I got so many email responses to the note I posted on ordering this
that it made more sense to post my impressions to the whole list.
Disclaimer: This is an independent review. I have no connection with
any of the companies mentioned nor any interest in any of them.
Introduction:
The product is designed to illuminate any palmtop or handheld device
so that you can operate it in total darkness. The box pictures it
being used with the Zoomer and Casio and Sharp organizers. I think the
ads also pictured the HP-100, but it should work with anything in
these categories. It might also double as a book light but the lack of
a book clip would make this a compromise.
What you get:
One Light
One 12 DC Adapter with dimmer switch
Three replacement bulbs (clear)
Two red bulbs (to preserve night vision)
One carrying case
Two Velcro pads
One angle bracket for Velcro mounting
One instruction sheet
30 day money back guarantee (if they are still in business)
90 day warranty (see above, $5 charge)
As I posted before, the original pricing was $39 - $49 from ASF.
They are now being remaindered out at $9.99 plus $7 shipping from
a mail order catalog.
Specifications:
Weight: About 8 oz
Power: 12 DC Adapter (included), 12 AC Adapter (not included), 4 AA
batteries (not included)
Size: Folded (for travel)Re: 6" L x 2 3/16" W x 1" D
Comments: Mounting this to other handhelds would be easier. The Velcro
either
keeps the Zoomer lid from swinging all the way flat against the back, or
would
be in position to contact the screen (scratches or lint?) if you mounted it
on the inside of the lid. Tested in total darkness, it does provide a
bright
light that illuminates the screen enough for general use, but also produces
some
glare from the reflection of the light bulb itself.
It's use of AA batteries is nice since it allows you to essentially carry a
backup set for the Zoomer itself.
Nice trick-There is no switch to wear out. Raising the light (which has
ample degrees
of freedom) turns it on. The light is a nice white halogen color.
I don't know about battery life using Renewals, or NiCads, but this is
really
just a fancy flashlight so you could expect comparable life.
Preliminary Conclusion: It's a matter of taste. If you wanted a light,
needed to
work in the dark, or just like gadgets; then it is a better buy at $9.95
than it
was at $50. If you don't really need something else to carry and keep up
with,
it is not a must have. I must say though that it beats trying to write with
a
flashlight stuck in your mouth.
-----------------
--Rick
cem@phoenix.net
"No boom today."
aka KE5IQ
"Always do right: this will gratify some folks...
and astonish the rest!"
contingency address: Hornblower@msn.com
cem@phoenix.net is Home to the NetWave(tm) Update Service
and FBCNet.
Na'ekahi ho' okela-ipu, Li-ke