Technabob » reading

Tiny Tim Booklight: Luxo, Jr.’s Younger Brother

Technabob — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:25:43 +0000

My very first viewing of the animated short Luxo, Jr. was really the moment that cemented the fact that Pixar would always give it’s animations character and heart like no other studio – even today. I always loved how John Lasseter imbued these bendy desk lamps with so much life. While the original Anglepoise lamp seen in the animation pre-dates the short by over 50 years, this is the first time I can think of where you can carry one around with you wherever you go.

While Mustard’s Tiny Tim Booklight doesn’t have as many moves as Luxo or Anglepoise, the little reading light does still have charm and character. Tiny Tim measures about 5 inches high, and provides ample battery-powered illumination for reading your books. That is, assuming you haven’t ditched paper and moved to an e-Reader or an iPad for your reading enjoyment.

The Tiny Tim Booklight isn’t yet available in stores, but is supposed to start shipping at the end of June. Retail price for the lamp is £7.99 (~$13 USD), and you can probably convince Perpetual Kid to carry them since they sell other stuff from the same UK gift maker.

And speaking of inanimate lamps with personality, who remembers this classic IKEA commercial, directed by none other than Spike Jonze?

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Long Form Library: Largest Etsy Item Ever?

Range — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:15:16 +0000

Ifsodoso’s Long Form Library is kind of amazing. It’s a self-contained library and reading nook, all in one. However, it’s quite large so it won’t fit in many places. The Long Form Library can store up to 400 books or a variety of CDs or other items, encircling its occupant in its center ring. It’s also got built-in accent lighting and reading lights.

Unfortunately, it would be challenging in most homes to find enough place for this gargantuan piece of furniture. That and the $9,500 (USD) price tag make it something best left for people with lots of money and lots of space. It’s sad though, because I would have loved to have something like this in my house. Thankfully, the self-contained library has individual modules that will fit through standard doors.

The Long Form library is supposed to rock gently to and fro, but not supposed to tip over. Still, it might be dangerous for people with pets and kids. It’s also currently a one-off handmade product, so first-come, first-served. Naturally, shipping something like this can be quite problematic, and shipping will add another $500 to the price, making it a cool $10,000 purchase. This would be a good example of a product that could be simply sold as plans on Etsy.

[via Core77]

Lightwedge Reading Light Doubles as Gigantic Bookmark

Lambert Varias — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:40:55 +0000

The LightWedge reading light is a very handy device that lights a whole page of a book – and nothing else, allowing you to read without disturbing the people around you. Unless you start reading aloud. The LightWedge is equipped with “distortion-free, optical grade acrylic lens” and LED lights that can run up to 40 hours on 4 AAA batteries.

And when you’re done reading for the day, just leave it between the pages as a bookmark. Or maybe not; it may be a bit thick and could damage your book if you leave it wedged in for a while. LightWedge comes in two sizes: regular book-size (9.5″ x 6.75″ x .5″) that sells for $22 USD, and paperback size (7.4″ x 5.5″ x .5″), both available at ThinkGeek.

Now if only they’d make one of these for the Kindle.

[via Inventor Spot]