V-LIGHT Full Spectrum Natural Daylight Effect Desk Lamp with Adjustable Gooseneck Arm (VS80907B)

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Reviewer: Mark Lamendola

As I started opening the consumer-friendly packaging, I was struck by the appearance of this lamp. The photos don't do it justice. I mentioned the consumer-friendly packaging because so many customer-hating companies encase their products in something resembling the material that Darth Vader had Whatzizhame encased in. Impenetrable stuff. This lamp was easy to remove from its packaging, even though the packing provided excellent protection. I have returned items for a refund in some cases, because I didn't want to have to deal with the idiotic packaging.

OK, so I got this out and found two pieces. Instead of having to remove screws from a plastic bag or pull them off of uncooperative tape, I merely unscrewed these from where they go anyhow, inserted the lamp in the base, and reinserted the screws. Instructions on how to do this are provided, but really you don't need them if you can walk and chew gum at the same time.

I was thinking this 27W fluorescent task lighting lamp system could replace the 40W incandescent task lighting lamp system I've been using for many years. It contains four fluorescent lamps (bulbs), and that design is one reason this system provides very diffuse lighting. You don't get any shadows with it. Shadows are a common problem with task lighting. Another common problem is the light isn't diffuse enough so you have to move the lamp while performing the task. Instead of giving you a small space of too much light (with the accompanying glare), this system adds to your ambient light across a sufficient area with sufficient extra light.

The gooseneck adjusts across a wide range of positions, in all three planes of motion. Typically, you're going to use this as a down light but it's nice to know you can have other positions. You could, for example, use this to help light up a corner for cleaning or painting. Or increase the ambient light when you have folks over and want to take a picture without all that redeye from a flash. The list of uses goes on and on, though it's intended as as desk light.

Another nice feature is the on/off switch. I've toggled this many times, just to see what fault I could find with it. It's located at the base of the gooseneck, instead of the base of the lamp, making it easy to get to. I've got this lamp system sitting behind my computer monitor, with the shade/lamp head extending out over a work area for paper. I can easily slide it back and forth as needed, and the location of the switch makes it convenient to turn it on and off instead of groping blindly trying to find it.

While I really like the way this provides light, what I like most is the styling. And I am not a lamp person. For me to care about the styling, it has to be outstanding and in this case it truly is. It looks so cool! Kudos to V-light for a great design.