They are originally made for (and for some reason still only promoted for) use by musicians for their sheet music, but they have many uses. They are very small and very light (they hardly add weight to a Kindle or a paper book), they have a neutral light color, and since it's an LED lamp, it uses very little battery. You can twist it to any position you like, nice construction.
They won't, you know, compete with the sun, but I think they can be handy in a blackout, so I have bought three, and I keep one on my desk for the odd occasion when I have to sign a check in the evening or summin'.
The grip on the naked Kindle is not so dang secure, which is why I put soft tape around it. Didn't help much, but a little strip of velcro did. (I went looking for actual rubber tape, which surely must exist somewhere, but people went blank when I asked for it.)
I think it has just sufficient light to help with a book in a typical room, and to give the little extra. The one I link to above is not available in the UK, but it has two "super" LEDs, so perhaps it has more light. [Update: my mistake, they are on A-UK.]
Regarding rubber tape:
ReplyDeleteHave you tried rubber ELECTRICAL tape?
Here in the US, it's sold by electrical supply houses, under the 'Scotch' brand. It's black, maybe 3/4 inch wide, non-adhesive, and insanely elastic.
It's used for insulating cable splices, and will eventually 'set up' or seal-to-itself, to the point where it must be cut off.
Probably not a problem in your application, but it does retain it's 'rubbery-ness' (which means it will also pick up dirt)
Hope this helps
Ouzinki
I don't think I've seen the stuff before, but it might work, thanks.
ReplyDeleteElectrical tape will also leave a sticky residue as it ages, especially if exposed to heat.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if these guys ship to the UK, but this stuff is probably ideal: http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/78081.aspx
Wash a condom to remove the lubricant, then they provide many uses for the inventive constructor and fixer (wrap, dab of superglue, done) also great for waterproof packing of small items if you knot them. We used them to keep dynamite sticks fresh in years gone by and for setting charges under water.
ReplyDeleteHatho, thanks, that sounds good.
ReplyDeleteBen, that is the kind of stuff you actually see on the pictures. But it does not enhance the grip as much as one should think.
OK, I tried the condom idea. It was more promising than it was keeping, as it were. Or maybe my emergency stash of Durex has just become too old. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is another reason why these devices suck shit.
ReplyDeleteI will accept cheques which where signed any time.
ReplyDelete(;-))
Just checking in to report... the electrical tape didn't do it. It's elastic, but the surface (I tried two brands) is not non-slip.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm ... there is also "tool dip", the stuff you can get to mark/insulate tool handles. You might have to use a toothpick or some such to keep the jaws separated while it set up.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.plastidip.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Plasti-Dip-11601-14-5-Red-Plasti/dp/B0006SL0VO
Thanks, the Plasti-Dip looks promising.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll even coat the back of the Kindle with it.