Comparison desk Lamps

The light source used in the lamp.

— Bulb with base. Models using a replacement bulb (or multiple bulbs). This option provides two key benefits. Firstly, the power and type of the installed light bulb (ordinary, LED, fluorescent, etc.) can be chosen at your discretion. Secondly, a burnt out light bulb can be easily replaced with a new one, there is no need to change the entire lamp or go to a workshop for repair. Of the shortcomings, it can be noted, first of all, that the light bulb itself most often needs to be purchased separately — however, this is not a particular problem. Another nuance of this option is that the most popular E27 base is quite large, and smaller bases are not so widespread, and it may be difficult to find bulbs for them. Because of this, this option is not well suited for lamps of miniature size or thin thickness.

— Light- emitting diode (LED). In this case, we mean a block of one or more built-in (non-removable) LEDs. By themselves, LEDs are the most advanced modern light source: they give excellent brightness at very low power consumption, they can be made in colour and even colour change, and their only key disadvantage is their relatively high cost (which can be paid off by saving electricity). However, non-removable LEDs specifically have one more drawback compared to replaceable bulbs: if the LED block fails, you need to carry the lamp for repair, or even c...hange it entirely. On the other hand, such blocks can be made very tiny without much loss of brightness, which allows them to be used to create very compact and elegant lamps.

The maximum power of the light source allowed for a given lamp.

This parameter has different meanings depending on the light source (see the corresponding paragraph). It is most critical for models with sockets for replaceable light bulbs: the power of the light bulbs used should not exceed the maximum power of the lamp. Otherwise, it will overheat, and the consequences can be very unpleasant - even a fire. In this case, for models with several cartridges, the total power of all installed light sources is indicated. In order to determine the maximum permissible power of an individual light bulb, you need to divide the total limitation by the number of sockets. For example, in a model with 7 “seats” and a limit of 140 W, you can install bulbs of no more than 140/7 = 20 W.

It is also worth recalling that the actual brightness of the light bulb will depend not only on its power, but also on its type. Thus, at the same brightness, “energy-saving” fluorescent lamps have a power 3 to 5 times less than incandescent lamps, and LED light sources - 10 times less. Thus, low permissible power does not interfere with achieving high brightness.

As for table lamps with built-in LEDs, the maximum power for them corresponds to the actual power of the LED unit. You can roughly estimate the capabilities of such a lamp using the above formula - the brightness of the LED corresponds to the brightness of an incandescent lamp with 10 times more power. For example..., if you previously made do with a 60-watt light bulb, an 8-watt LED lamp will most likely be enough for you.

Wattage also determines the energy consumption of the lamp. However, it is not particularly high in table lamps, and in models with a replaceable socket, it also depends not on the maximum power of the lamp itself, but on the characteristics of the actually installed light bulbs.

Luminous flux provided by a lamp. This parameter is indicated only for models using built-in LED modules (see “Light source”) - in lamps with a socket, it will depend on the light bulbs used.

Luminous flux is essentially the brightness of the lamp. The brightness itself in lumens tells little to the average user, a non-specialist; however, there are tables that allow you to compare the luminous flux of a lamp with a particular light source of standard brightness. For example, a 40 W incandescent lamp produces about 415 lm, a 60 W lamp produces 710 lm, and a 100 W lamp produces 1340 lm. More detailed tables for comparison can be found in special sources.

Speaking of brightness, it is also worth noting that it should not be too low or too high: both create discomfort, increase fatigue and can lead to eye problems. Reference sources provide recommendations on optimal brightness for different tasks. However, this point can be determined for yourself experimentally. And if in doubt, you can purchase a lamp with adjustable brightness (see “Functions and capabilities”).

— Brightness adjustment. Possibility to adjust the brightness of the lamp. The convenience of this function is generally obvious: it allows you to customize the lamp to suit your own preferences and specific situation. For example, for working with printed documents, brighter light may be useful, but for watching a movie on a laptop, the lighting can be dimmed. However, it is worth considering that not all replaceable light bulbs can work properly in lamps with dimmers. Therefore, in models with a cartridge (see “Light source”) this function is rare; and if you buy such a lamp, you should pay special attention to the choice of light sources for it.

— Adjustment of color temperature. The ability to change the color temperature of the light produced by the lamp. For more information about color temperature, see the corresponding paragraph. This adjustment allows you to adjust the glow to a particular situation - for example, a high color temperature is desirable for reading, and a lower color temperature for rest and relaxation. Note that this setting should not be confused with adjusting the color of the glow (see below): in this case we are talking only about changing the overall hue of white light, and not about a full change in color.

