COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS

Yeah, you’re intrigued. Looks sort of like a lantern but with distressed glass in a gumdrop or chocolate-kiss candy shape, with half a clear geodesic dome in the middle, and surrounded by a black metal cage with black leaves and a black bird on top. But we’re just getting started! It’s a table lamp with a rotating white LED light that creates a moving water effect and runs on stored solar power, turning itself on at dusk. Measures 11” tall x 5-1/2” dia. One of our classiest items in recent memory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

You know about messages and ships in bottles, so it’s probably time for you to branch out with these terrariums in bulbs. It was bound to happen. Our very nice, clear-glass, upside-down light bulbs measure 7" tall x 3-1/2" dia at the widest. Inside they have polished rocks and plastic succulent foliage accented by a stylish 10-LED string of grain-of-wheat-style lights twisting through it. Featured flora include agave, aloe vera, torch plant and jade. Comes with four CR2032 coin cells for power. Just press the top to turn on the lights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Shape of Cool™ is trademarked. Really. And its owner is Lava® brand lamps. Accept no substitutes, we always say. Usually. Sometimes. Certainly in this case. These assorted Lava® Lamps are 14-1/2" tall in silver aluminum and It may have clear liquid with red lava; purple liquid with pink lava; or blue liquid with either yellow or purple lava. (Our choice) A classic Lava® combo. Includes the 25W bulb in the base. Replacement bulbs are also sold by the 2-pack. UL.

And you will, too, without even going to Folsom Prison, if you get this authentic-looking railroad crossing light. Has a flashing mode, and a light and sound option that includes locomotive noises that Pat called “awesome.” (He's a train guy.) Measures approx 10-1/2” tall x 6-3/8" x 2-7/8" (the light, not Pat), and you'll need to add a trio of “AA” batteries. For ages 3+.

These super-cool rechargeable string lights with mixed-color LEDs draw their power from a super-hot source, the sun. Red, green and blue LEDs pulse through 2-1/2” long x 3/4” dia clear droplet shapes that are strung together and stretch across approx 9 feet. The string extends another 7 feet to the solar-powered control box. On a full charge, lights will flash or remain solid for up to 7 hours. String powers on when the sensor detects low light. Turn your yard into a wonderland.

The base of this micro-fiber-optic light is a 1-5/8" high plastic cone in red, green or blue. The tips of the super-thin, 7-1/2" long fiber optics are the color in the cone and flare out in a bouncy spray approx 8" across at the top. We'll pick a color just for you. The Hint-o-Matic says: "Nice on any surface, but worthy of a royal wedding when glued on top of a hat. Just cut a hole in the hat to get to the switch." The (3) button-cell batteries (AG-13) are included and replaceable.

Jumbo blacklight measures 10-1/2" long x 2-1/2" x 1-3/4" and holds an 8" UV fluorescent tube plus a white LED flashlight on one end. Adjustable strap extends to 22" or lays flat. Takes (3) D-cell batteries. A must-have for security or crime scenes, but don't shine it on the furnishings in your hotel room if you don't want to be disappointed.

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!