a tiny bit of weight to the Kindle 2/cover combo. The weight seems to be evenly distributed; the Kindle is well balanced whether the light is in use or in its storage position.
In short, this is another fine M-Edge product that enhances the Kindle 2 experience for me. Kudos to the product design and realization teams for jobs well done!
A Bit Disappointed
I’d been using a Mighty-Bright with my old and new Kindle. I liked it a lot, but have an m-edge cover for the new one and was lookiing forward to the convenience of having this one live alongside the Kindle in the case. When it showed up the other day, I slipped it into the slot and immediately loved the ergonomics of having it disappear in the case.
But then I went into a dark room and turned it on. It’s not nearly as bright as the mighty bright. Some people seem to thing that’s a feature, calling it a nice SOFT light. I just find it to be a very DIM light. It doesn’t light up the whole screen anywhere close to evenly or brightly enough for my tastes.
The other problem is with the switch - it doesn’t have a very positive feel and it’s very easy to accidently leave on when you think you’re turning it off (by pushing it past the center “off” position to the other “on” position) or to turn on when folding the flexible arm back into the case. Twice already, in just a few days, I’ve accidently turned it on as I was putting it away, didn’t notice I’d done so, and came back later to find a dead battery.
The concept and design are great, but the implementation leaves a bit to be desired. Quite a bit, IMHO. I wanted to like this light because of the obvious convenience, but will probably continue using the mighty-bright until and unless they improve the brightness and the switch.
Edit - after using the light for a few days, I’ll lighten up a bit (NPI). I prefer the lighting produced by the mighty bright and its firmer switch, but this one is adequate. I’ve read with it and I’d prefer it brighter, but this is good enough. The switch is poorly designed, but works adequately as long as you’re careful with it. (Which having left it on a couple of times, I am now). I’ll still probably use the mighty bright when I need a portable light at home (not often, but occasionally) but this is good enough to be my primary travel light, given its great convenience. If they can figure out a way to make it brighter (maybe two batteries and a second LED, like the mighty bright? - should still be able to fit it inside the case pretty easily and the extra weight of another battery wouldn’t be noticable) and redesign the switch, I’d recommend it highly. As it is, its probably good enough but could be a lot better.
A nice reading light
I decided to change from my Amazon Kindle Leather Cover to the M-Edge Prodigy Cover. I have a Mighty Bright light also. I ordered this light as I figured the balance would be better with this one that could be “built-in” into the cover and have been using it for a month now.
My opinion (don’t we all have them):
1. This light provides better balance to the kindle2 cover overall while I’m reading in bed. The brightness of the light is less than the Mighty Bright but that’s to be expected when the Mighty Bright can use two lamps and this only has one.
2. The three position switch (center off) is adequate for the job but I would have preferred the “off” position to be at one end or the other. I have never had any problem at all in turning this light off and have never mistakenly left it on (don’t see how I could close the cover wihout noticing if it was on or not)
3. The light is just a tad dimmer than the Mighty Bright (which I used in the one lamp “on” as it was just too bright with both of them on and disturbed the spouse once in a while). The light from this one seems to be a bit “whiter” than the Mighty Bright. I can tell the difference between the low and high settings with no difficulty - it’s apparent which one is the higher setting.
4. I find that this light does not create as many “shadows” as when I use the Mighty Bright, ie: it minimizes light dispersion past the Kindle2.
5. It fits perfectly in the pocket in my M-Edge Prodigy without a loose fit and the cover closes perfectly over it.
*Note to M-Edge Cover owners - The M-Edge company makes three (3) styles of covers that have the pockets to use this light. If you are contemplating getting this light (recommended) then look down at the cover “Product Description” for the particular one you have or are going to get. It will state there if this light is for use or not with the cover you’re looking at.
6. Over the past 30 days I have used this light an average of 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day - I have yet to replace the battery. While the light is getting a little more “dim” I don’t believe I’ll need to change the battery for another week.
7. You can swivel it to deliver light from the “top” of the kindle2 (shown in most of the pictures where it’s associated with a cover) or you can just bend up the “wand” without the use of the “swivel” to light the Kindle2 from the bottom. I’ve used both but prefer to use the swivel with light at the top.
8. Quality is high to excellent. The materials are well constructed and sturdy.
9. One final thought - this light is not designed for use with the Amazon Kindle Leather Cover as it does not have the pocket built-in to hold it in place (as is also the case in some of the other M-Edge covers). However, if push comes to shove you can use it - the tongue that goes into the pocket can be inserted behind the Kindle2 between it and the cover. It will not be as secure as if the tongue had been placed into a pocket and can be knocked out if you’re careless. And, you will not be able to close the cover. For the Amazon Kindle Leather Cover I recommend the Mighty Bright light.
Overall Impression:
If you are using one of the three (3) M-Edge covers that have the “pocket” this is an Excellent light to use. The light is more than adequate to read with and provides excellent illumination of the Kindle2. I also believe it’s more comfortable to use than the Mighty Bright (which is now gathering dust on the nightstand but which I will keep around just “in case”)
Nice product and I fully recommend it with no reservations.
Edit: one other thing. I carry my Kindle2 with me wherever I go and sometimes it even gets dark out! It’s nice not to be lugging the Mighty Bright around also as a separate piece of equipment.
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Edit (March 2, 2010) - It’s been five months since I got this light. I also see that M-Edge has added a new cover that has the M-Edge pouch but the light stores in a zipper pocket on the backside - my wife just got one of these and the M-Edge light.
I’m replacing the AAA battery at the rate of about 1 per month so it’s not breaking my bank account. I still haven’t found any faults with this reading light. For its intended use and when used with the product(s) it’s designed for I still continue to recommend this light. (Was also nice to see my wife agreed with me)
Smokeless Cigarettes
