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67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let it beLITE :), March 2, 2009
This review is from: Apollo goLITE BLU (Health and Beauty)
The manual that comes with the goLITE states that it could help alleviate the so-called winter blues depressions, help with jet lag and allow shift workers better adjust to their unusual schedules. The theory claims that exposure to bright blue light tricks our body into producing producing certain hormones that make us feel more alert and energetic and inhibits the production of hormones that make us sleepy. Some people who feel depressed and exhausted in winter time because there's not much bright light may respond favorably to light therapy. goLITE is a light therapy device.
The light:
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It's really, really bright. For those familiar with LED flashlights, think of it this way: a decent LED flashlight device has about 3 LEDs. The goLITE has SIXTY. Therefore, think of TWENTY flashlights bright, when used at maximum intensity. That IS bright. It's so bright, you are not supposed to stare at it directly. I did and my eyes hurt for about half an hour after that. Thankfully, the intensity is adjustable in increments of 25% with the 50% setting being recommended for starters.
The therapy:
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The manual recommends 15-30 minute sessions with the light bathing your face from the side, at about eye level. The light therapists believe that the best times to use it are in the morning but, for those who, like me, feel sleepy in the afternoon, an afternoon session could also be beneficial. I normally use it early in the morning, with my breakfast and every time I exercise, which is the evening-afternoon.
The controls:
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A touch LCD panel allows the user to set the clock, the timer, the alarm and the light intensity. The most needed functions: the timer and the light adjuster are easy to set. For the others, you may need a manual to remind you that, for example, if you really, really want to switch between the 12-hour to the 24-hour time format you must press and hold both the TIMER and the MINUS buttons for 2 seconds. So, don't lose the manual.
The build:
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The goLITE has a definite durable, solid, 'high end' feeling. A protective case/sleeve is included. There is also a charger. A small metallic 'stand' is held magnetically inside its own depression in the back of the body. The small manual is informative and only 20-30% of it is regulation-mandated nonsense or technical mumbo-jumbo graphs. The rechargeable battery can not be replaced. The manufacturer expects the goLITE to last for about 50 years if used for 30 minutes per day, every day. A fully charged device should be able to run on battery for at least 3-4 sessions.
The ergonomics:
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I appreciate the small size because I am taking it with me to office. It fits easily inside my laptop bag. The carrying case is well made. My only problem and this is where goLITE is losing one star is the placement of the controls on the same side with the lights. Like I said, staring directly at the lights is not pleasant and, the way the controls work, accidentally touching the PLUS button WILL turn the light on. It would be A LOT better if the LCD panel was located on the back. It might have even allowed for a smaller device.
The effectiveness:
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I can now testify that, after more than three months through a long winter I feel happier and more optimistic now than at the same time a year ago. Normally by early March I have that feel of exhaustion and the 'will this winter ever go away?' type of thoughts. Not this year. I do wish for the winter to go away but I seem to feel more energized and less negative.
The battery life:
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The manual claims that you could use the goLITE for about 4 sessions on one charge. I am pleased to note that, after 3-4 months of use I can use it for 6-8 sessions on one charge. They are 20 minute sessions with the light at 100% intensity.
The rating:
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I appreciate the quality of the build, the brightness of the light and the fact that I can do several therapy sessions before having to recharge. This is a good light therapy device.
The very small negatives are all related to the LCD control panel. Certain functions can not be intuitively invoked and, once the manual is lost, may give the end-user some headaches. The other small negative is the placement of the LCD control panel. Think of it this way: you would not like a gun that was build in a way that forced you to stare at the barrel while loading it, right? Similarly, it would be a lot better if you didn't have to stare at sixty LED that could turn themselves on at any time while you are struggling with setting up the timer. However, once the goLITE is set up, I rarely change the setting so this is a very rare inconvenience.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quality seems nice, January 14, 2010
This review is from: Apollo goLITE BLU (Health and Beauty)
I agree with other reviewers that this seems like a well made little device. It is quite bright, so put the case down over the top to block the lights while you are setting the controls, otherwise you might accidentally turn it on a get too much light in your face! I also keep a piece of cardboard nearby so that I can block the light quickly if need be. I also realize that I am used to looking around quite a bit, and needing to avoid looking at the light is rather hard to get used to.
I hope this light will improve my winter mood and energy. I live in North-Central Ohio and we have many cloudy days. I do know that my mood is better if I am able to spend time outside on the few sunny days we have in the winter. My office is windowless, so I plan to use this 15 min in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. Remember there are several intensity settings and you can use it for longer or shorter periods, so you will have to experiment to find what works for you. Some people complain that various light boxes trigger migraines, which I found out shortly after ordering this. Another reason to start slowly at lower intensities, shorter times, and to make sure not to look directly at it.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally Different Mood, February 1, 2010
This review is from: Apollo goLITE BLU (Health and Beauty)
Before I started using this product, I was just tired my morning were really tough on me, I noticed a difference right away took only a few days, I have more energy and find my self getting more done through out the day also I cut back on my coffee, as for sleeping at night I go straight to sleep with out much tossing and turning. The device is pretty compact you can take it with you with out a problem. Easy to use and the alarm is great you have a couple of options to wake you with light or sound.
Highly recommend this light therapy, I went with philips because they have been making bulbs for years.
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by Laura L. Smith
