If your computer desk is too small or too crammed to accommodate a lamp, you could have a problem getting enough light in order to work comfortably. Most desk lamps have bulky bases, and need a fair amount of space in order to accommodate their girth. Plus they don’t feature a whole lot of maneuverability to follow you along as you work in a variety of different ways. The only real solution for when you absolutely need light under any working circumstance, is a clamp on desk lamp.
A clamp on desk lamp works just like a normal adjustable lamp, but with the added benefit of having only a clamp to attach to any surface, instead of a base. This is extremely useful if you are working on an easel, or any other type of flat and tilted surface. They are also handy for computer desks to ensure that you can see your keyboard perfectly, and so that you have light for the surrounding area for note taking, or shuffling through papers. A clamp on desk lamp provides just enough light for you to fully navigate your area, without bothering anyone else around you.
While most clamp lamps feature almost the same visual design, the most important decision you make will be which type of bulb to use. To facilitate their use, there are two different types of clamp on desk lamps, halogen and incandescent. This refers to the type of light bulb that they use for regular operation. Incandescent lamps use pretty much the same type of bulb that any standard lamp uses. These are handy because incandescent bulbs are cheaper than any other type, and also provide a lot of light. However they don’t last for very long, so you’ll always need replacement bulbs on hand because of that fact.
Halogen technology differs from the more standard incandescent technology in the way that the bulbs are manufactured. Halogen bulbs use a different type of gas, and filament which allows them to last for much longer periods than your average incandescent lamp. But they are also much more expensive. However, for that extra price, a halogen clamp on desk lamp will provide more light, for a longer period of time than any incandescent lamp. Halogen lamps are the best way to light large surfaces like easels, and will serve you well for a long time.
To purchase any variety of clamp on desk lamp, you can go to a local electronics retailer, or department store. Big outlets like Office Max have everything you need to outfit your desk, including every variety of lamp. They will have anything you need, and will feature both halogen and incandescent style lamps. Typically halogen clamp on desk lamps cost anywhere from $20-50, with incandescent models coming in slightly cheaper. Remember it’s always good to have replacement bulbs on hand, to keep the light going. Typically you can find replacement bulbs at the same store in which you bought the lamp, or at a department store like Walmart or Target.