759 of 765 people found the following review helpful:
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???)
420 of 444 people found the following review helpful:
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.
This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
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!
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
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.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
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)
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
OK, this first paragraph is my updated review, now that I DO own this nifty little gadget and can speak from my own experience. My advice? Go out and get it. Plain and simple. It is actually a well-designed upgrade and a significant improvement from their first version. The neck bends much easier and stays put, and illuminates the page better than ever. It fits perfectly into the sleeve on the M-Edge jacket, although interestingly it came assembled in reverse and I had to figure out how to reattach the hinge in the opposite configuration. It's actually quite simple to do, however, and due to its hinge design, this new version actually allows you to direct the light much easier. As other reviewers have said, there are two levels of intensity for the light, which isn't really all that necessary, but doesn't detract from the design. The bottom line is that if the Kindle 2 is a significant upgrade from the original Kindle, which it is, then this light from M-Edge is likewise a significant upgrade from the original model. So five stars isn't off the mark at all, and I believe you'll be pleased the minute you switch one of these little babies on.
[ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW]
You know what? I don't own this nifty little gadget. So how can I review it? Well, that's the question I asked when I read the first two "reviews" by non-owners just like me. How in the world can you post a review that slams something you don't even own????
In my own case, I own the previous version of this little lamp, use it on my original Kindle, and have been very satisfied. I also have been patiently awaiting the release of this updated model, pretty much since I purchased my Kindle2.
Another thing I have is a good understanding of the mission that the Kindle fulfills rather nicely. It is a book. Granted, an electronic version of a book, but a book, nonetheless. No other book is "backlit," nor is it a low vision reading device for the blind, nor is it an automatic IQ enhancer. It is a book. Books need lighting of some sort or another. Artificial lights need power; hence the requirement for a battery. If you understand these points, you will get the message that the Kindle delivers text, and this accessory illuminates it.
And just to make my final point, I had to give this item 5 stars just to be fair, for crying out loud, and try to undo the unwarranted negative rating those non-owners had the audacity to post. Oh yes, and I've already placed my order for this nifty little upgrade of a nifty little gadget. If I end up not liking it, I will at least have the decency to comment on my actual experience with the product, rather than post my imagined frustrations with an object I neither own nor understand.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for 2nd Generation Amazon Kindle Well, In my opinion, the Eluminator2 is a vast improvement despite having no charger. How exactly will a charger help you on your Asian travels? Do the planes have electrical outlets for your recharger? (I have not flown in a while.) Do you want to wait for a recharge instead of putting one tiny battery in? Won't a recharger add more weight to your luggage than a AAA battery? Granted, for you die-hard recharge people the option to use rechargable batteries AND regular batteries might be important but from my experiences with rechargable video cameras, I find it expensive and time consuming to 1) stop for a recharge in the middle of a wedding (if I can find an outlet near the action) or 2) purchase an extra rechargeable battery, take the unit apart and insert it.
Onward to the other pluses...Portability! those bulky reading lights we have been using do not fit flat in any bag I have tried nor do they stay put on the edge of my Kindle platform cover. I am very excited to have a smaller unit that fits comfortably in the cover and is ready when I need it...no fumbling, no looking for a storage unit. I'm keeping my old clip-on light for a bedside night-light as I can clip it to my nightstand. BY THE WAY, if any of you are looking for a small bag that carries all your Kindle stuff and has a shoulder strap, check out those As-seen-on-TV ($10-20 in many stores) leather shoulder bags that supposedly carry vast volumes of stuff and two water bottles. My platform cover fits nicely in the main pouch and the headphones, car charger, home electrical charger, batteries, etc fit well, too, leaving room for more. For the side hinged Kindle cover I would check the fit before buying as the leather strap on the side of the cover may make it too wide to enter.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
I'm feeling a little ambivalent here. Like many others, I've really been looking forward to having an integrated light designed specifically to fit my M-Edge cover. I've been using a Mighty Bright for the past several months, and while the light output is great, it's really bulky and inconvenient. So, from a design standpoint, I really love the M-Edge e-Luminator2 Kindle Booklight. It's so compact and convenient! But I have to admit that I was quite disappointed with aspects of this product.
First, the light doesn't turn on consistently without being jiggled, or loosening or tightening the battery compartment. Once I get it shining full force, it tends to stay on, but it's not unreasonable to want a product that functions properly. As many others have stated, the light output is not terribly bright, and the difference in the two levels of brightness is negligible. Unlike others, I can see okay by this light, and I can also manage to make the light shine on the entire screen with a bit of work. I hate the light switch. It's easy enough to turn on, but invariably when I go to turn it off, the slider goes right past off and on again on the other brightness setting. To get the light to pivot up into position for reading, I have to pull it out half an inch from its pocket, to clear the edge of the cover. This annoyed me more at first, but I'm getting used to that small issue.
Ultimately, for me, the question is, do I want to keep this product? While well-designed in many ways, the execution of this product is far from ideal. Are any of these flaws deal breakers? And just how much of a hassle is it to return the product? I'll have to answer these questions for myself over the next few days. I'm pretty sure I'd be a lot more forgiving at a lower price point, but right now I feel I overpaid for a product of so-so quality.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
I am adding my voice to the others to reiterate both praise and blame.
Praise: The light is very compact, lightweight, and handy to fit into the slot and carry along with the Kindle, all of which are vast improvements over the Mighty Brite, which is big, heavy, and must be carried along separately. (I have both lights.) The goose neck works well and the light itself is not so heavy that it weighs it down.
Blame: The light is not very bright, the two levels are almost indistinguishable, the switch is difficult to use because the settings are imprecise and easy to miss, and the light slips out of the pocket when it's in storage position if you're not careful. I also find that positioning the light for best illumination of the reading surface is possible only if you take the light out of the pocket and re-insert it upside down. A slight bother, not a deal breaker.
Bottomline: I will keep this light because it's so much easier to find (it's right there with your Kindle!)and I don't use it to read in total darkness so it doesn't have to be very bright to help. The battery issue doesn't bother me. I much prefer the light weight of the whole thing than extreme brightness. I rarely use my Mighty Brite because it is so heavy and difficult to attach to the Kindle, whatever cover you have. Also, it's usually somewhere else when I want to use it.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
I purchased this light because it would slide under the top of the Kindle. However, when I first turned it on the light flickered. I thought maybe this was just because it was my first use. On using this more and more, if I moved the light at all the light would go off like there was a loose wire in the gooseneck. It had only one LED light in it which did not light up the Kindle page uniformly. Therefore I had to move the light and when I did that, the light would go out. It was very frustrating. I immediately sent it back and purchased the 2 light LED gooseneck clip on light. This item is not giving me any problems.
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This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen) (Electronics)
After only having it a few hours, I would recomment it if you own an m-edge cover. It fits so nicely and can be adjusted to different positions. The components seem tight, it doesn't feel cheap or breakable. There doesn't seem to be a big difference between the two brightness settings and it is a very soft light, covering a small area (not much outside the screen area). To me, it was worth the wait and the money.
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