I needed a desk light for my office and my hope was this light would offset the need for me to use the high discharge florescent ceiling lights. The faint “zinging” noise and glare associated with florescent ceiling lights bothers me. The 3M Task Lamp adds a comfortable extra “dimension” of light to my immediate desk space. I do not understand the physics behind this technology but the spectrum of light produced by the Task Lamp is genuinely comfortable on the eyes.
My primary disappointment is this light is not bright enough. You need to have your material directly under the shade for it to be effective. It covers my desk-area but for example; if I’m reading something and lean back in my chair, it is not bright enough to continue reading in a reclined position. This is especially challenging when working at night. I have found my best application for this light is daytime use with the ceiling lights off and additional natural light coming through my window. At night I must use supplemental lighting.
My other disappointment is the feel of the material and mechanics in the power switch. The majority of the light is plastic. It is very light-weight and just does not compare to the finish and integrity of the twenty year old drafting lamp it replaced. The power button is glossy plastic. It has moderate wiggle and it clicks into place in a way that seems to echo cheap quality.
On the positive side- For such a lightweight lamp it is well balanced and not prone to tipping- even when the arm is extended far from the base. The light never gets hot, it does not produce any “hum or zing” and although the locking switch (holding the shade at the desired angle) is plastic, it tightens with consistency and securely. Finally, the lamp does not look cheap. It looks metallic and modern. It has a low cross-profile and so it is minimally intrusive when people are standing opposite my desk speaking with me.
In summary, this is a good “Task Lamp.” The polarizing filter technology is legitimate and the lamp will complement any modern or contemporary office. I feel the cost of the lamp should be less expensive given the entire unit is made mostly of plastic. Finally, this lamp does not discharge a great volume of light. For reading, writing, typing, et cetera it is only adequate in the immediate area of your desk or work bench.
3M Polarizing Light Lamps do exactly what they say, reduce strain on your eyes. Normal light is what is called ‘unpolarized’, that is, light waves are erratic and the eye has to strain to see them. 3M’s lamps polarize the light, filtering out waves not of a certain orientation. Indeed, having this lamp for about 1-2 years, I find the lamp still gives out a strong light, without the strain on the eyes you would associate with this lamp.
Try it, you won’t regret it. The only gripe I have is that the tightener to hold the lamp in place has slackened a little, requiring some propping up to get the angle of light I desire, but other than that, its been a good servant to me.
3M Polarizing Light Lamps do exactly what they say, reduce strain on your eyes. Normal light is what is called ‘unpolarized’, that is, light waves are erratic and the eye has to strain to see them. 3M’s lamps polarize the light, filtering out waves not of a certain orientation. Indeed, having this lamp for about 1-2 years, I find the lamp still gives out a strong light, without the strain on the eyes you would associate with this lamp.
Try it, you won’t regret it. The only gripe I have is that the tightener to hold the lamp in place has slackened a little, requiring some propping up to get the angle of light I desire, but other than that, its been a good servant to me.
This is a great task light, the best I’ve had, but after a few hours, it starts to emit a smell like hot plastic. It makes me paranoid that it might be toxic, but I don’t know that it is. Wish I knew about it beforehand.