— Adjustment of glow color. Ability to change the color of the lamp. Note that this is not just about adjusting the c...olor temperature (see the corresponding paragraph), but about changing the overall color of the glow; many models with this function allow you to produce almost any color from the palette visible to the human eye. This function is not needed when lighting a workplace, but it is very convenient for setting up general lighting and creating a certain atmosphere in the room.

— Shutdown timer. The timer automatically turns off the light after a user-specified time. This option can be useful in many situations, for example, before bed or for those who like to read in bed. The shutdown timer is set for a certain period of time, after which the lamp turns off automatically, which helps save energy and extends the life of the light source.

— Flexible leg. The presence of a flexible leg in the lamp design. The leg is the part that connects the light source to the stand or mount. Unlike a hinged body (see the corresponding paragraph), such a part can be bent anywhere and in any direction. This provides additional convenience when adjusting the position of the lamp: the freedom of movement of the flexible leg is noticeably higher than that of the hinges. True, it is considered less reliable and durable, but in practice a lot depends on the quality of workmanship; and with careful handling, even an inexpensive lamp with a similar feature can “live” for a very long time.

— Hinged body. Lamps with this feature consist of several sections connected by rotating hinges. The specific number of hinges and the design of such cases can be different - from a single rotary mount for connecting the light bulb with the leg to a system of 4 - 5 hinges, which allows you to adjust the position of the lamp within a fairly wide range. Compared to another version of the movable structure - a flexible leg (see the corresponding paragraph), the hinges are more expensive, more limited in mobility and more difficult to adjust. On the other hand, swivel mounts are considered more reliable and durable, and they can also be used in legs of any length.

— Display. The presence of its own screen in the lamp design. To use it for its main purpose in a traditional format (without additional adjustments), a display is not needed. Therefore, this feature is an unambiguous sign that we have a model with advanced functionality. The display most often displays the readings of a clock and a thermometer (see the corresponding paragraphs), but other information may also be provided - for example, the set color temperature, battery charge (if the lamp is self-powered), etc.

- Watch. The presence of its own clock in the lamp design. Theoretically, this could be a pointer dial built into the case, but in practice it is much more common to see watches displayed on their own display (see the corresponding paragraph). Moreover, this function can be supplemented with other capabilities related to timekeeping - for example, an alarm clock, stopwatch and/or timer, or even a calendar.

— Thermometer. The lamp has its own built-in thermometer. As a rule, such a thermometer is electronic, and its readings are displayed on the lamp display (see the corresponding paragraph). This function allows you to control the microclimate in the room, which can be useful from a practical point of view - for example, when adjusting air conditioning or heating.

— USB port. The lamp has a USB port from which you can charge various electronic devices: smartphones, tablets, players, external power banks, etc. The main convenience of this function is that the connector on the lamp is always at hand, while other accessible ports may be located in less convenient places (for example, on the back wall of the system unit under the table). True, the power supply in different models may be different; but this only affects charging speed, not compatibility.

- Wireless charger. A device for wireless charging of smartphones and other gadgets, built directly into the lamp - usually in the stand. This technology works over a short distance, and to use it, the device must be placed directly on a special platform mounted on a stand. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging and is not supported by all gadgets, but it is more convenient (no need to fiddle with plugs) and does not wear out the connectors. In lamps, this function is found mainly among models for study and office (see “Type”); it is also convenient because the platform can be used as a desktop stand for a smartphone - and the device will be charged, and not just lie idle.

- Remote control. Availability of a remote control included with the lamp. This feature is relevant for models with advanced functionality such as color adjustment or color temperature (see the corresponding paragraphs). It is often more convenient to control additional functions from an external remote control, not only because of the possibility of remote control, but also due to the fact that you can place the entire control panel on the remote control and not clutter the lamp body with unnecessary parts.

— Case lighting. The presence of additional lighting in the lamp body. The main role of this function is decorative; it gives the device a stylish appearance and can harmoniously complement the main lighting. In some models, the backlight can even be adjusted by color, although such an option may not be provided for the main light.

