One of the first pieces of advice for anyone doing serious image editing or color correction gets is to keep your working area fairly dark. That provides the best environment for accurate assessment of on-screen colors. Unfortunately, that can also make it hard to see the things you need to see that aren’t on the screen. That includes your keyboard (unless you are an awesome typist), other accessories like a LoupeDeck, or even proof prints that need to be compared to the displayed image. There are a number of lights on the market that are designed to address this shortcoming, but monitor-maker Benq has just released its Benq ScreenBar one of the nicest. I’ve been using one for a couple months and am happy to share my experiences.

First, the quality of light from this LED lamp is great. It is very even and helpful for illuminating your work surface. Second, it is feature packed, with auto dimming based on ambient light levels, and adjustable color temperature. Benq also claims it is “Screen Glare Free” as it directs light out to your work area and not on your monitor. In general, that is pretty-much true, although with my large, 32-inch, Benq SW320 if I swivel it far enough out to not shine on the monitor it bleeds light into my eyes. I may add a simple cardboard shade in front to address that.

The light is USB-powered and easy to use, with touch controls across the top. I wish that the icons for the controls were either lit or a little easier to see in dim light, but once you memorized which is which, they’re easy to find with you fingers.

All in all, if you’re looking for a stylish and highly-functional way to light your workspace without taking up any extra desk space (especially helpful for those of us with a couple monitors, touch controllers, Oculus beacons, and various other objects scattered around!), then the Benq ScreenBar is worth the $99 it’ll set you back on Amazon.

Features:

• AUTO DIMMING: Thanks to the built-in ambient light sensor, ScreenBar e-Reading Lamp adjusts the brightness level automatically and instantly. It can be manually dimmable with the touch sensor control.
• SPACE SAVING: A specially designed clip makes the attachment onto monitors easy and stable. No need for screws or tape that damage monitors. The clip fits any monitor with thickness from 0.4 “ to 1.2” (1 to 3 cm).
• SCREEN GLARE FREE: ScreenBar e-Reading Lamp has an asymmetrical optical design that only illuminates the desk and ensures zero reflective glare off the screen.
• USB POWERED: Any USB outlet can power the ScreenBar e-Reading Lamp, whether it is a computer, phone charger or power bank. Once turn it on, ScreenBar resumes your last used brightness and color temperature settings to welcome you back!
• MOOD LIGHTING: Adjustable color temperature, to increase focus and comfort. The warm light lets you relax and replenishes your energy. The cool light allows you to concentrate and boosts work efficiency.