And Then There Was Light

Some of our brightest ideas strike at our darkest moments--that is, in a darkened hotel room, plane or car. Not to worry; manufacturers have developed a number of new products to shed light on the subject. Many items may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping and handling.

Portable lamp/alarm clock: The NightOwl Travel Time is an ingenious travel trio in one: a bedside lamp, digital alarm clock and emergency flashlight, all connected inside a hinged case. When closed, the case measures a slim 5 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. It opens to reveal a large LCD display clock/alarm with a snooze feature. Opposite the clock, a light on a retractable plastic neck slides up from the spine, automatically turning on when extended and off when retracted. The light becomes a self-standing lamp when the case is stood upright. Close the case, turn on a switch, and the lamp will shine through a glass porthole in the case, becoming an instant flashlight. The clock operates on a replaceable AG-10 watch battery (included); the lamp runs on two AA batteries (not included).

NightOwl Travel Time is $32.95 at gift shops and travel stores. For a store near you, call the manufacturer, Lumatec; telephone (800) 586-2832.

Glowing note pad: Also new from Lumatec is the NiteOwl Lighted Notepad, a combined reading light, pad and portfolio. Inside the folding vinyl case, a light on a retractable neck sheds a readable glow on the included 5-inch by 8-inch note pad. Pockets on the inside of the case provide storage for documents and business cards. The light operates on two AA batteries (not included). I’ve used the lighted note pad on business trips and as an impromptu drawing pad for youngsters on planes or cars.

NightOwl Lighted Notepad is $39.95 at stationery stores and gift shops. For a store near you, call the manufacturer, Lumatec; tel. (800) 586-2832.

Writing in the dark: For jotting down thoughts in any dark place, the IllumaWriter lighted pen provides a bright, yet discrete, beam of light. It even works as a tiny flashlight to light the way to hotel room bathrooms late at night. Twisting the barrel extends the writing point and activates a tiny LED lamp that encircles the tip. A soft pinpoint of light will shine on your writing surface without bothering your traveling companions. The penlight is powered by two button batteries (included); an optional refill kit includes an extra battery and ink refill. The IllumaWriter comes in a black velvet pouch, making it a handsome gift.

IllumaWriter in black (item BA718) is $18.85; refill kit is $3.85, from Magellan’s; tel. (800) 962-4943.

Computer lightweight: Zelco, which pioneered traveling book lights, has entered the portable computer market with a lightweight, but high-powered battery-operated laptop light that folds for storage and travel. The light, which has a swivel head and arm, attaches to the monitor section of the computer via a padded adjustable clamp. A long cord connects the light to the battery case, which can sit on a table or bedside, without putting any weight on the computer. The light operates on four C cell batteries (not included).

Zelco Computer Light is $20 at travel stores. For a store near you, call Zelco; tel. (800) 431-2486.

Hands-free illumination/magnification: For hands-free lighting while reading, repairing or doing craft work, ASF has developed a portable light with a bonus. The Beam N Read Plus Magnifier, which hangs around the neck on an adjustable strap, comes with three interchangeable detachable magnifier lenses that provide 2X, 4X, and 6X enlargement for close-up work. The light turns on when its reflector hood is flipped up; the magnifiers slip into a pop-up slot above the light, which operates on two AA batteries (not included). I’ve used the Beam N Read magnifiers when reading a map in a dark car and repairing eyeglasses in my hotel room.

Beam N Read Plus Magnifier (item BNR-103M) is $25 at book and gift stores or from ASF; tel. (800) 771-3600, fax (800) 625-6897.

Gear & Gadgets appears the first week of every month.