BenQ Screenbar E-Reading LED Computer Monitor Light Lamp with Auto-Dimming and Hue Adjustment Features, Matte Black USB Powered Office Lamp (ScreenBar_Black) Complements with backlight/RGB setups

TL;DR Premium monitor light bar at a premium price. Would recommend if budget is not a huge concern Like the title states, I really desperately wanted to hate the BenQ Screenbar so that I would have an excuse to return it. At a steep $100 price point, it was hard to justify the purchase in the first place, but I ended up enjoying it much more than I expected. This review will mostly be a comparison to the TORCHSTAR Computer Monitor Light and I will be posting a similar review on that product as well. A bit of background: I've always used/preferred task lighting when it comes to working at my desk and doing work on my computer. Up until about a week ago an architect style lamp from Ikea was filling the bill, but then I upgraded to a monitor stand for more desk real estate and now my my monitors are too high for that style lamp. After doing some research, I came across the BenQ Screenbar and similar styled lamps (i.e. TORCHSTAR Computer Monitor Light)--shopping around and reading reviews I narrowed it down to those 2 (thanks especially to Ken Y). I went ahead and purchased both from Amazon and after some light use decided to keep the BenQ Screenbar. At the time of purchase, the BenQ light was $99.00 and the TORCHSTAR $57.99 ($77.99 with a $20 off coupon) before tax. I've included photos to show the "differences" between the 2 lights--for all pictures the lights are at maximum brightness and maximum "warmth" or "coolness". All Photos are also captured at the same exposure settings with the same white balance for consistency. PROS: -Brighter (not sure if the LEDs themselves actually get brighter or there are just more, but this was a big reason I chose it) -Larger illumination area (about 3.5" longer than the TORCHSTAR) -Auto LED is green and milder (hurts my eye less than the sharp blue) -Clamp feels sturdier -Controls feel much more responsive and intuitive (sometimes I felt like I wasn't sure if the torchstar was working but I always knew if the BenQ was. Also with the Torchstar the brightness or color ALWAYS alternated between touches making it kind of difficult to reach exactly the right settings) -Flat cable USB feels more premium CONS: -Hefty price tag for a fancy USB LED strip -There's no diffuser over the LEDs (this may be a choice as diffused light scatters more but it hurts if you accidentally look into the LEDs and the diffuser wasn't too noticeable on the TORCHSTAR) -Noticeable flicker when dimming (slight pro though because on the torchstar sometimes I can't tell if it's working) -Auto mode doesn't disable if you tap it again (it does on the TORCHSTAR) -Torchstar came with an allen key to adjust the clamp tightness (I think the BenQ has a similar access panel but no key) SIMILARITIES: -Both work fairly well with curved monitors. (I use a Samsung CF398 27" as my primary display and a CF390 24" as my secondary) -Both have directed LED strips to minimize glare on the monitors (some of the chinese knockoffs aren't built well and create a ton of glare) -They honestly both just work well At the end of the day, I can kind of recommend both light bars, but I just personally preferred the BenQ more and am willing to pay the premium for it. My complaints with the TORCHSTAR are mostly minor and especially if you don't change the settings much won't even be very noticeable. I will continue to update this review with usage as well as try to answer any questions that might come up. Please click the helpful button if you find my reviews helpful

First few weeks I loved this light. Changed my entire desk setup and the light was fantastic. However, for what ever reason, it no longer stays on. I've had this for about a month now and it won't stay on unless I unplug and plug it back in. Annoying. 1 star, it's too expensive for it to be messing up in the first month like this. If someone has some ideas on how to fix please let me know.

I had looked for a few weeks for a lamp that was well designed. They say to surround yourself with things that are beautiful and things that are useful. As a technology consultant and systems developer, I use a MacBook Pro and currently have a LG 32UD99-W 32" 4K monitor. Beautiful AND useful. This lamp is just beautiful and simple and a perfect compliment to my work space. I LOVE that it does not take up any desk space, takes power directly from my monitor (make sure your USB port delivers steady 5V power) and lights up the workspace between me and the monitor perfectly. My 15" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar gets power via USB-C from the monitor, and provides data to the USB hub on the back of my monitor via the same USB-C cable so when I disconnect my Laptop from the monitor, the lamp automatically goes off. Beautiful, Useful, AND Smart :) I am so thrilled with the function and design of this lamp that I have had many of my client purchase it and they have loved it too. BENQ, Thank you!!! PS: If you are having problems with the switches not working, it's most likely that your USB ports are not providing adequate power to the lamp.

This thing is amazing! It fits perfectly on top of my 24 inch screen and is unobtrusive but the directional light it gives out over my workspace is worth every penny. The light does not spill onto the screen but only on your work space and your keyboard. I love the fact that it is so easy to change the color temperature as I like all my lighting to be of the "daylight type." You can also adjust the brightness and the direction of the lighting area to suit your needs. I have absolutely no complaints about it and I just wish something like this existed long ago when I first bought a computer If you find that you need lighting on your workspace, then just get this thing!