ConsFirst / Desk lamps & monitor light bars / Compare
Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp vs BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on light quality (no glare, cri), adjustability & reach, build & reliability. BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar wins on controls.
The biggest complaint about the Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp is one button does everything; for the BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar it's mixed fit on curved monitors. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp | BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in desk lamps & monitor light bars | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Desk lamp | Monitor light bar |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 2% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Light quality (no glare, CRI) | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Adjustability & reach | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Controls | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| No flicker or hum | 4.5 | — |
| Build & reliability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp
- One button does everything
Tap for on/off and hold to cycle brightness; after a few days Wirecutter wished for a tap-to-dim option instead of the long press.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Stiff joints need two hands
The head adjusts with one hand, but lifting the arm takes both hands because of the tight joint between the arm and stem (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Pricey, fixed color, stock varies
Wirecutter lists it at $210 (Amazon) to $281 (Home Depot) with a 'may be out of stock' warning. The light is fixed at 4,000 K.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar
- Mixed fit on curved monitors
How-To Geek lists 'mixed results on compatibility with curved monitors' as a con and notes some curved-monitor users reported problems.
Source: How-To Geek - Pricey for a basic bar
How-To Geek lists 'pricey compared to similar light bars' as a con ($109 at the time).
Source: How-To Geek - Narrow monitor-thickness range
How-To Geek says it fits flat or curved monitors 0.4 to 1.2 inches thick, narrower than the newer Pro (0.17-2.56 in per XDA).
Who should pick which
Pick the Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp if
Color-critical work (CRI 95+)
A lamp that won't wobble or walk
Buyers who keep a lamp for years
Skip it if: You want adjustable color temperature; You want quick one-hand adjustments; You're on a budget
Pick the BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar if
Flat monitors 0.4-1.2 in thick
People who like buttons on the bar itself
A proven, long-selling model
Skip it if: You have a curved or very thick monitor; You want a remote or backlight; You're on a tight budget
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