— Niche for office. The presence of a special place in the lamp for placing office supplies. Such a niche is usually located in a stand; its dimensions and capabilities may vary. So, the simplest option is a recess designed mainly for pens, pencils and markers. However, more often a more advanced design is used, with specialized “seats” for various items: holders for pens and pencils, shelves for business cards and stickers, trays for paper clips, erasers and other small items, etc. Lamp with a niche for an office, it can be a very good choice for an office or desk, a study place and other similar applications.

Touch control is considered more convenient and advanced than buttons, toggle switches, rotary knobs and other mechanical controls. Firstly, the touchpad has a flat surface without protruding parts, making it less dirty and easier to clean. Secondly, there are no moving parts on the panel, which increases its service life. Thirdly, the sensors can perceive different types of actions, which allows you to use one simple panel for different functions: for example, turn a lamp on and off with a short “tap”, and change the brightness by moving your finger up or down. There are also quite unusual functions - for example, “random” color selection depending on where the panel was touched and how many milliseconds it lasted. It is also worth noting that the sensors can have a “technological” appearance, perfect for modern style lamps; and among the “classics” there are models where the stand is one continuous touch surface.

To control from a smartphone(or tablet) you need to install a special application on the gadget. This feature not only makes it possible to control the lamp from a distance: most models with this function are advanced “smart” lamps with various additional settings, such as adjusting the brightness and color of the glow. Controlling the operation of such lamps through a mobile application is much more convenient than using buttons and other classic controls. However, the specific functionality of models compatible with smartphones may be different; it should be clarified separately. The device can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (depending on the model).

Apple HomeKit-enabled lamps are compatible with software used as part of Apple's smart home eco-system. First of all, thanks to this, the light source can be controlled from an iPhone, iPad/iPod or even a MacBook. The HomeKit application opens up quite a wide range of possibilities for customizing lighting operating modes, allowing the user to change the color shade and intensity of the glow, program the operating time of the lamp, etc.

Lamps with voice assistant support can be controlled using voice commands. The most widely used voice assistants are Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Most often, the voice assistant interacts with a Smart device through a special application. This could be Google Home, Apple HomeKit, etc. That is, the customer issues commands to the software on his portable computer/mobile device.

Standard power supply provided in the design of the lamp.

— Network. Powered by a regular household 230 V socket. This is the option provided by most table lamps: sockets provide unlimited operating time and are ubiquitous (and where they are not, you will need a portable flashlight rather than a table lamp). The only significant drawback of such a power supply is the presence of a wire; however, it usually does not cause noticeable inconvenience, and problems with reaching the outlet are rare and easily solved.

— Batteries. Powered by replaceable batteries ("finger" AA, "little" AAA, etc.). These batteries can be either disposable or rechargeable. Such power allows the lamp to be used without being connected to an outlet, and the batteries themselves can be quickly replaced when the charge is exhausted (unlike built-in batteries, see below). At the same time, table lamps are intended mainly for residential and work premises, where there are just no problems with sockets. At the same time, autonomous power supply inevitably limits the operating time of the lamp, and specifically, batteries are suitable only for relatively low-power lighting sources. Therefore, this option is used only in cases where the wire is undesirable or inappropriate. For example, some children's lamps with a night light function are powered by batteries (so that there are no ext...ra wires in the children's room), as well as decorative models in an unusual design (so that the power cord does not spoil the appearance).

— Accumulator. In this case, we mean the original battery, which does not belong to the standard “battery” sizes and does not provide quick replacement (sometimes it is not removable at all). Actually, the impossibility of quick replacement is precisely the main drawback of such power supplies compared to the batteries described above. On the other hand, batteries can be made more capacious and at the same time more compact, it is easier to fit them into the design of the lamp (even a very small one); and the fact that such food does not need to be purchased separately can also be attributed to dignity. Due to this, batteries are more common — both in original lamps, where the wire is in principle undesirable, and in lamps for working purposes (mainly LED).

— USB port. Powered by a standard USB port. This category of lamps will be appreciated mainly by laptop owners: when working with a laptop, USB ports are in close proximity, and connecting lamps to such a connector is easier than looking for an outlet and pulling a wire to it. However, such a device can also be connected to an outlet — just find a 230-to-USB adapter. USB adapters also exist for car cigarette lighters, so such a lamp can also be useful for mobile use — for example, when going out into the countryside or in a van of a mobile group (scientific, operational, etc.). And if necessary, you can also power the lamp from a battery — a separate power bank or the same laptop. At the same time, in general, the scope of USB lamps is quite specific, and there are few of them.