COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS

Da Mare could use this to point out cracks in the infrastructure at Wrigley Field. You, having a forgiving nature, will resist the urge to point out cracks in da mayor's infrastructure. You will, of course, use it to point out chimney cracks to the tuck-pointer, a cracked limb to the tree-trimmer, and the crack in your profit picture during a slide presentation. You can do all that and much, much more with the highly visible bright light from this <5mW green laser pointer. It's an unbelievable tool. If you need a laser pointer that seems to go on forever and is so strong that you can actually see the beam in the dark, it will be the best low-cost investment you ever made. Or the coolest high-end toy. The 532nm (+/-10) light is 5-5/8" long x 1/2" dia, with (2) "AAA" batteries (not included), a momentary-on switch, pocket clip. An absolute necessity for astronomy, construction, surveying, warehousing, inspection and other large sites. And for playing in the dark.

The Star Master is a star projector, but no, that doesn’t mean it can predict who’s going to make it big in Hollywood. It’s a little gizmo, about the size and shape of a quart of paint, (4"X5") that shines star-like points of LED light in white, red, green and blue. Don’t expect it to transform your bedroom into a planetarium, but do expect it to give off cool effects in darkness. It also makes for a very nice soothing nightlight. The battery cover may be a little loose, that's why it's surplus, but it sits on top of it, so that shouldn't be an issue. You supply (3) “AA” batteries because we can’t give you everything, even when we give you the stars.

Himalayan, Heralayan, what’s the difference? The difference is, Himalayan rock salt is pink, and this 5-lb hunk of it has been repurposed into a very cool lamp with a 5-foot power cord and an inline on-off switch. Includes a socket for a 110V 15W incandescent bulb (included), and the hunk itself measures approx 7" tall on a 3-7/8" dia wooden base. Just plug it in and feel the Himalayan difference. Pet lovers, please check with your vet before letting Fluffy, Fido, Mr. Bird or other critters lick or rub against a salt block.

If anyone at NPR ever needs a lamp for a concert, this is it. It’s about the cutest thing we’ve seen all year, a super-mini version of a swing-arm drafting table lamp that stands approx 4-1/2” tall when fully extended and 3-1/2” when folded down. Base is approx 2” dia and can be removed for the clip-on option. Has a power button on the dome and an extra bright light. Battery included. Great for microscopes with mirrors or inspection microscopes. Also great just to delight anyone who’s looking at it.

Nothing personal, electricians, but these bright (60 lumens) COB LEDs are cute, wireless and mount via a magnetic back or the included double-sided foam tape. Twist-on, twist-off. Perfect accent lighting for under counters or bookshelves, but handy anywhere. Measure 1-1/8” dia x 1/2” thick, and swivel right or left inside the detachable mounts. Powered by a pair of button-cell batteries, included. Our each is (6) lights.

But here’s an 800 lumen nightlight for your driveway or backyard anyway! By iZoom®, and direct from the late-night infomercials, this quad beam solar-powered light has (98) white COB LEDs across its 4-faces and a rechargeable lithium battery inside. It’s motion and light-sensitive, and shines brighter when it senses motion . Measures 3-3/4" x 5" x 1-3/4" and comes with a self-adhesive pad on the back, plus screws and mollies. You supply the darkness. Sells for over $15 at a popular home retailer.

We don't like to brag, but it's tough not to in a case like this. This is a wonderful pen-shaped laser pointer, 5-1/4" long, flat black or silver with gold pocket clip and head. It throws a red point a loong way (we've thrown it two city blocks at night, and it would've gone farther, but buildings got in the way). And what are we so proud of? We've seen a very similar item-not identical, mind you, but essentially the same-in one of those glossy, toys-for-grown-men catalogs. Their price? $20! We're proud not to be profit-mongers, buy it here and you can take pride in your smart shopping habits. (2) AAA Batteries are not included.

Call it a gonzo version of our best work-light, this 4-5/8" x 2-1/4" x 1" cigarette-pack-size light has (60) white LEDs in a 3" x 1-1/2" window with a bright mode and a way brighter mode that would blind a turkey vulture, plus (4) more for a standard flashlight mode. Includes a flip-out easel, hook and a disc magnet. Comes with (3) "AAA"s. Manufacturer rates this bad boy at 900 lumens. 

