Panda Reviews: Reduce the Glare (3M Polarizing Light)

Some of us might think the overhead light is adequate enough for things like doing homework or reading your trashy novel. But as you might have often read on our website, there are 3 different types of light and planning your lighting is important. After all, extended exposure to bright light or straining to see in dim light can lead to eye fatigue. And with all the time we spend staring at our computers, tablets and mobile phones, all the more we should be taking care of our precious eyes. Aside from taking steps to correct your work habits e.g. look away from your work to a spot 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, you can also improve your environment by investing in a glare-free lamp like the 3M LED5000 Polarizing Task Light for your workstation!

 

 

First Impressions

3M is no stranger to glare-free technology; in fact it first launched the first Polarizing Task Light in 2003 so you know it definitely has lots of product development experience under its belt. Featuring 3M's trademark Polarizing Filter Technology to reduce harmful glare up to 80% and elevate your reading comfort, the lamp is available in a sleek and modern design with a wooden-grain textured finish. It also comes with 5 adjustable brightness levels of up to 880 lux so that you will always have a comfortable level of illumination for different types of activities.

In case you don't know what lux means, it refers to lumen—a measure of the total amount of visible light that is given out by a source. The luminance levels of an average room ranges from 300 to 500 lux, but more detailed tasks such as reading and working on laptops require at least 800 to 1200 lux. As you grow older, the level of luminance you require is higher too so this lamp helps solve that problem by offering a whole range of luminance levels.

Another nifty feature of the lamp is that it filters only comfortable light and any harmful ray is converted into optimal lighting, unlike other lamps that allow both comfortable and harmful light through. This means that you'll get only optimal light, which minimises eye strain and allows you to read more comfortably for longer hours.

Hmm, sounds like something worth investing in!

 

 

Usability & Product Fulfilment

Weighing at just 0.8kg, the lamp is pretty light-weight and easy to unpack from its box. I also like that it has a retractable body that I can keep away when I don't need its light anymore. On top of that, its minimalist design works well with almost any modern home décor—a definite plus point because you'd want your lamp to match your room and not stand out like a sore thumb. There is no assembly to worry about either; all I have to do is plug in and it's ready to shine the way!

The light controls are easy to operate as well, there are no complicated buttons that I have to struggle with or refer to a manual for. With a light tab on the controls, I'm able to adjust the level of luminance I need for different activities such as reading or working on the laptop.

 

 

Overall Opinion

There are many table lamps out in the market today, and many of them are purely created to give you the aesthetic means to dress up your home. With the 3M LED5000 Polarizing Task Light, however, you can depend on it to give you the right type of light at a suitable luminance. This lamp also uses LED light, which according to a 3M internal testing on an average of 5-hour daily utilisation, can last up to 40,000 hours! Imagine all the money you can save from not buying replacement bulbs. LED is considered to be more durable too and it provides a steady source of light that neither flickers nor flashes.

All in all, I appreciate how I can get 5 levels of illumination. For instance, Level 1 (90 lux) provides a softer light that is more suitable for watching television while Level 5 (880 lux) will make it easier on the eyes if your child is doing his or her homework. All in all, the 3M LED5000 Polarizing Task Light is a useful lamp to have around. The price may be a little on the high side, but I believe that price tag is worth paying for the benefit you will reap for your previous eyes and overall well-being.

The 3M LED5000 Polarizing Task Light is now retailing for $239 at Best Denki, Popular Bookstores, and other leading retailers. Available in 2 colours: Sleek White and Jet Black.