ZelcoItty Bitty Book Light, Volume 2

I loved my original ittybiitty book light, but after many years the clip part broke. The new incarnation is a similar size but is slightly lighter weight, which is not really consequential. However, there is a difference in the newer head which makes for a brighter light. This is because the plastic housing around the bulb is now open and the surface is lined with a pure white finish that reflects the light rather than letting any dissipate up through the housing. This model uses exactly the same bulb as former models (which as some reviewers have noted you can purchase cheaply at hardware stores) as well as using the same plug in adapter. So if you have a former version, this "paperback" version without the adapter is perfect. So why didn't I give this version 5 stars? Perhaps I will grow to love it as much as the old one, but I rather liked the slightly heavier plastic feel of it.

I have used both the original and the volume 2 booklights for years. Both the original and the volume 2 are extremely light, so you won't notice any added weight when you pick up your book. While the original booklight is good, the volume 2 has more even light with better page coverage, does a better job of keeping the light on the page and out of your bed partner's eyes, less chance of burning yourself if you fall asleep without turning it off, and is more sturdy. The volume 2 switch is in the extension arm--the light turns on when you extend it. This is a better design from the standpoint of extended life and it's just cool. In addition, while the wire in the original tends to last me about 2 years, I have had the volume 2 for about 10 years and it is still working. Zelco definitely learned from their mistakes with the original when they designed the Volume 2. (I've used some of the other booklights; I've never found a better one.)One more thing: the Volume 2 uses the same AC adapter as the original. Watch out that your adapter has plenty of air space around it; they tend to overheat without it. Inspect your adapter occasionally and if you see any signs of distortion in the outer cover, replace it immediately; you don't want to risk a fire.

I had an Itty Bitty Book Light some years ago and it lasted a really long time. That's why I ordered a new one when it died. However, this new one quit working shortly after I started using it. I have changed batteries and lights but it won't work . Amazon won't let me return it since it's more than a month since I ordered it. I will definitely think twice before ordering anything other than a book from Amazon again.

The light would have been ok if the hinge did not flop over all the time. It does and that's too bad. The hinge is overly loose, meaning that you can not use the light placing it on top of the book. The only way I have been able to use it is to have it under a book. On a positive note, the lightbulb has lasted me a while.

The battery unit is separate, on a long, thin cord so this heavier component can stay on the floor or nightstand if you read in bed. The slide-on part is rather bulky -- ok for books but awkward for something like a crossword puzzle when I want to write on the page. The light is incandescent, not LED, so it takes a lot of batteries. The light is much brighter than it needs to be and not well shielded to keep the light directly on the page. Also, the "on/off switch" is that you slide the upper portion farther out to be "on". Altho, the arm is hinged at the base, I end up having the light higher than I would need which is another reason the light shines in a wider range than necessary. I used to have a book light that I was sure was called the Itty Bitty Book Light but it had LED's; you could switch from one to two to none; the batter was in the unit on the book (not separate and connected by a cord) but it was lightweight and it clipped on with a short but strong clip. I'd like to find THAT one again. This one I am reviewing seems like the one that the other improved on.

Got this light for my 14 yo bookworm daughter. It's going to be a Christmas present. I put in the batteries and tried it out myself to see if she will like it. The light is bright enough to see to read in a completely darkened room, yet not too bright. My hubby was not disturbed at all. My daughter wanted it for car trips so she can read in the van. The battery pack is seperate and has a plug in cord, so there's not a big bulk stuck to your book. The cord is long enough the battery pack can sit on your lap or in a drink holder next to your seat in a vehicle. I'm betting she will love this light. Price was pretty nice, I spent more for my own light of a different brand.

I've tried virtually every book light, and so far this is the best all round. I tried one with an LED bulb, because the regular bulbs don't seem to last too long (perhaps burn hotter when using the AC adapter?), but the light from the LED was not sufficient for comfortable reading. It's also nice that the light and battery units are separate: makes it easier to clip to the book. The only problem is not with the product, but the fact that amazon.com is selling the "Paperback" version here, which does not include the AC adapter. The "Hardcover" version, that includes the AC adpater, is, at present, available at the same price or cheaper elsewhere. UPDATE 2008: The version that includes the AC adapter is available on Amazon at a lower price than this one (without adapter).

If you are looking for an old fashioned book light and you despise LEDs as I do, this one with an incandescent bulb is just for you. You don't have many alternatives left in the world anyway.PROS: Yellowish, warm & retro old school light color. Wonderful coverage of page surface. Adjustable height and the head swivels for optimum position. Since batteries are external, you avoid fatigue in prolonged use.CONS: Product is cheap plastic and looks fragile. No metal parts. The bulky and cheap plastic battery box is prone to premature failure. Bulb can be expected to burn out soon -since it is a 4.8V bulb driven by 4xC type batteries-. Original Zelco replacement bulbs are proprietary and expensive. You can use any 6V 0.5A screw bulb, they are cheap. I tried Dorcy 41-1655 4D/6V bulbs and they work. Get spares, or an adapter.