This pocket-sized mini-flashlight has (9) 405nm ultraviolet LEDs and myriad uses, from checking U.S. currency to working the door at your ultra-hip downtown clubs, spotting radiator and transmission fluid leaks, mineral identification, and (yes, it's true) locating lost scorpions in the dark. Measures approx 3-3/4" long x 1-1/8" dia with knurled sections so you won't lose your grip, and a wrist strap in case you do. You supply (3) "AAA" batteries and the scorpions.

Our common red or green pointer too blasé for you? Make your point violetly with one of these rare violet laser pointers. Its non-slip black rubberized case with silver accents is 6-1/8” long x 7/16”dia, with a momentary switch and a pocket clip. Does not Include the (2) “AAA” batteries you’ll need. 

Or garage, or hallway--anywhere that’s wireless in the bad sense. CJ calls this “another retina scorcher” from iZoom® because of the brightness of the COB lights. Fixture measures 3" x 4" x 13/16" in white plastic with a big rocker switch that activates the 1” white COB LED in its center. Powered by (4) “AAA”s, included. Mounts via self-adhesive hook-and-loop pads or the pair of little disc magnets on the back.

Because there are no jobs that can’t be improved by a little light cubicle boogying. This disco light measures 3-5/8” dia x 3-1/2” tall with red, green and blue LEDs under a clear plastic prismatic dome that spins approx 36 rpm. Powered by the trio of “AA” batteries that you provide. And remember: what you do on your lunch hour is your business. Don’t work in a cubicle? Put one in your camper or tent. Again: what you do in your camper or tent is your business.

They call this a Mini Zipper Light because you can attach it to the zipper pull on your jacket, purse or backpack, but those aren’t the only things that have zippers and frankly you can hang it from anywhere. Like your keychain. Shines a bright 50 lumens, and is rechargeable, with a 90-minute run time and a 30-minute charge time. USB charger cord included. Super easy to attach and un-attach.

You can never have enough light or enough juice for your phone and devices, which is why we’re letting you know about this Farpoint® ultrabright rechargeable Flex Fold™ Worklight. Not only will it offer you 1000 lumens of COB LED light with (2) beam settings and 90-degree rotation, it’ll also charge your devices with the included 31” USB charging cable. Light will run for 2-1/2” hours and reach more than 135 feet. Front plastic grill is sort of arrowhead-shaped, 5” x 2-3/4”, with a rectangular light in the middle. Base, with 90-degree swivel, can be stuck to metal, clipped to your pocket or set on a table. Power unit has a 1500mAH rechargeable battery, and a USB and Micro USB port.

Think Tinkerbell after you clap. This 17-foot string of teensy yellowish-white LEDs are labeled “Soft Glow,” but they seem mighty bright to us. Smaller than a grain of rice and on a bendable wire, they're powered by a USB or a pair of AA batteries (included). Like their big brother LED sets, but much more delicate. We're thinking around windows, shelves, plants, wreaths, small Christmas trees (or trees on any sort), table centerpieces, hats, or even special hairdos.

How green is your thumb? Hard to tell in the dark unless you’ve got these nice solar garden lights showing off your hard work. No messing with wires or outlets--just stake them anywhere you want to add ambient lighting, flip on the switch and fugetaboutit. The 100-lumen beam can be focused to flood or spot so you can accent your flowers, pathways, garden gnomes or whatever you think needs accenting. Built-in solar panel swivels 360° to capture the sunlight and charge the 500mAh battery. Measures about 4-1/2” dia. and stands about 15” tall and they’re weatherproof with an IP54 rating. Great price, too! 

The bulbs, not the home planet of Clark Kent (nee Kal-El). These tiny, incandescent Krypton bulbs are frosted globes with 3/8” screw bases. Operate at 3-6 volts with 5 volts being nominal. Used in radios, toys and other products, but it you've read this far, you know what they are. Our each is a 3-pack. Need a socket for your bulb? Click Here!

Let there be light. Without switches. These (2) pivoting light bars at 6-3/8" x 1-5/8" x 3/4" with two 2" COB LEDs are motion- and light-sensitive (with a 30-second auto-off feature), and can be mounted pretty much anywhere via their self-adhesive strips and disc magnets. With 90-degree tilt-ability and rated at 300 lumens, these little lights are about as bright and versatile as anything this size can be. Each package comes with (2) light bars and (3) AAA batteries for each. Get a couple and you’ll probably be back for more.