BenQ ScreenBar Plus e-Reading LED Computer Monitor Light Lamp with Desktop Dial, Auto-Dimming and Hue Adjustment, No Screen Glare, Space Saving, USB Powered, Matte Silver

TL; DR Premium monitor light bar at a premium price; would recommend if budget isn't an issue. br>br>As the title implies, I desperately wanted to despise the BenQ Screenbar so that I could return it. It was difficult to justify the purchase at first, given its steep $100 price tag, but I ended up enjoying it far more than I had anticipated. This review will primarily be a comparison to the TORCHSTAR Computer Monitor Light, which will be the subject of a separate review. a little history: br>br> When I'm at my desk or working on my computer, I've always used/prefer task lighting. An architect style lamp from Ikea was working fine until about a week ago, when I upgraded to a monitor stand for more desk space, and now my monitors are too high for that style lamp. After doing some research, I discovered the BenQ Screenbar and other similar-looking lamps (i. e. Computer Monitor Light (TORCHSTAR) - I narrowed it down to those two (thanks in particular to Ken Y) after doing some research and reading reviews. br>br>I bought both from Amazon and decided to keep the BenQ Screenbar after a few days of light use. The BenQ light cost $99. 00 at the time of purchase. The TORCHSTAR costs $57 and the TORCHSTAR costs $00. 99 ($77. Before tax, it's $99 (with a $20 off coupon). I've included images to demonstrate the "differences" between the two lights. All of the photographs were taken with the lights set to maximum brightness and "warmth" or "coolness. " For consistency, all photos are taken at the same exposure settings and with the same white balance. PROS: br>br>
- Brighter (I'm not sure if the LEDs themselves get brighter or if there are simply more of them, but this was a major factor in my decision)br>- A larger lighting area (approximately 3. TORCHSTAR is 5" longer. br>- The auto LED is green and less harsh (it hurts my eyes less than the bright blue)br>- Clamp has a more solid feel to it. br>- The controls are a lot more responsive and intuitive (I wasn't sure if the torchstar was working at times, but I always knew if the BenQ was). Also, with the Torchstar, the brightness or color ALWAYS alternated between touches, making it difficult to get the exact settings you wanted. )br>- The flat USB cable has a more premium feel to it. br>br>CONS:
- The cost of a fancy USB LED strip is quite high. br>- There is no diffuser over the LEDs (this may be a design choice because diffused light scatters more light, but it hurts if you look into the LEDs by accident, and the diffuser on the TORCHSTAR wasn't very noticeable)br>- When dimming, there is a noticeable flicker (this is a slight pro because on the torchstar, I can't always tell if it's working)br>- If you tap it again, auto mode will not be disabled (as it is on the TORCHSTAR). br>- The Torchstar came with an allen key for tightening the clamp (I believe the BenQ has a similar access panel but no key). br>br>SIMILARITIES:
- Both of these options work well with curved monitors. (My primary display is a Samsung CF398 27", and my secondary is a Samsung CF390 24")br>- Both have directed LED strips to reduce glare on the monitors (some chinese knockoffs are poorly constructed and produce a lot of glare)br>- At the end of the day, I can kind of recommend both light bars, but I just prefer the BenQ more and am willing to pay the premium for it. br>br>At the end of the day, both light bars work well. br>br>At the end of the day, both light bars work well. br>br>At the end of the day, both light bars work well. br>br> My issues with the TORCHSTAR are mostly minor, and they won't even be noticeable if you don't change the settings much. br>br>I'll keep this review up to date as I use it, and I'll do my best to answer any questions that arise. If you found my reviews useful, please click the helpful button.

Leia Black

| Apr 04, 2021

The light was fantastic after I changed my entire desk setup. However, it no longer works for whatever reason. I've had it for about a month and it won't stay turned on unless I unplug and re-plug it. Annoying. 1 star because it's far too expensive to have this many problems in the first month. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for a solution.

Martha Hebert

| May 19, 2021

I really wanted to like this light, but putting the counter weight in the center of an LG 27" Ultragear monitor (and probably others with the ring on the back of the case) puts the weight on the very edge of the ring, resulting in very little surface area contact between the weight and the monitor. If you accidentally bump it, it may fall off. For me, this is a deal breaker. br>br>UPDATE: br>br> I was about to turn off my computer for the evening. My LG UltraGear 27GL850 was still turned on even though all of the lights in my room were turned off. When I looked up at the top edge of the screen, there was a lot of light bleed coming from where the light mount was pressing against the top bezel. When I looked closer, I noticed that LG's bezel is only about 2mm thick, and the bar light's mount was pressing directly against the monitor screen! Two photos of the mount pressing against the screen, as well as the light bleed that occurs, have been added.

Skyler Ingram

| Nov 28, 2021

It is recommended that you surround yourself with both beautiful and useful items. I use a MacBook Pro as a technology consultant and systems developer, and my current monitor is a LG 32UD99-A. The monitor is a 32" 4K monitor. It's both beautiful and practical. This lamp is simply lovely and functional, and it complements my workspace perfectly. I adore how it takes up no desk space, draws power directly from my monitor (make sure your USB port is capable of delivering a steady 5V supply), and perfectly illuminates the workspace between me and the monitor. br>br>My 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is powered by a USB-C cable. C from my monitor and sends data to the USB hub on the back of my monitor using the same USB-C cable. Because I use a C cable, the lamp automatically turns off when I disconnect my laptop from the monitor. Beautiful, practical, and clever: )br>br>I'm so pleased with the function and design of this lamp that I've recommended it to a number of my clients, who have all loved it. Thank you, BENQ! br>br> br>br>PS: If you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, try using the words "cre It's most likely that your USB ports aren't providing enough power to the lamp if the switches aren't working.

Marshall Campbell

| Nov 04, 2021

Well, I hate to be the one to write another negative review for this product, but with so many other reviews saying the same thing, there must be a problem with it. I must say, I loved this product when I first got it. As a self-employed graphic and video producer, the entire concept was ideal for me. It was nice to get rid of my desk lamp and have a light that was good for proofing and could be controlled in temperature. I did notice some people complaining about their lights, but I hoped it was a one-time occurrence. br>br>I regret to inform you that this is not the case. My light became increasingly difficult to keep on as time passed. It's finally gotten to the point where I can't get it to work. I'm extremely dissatisfied with this outcome. However, I adore the concept and am hoping to find something similar that is more effective.

Zoya Brooks

| Mar 12, 2021

The light does not spill onto the screen, but rather onto your work surface and keyboard, and I appreciate how easy it is to change the color temperature, as I prefer all of my lighting to be of the "daylight type. " " You can also change the brightness and direction of the lighting area to meet your needs. " I have no complaints about it, and I only wish something similar had been available when I first purchased a computer. If you need lighting for your workspace, get this!.

Amy Watts

| Oct 22, 2021