ZenLinux Blog

My trusty Eclipse ergonomic computer monitor lamp bit the dust a few weeks ago (not the bulb, but the unit itself), so I decided to go hunting for a new desk lamp. Admittedly I’m picky about these kinds of things, so it took me several visits to various places before I found something I liked. I noticed that a lot of the lamps are halogen-based and have special bulbs. I didn’t think much of this and the one I liked happened to be this type. It had an adjustable dimmer knob so, I figured I was all set.

But when I finally turned the thing on at home, WOW, was it hot! The stream of light emanating from it felt like it was also capable of cooking whatever you placed underneath it. I hoped the dimmer knob would be the saving grace, but it didn’t help much in the heat department. It also caused the lamp to make an annoying buzzing sound when it wasn’t on full-brightness. Argh.

My home office is warm enough with all the computer gear and aquarium equipment I have, and I decided this lamp was just too much. If you’re looking for a dual-function light source and space heater, give a halogen lamp a shot. But mine is going back to the store and I’m getting one that takes normal incandescent bulbs (which I’ll replace with an energy-efficient compact flourescent to reduce heat even further).