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Mini-Review:
The Energizer Folding LED compact lantern uses 4 AA
batteries to power one or two 5mm LEDs for either 200
or 100 hours respectively.
The body is either black or dark green ABS plastic.
The two LEDs sit in diffuser tubes in front of a white
reflective background to spread the light out and send
a soft glow 180 degrees. The lens area with the LEDs
flips up and over allowing you to adjust the direction
of the light for almost any need.
Lifting the hinged lens area reveals the battery compartment
lid which is held in place by a pretty standard plastic
spring tab. Press the tab back with your fingernail
and the whole cover comes off.
On the back is the switch which allows for light level
selection. One direction selects one LED, the other
direction selects two LEDs. Center is off. The switch
is textured for grip.
On the base is a plastic hook tab which closes flat
against the body. The hook tab also has a closed hole
so it can be used to hang the light by a lanyard if
needed.
The light is not really waterproof at all and has no
real seals.
It does provide a very good amount of light in the
dark for area lighting and close-up tasks. It should
be perfect for lighting a tent or giving a room just
enough illumination for navigation during a power outage.
Prop it on your chest to read in bed without disturbing
anyone else. If you are adventurous, the clear plastic
lens can be carefully popped off and glow sheeting can
be added on the flat white surfaces around the tubular
diffusers so that it keeps glowing long after the light
is turned off. In the unit I picked up, one of the LEDs
is slightly more blue than the other, so don't expect
both tubes to glow exactly the same color. The usefulness
of the light is not impacted by the tint inconsistencies
at all.
For only about $3.29 at Office Depot, grab a few while
you can! They were selling for around $8.00 up until
recently.
UPDATE: I have had a reader report that this light
appears to have changed a little. Now both LEDs are
turned on in both high and low mode, they're just dimmer
in low mode. Thanks Charles!
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