The VGAzer Magnetic Levitating Floating Wireless LED Light Bulb Desk Lamp “no need cables.”
Here’s a gadget that I just know will make Gadget Daddy’s Best Gadgets and Computer Items of 2020. Since I’m the one that makes that call, I’m certain of it.
A few months ago, I saw an advertisement for the Harry Potter Levitating Golden Snitch Sculpture. The sculpture consisted of a winged golden ball that floated about an inch above a platform that glowed with a blue light. It also slowly rotated while floating in space.
“Strong demand is expected … for this collectible sculpture.” Collectible? Maybe. Such items get collected — only to be disposed of years later at garage sales for pennies on the dollar. The cost to acquire this one? $199.95. Also add $23 for shipping and another $14 sales tax for an all-in of approximately $237.
But this levitating accessory idea was attractive, and got me to looking around on the Internet for an alternative. An alternative that was also a bit more practical and somewhat more affordable.
And that’s how I came to own a VGAzer Magnetic Levitating Floating Wireless LED Light Bulb Desk Lamp. As the name implies, an LED light bulb — with four vertical LED “filaments” — floats above a “wood look” circular base. Notes the promotional copy: “Use Magnetic levitation technique, Floating and Spinning automatically in the air Freely without any support or contact, no need cables, batteries.”
There is, however, a need for an electrical cord and some juice from the neighbor power company. Plugging the base in sets up an electrical field that both lights the bulb and holds it steady — about an inch off the base — in a magnetic field. A touch-area on the base turns the bulb on and off.
Whether on or off, the bulb rotates ever so slowly — about once every 10 seconds. Between the perpetual rotation and the floating, it creates a pretty mesmerizing sight. The bulb, says the company, is about 60 watts. Some of that is lost in jumping through air space, so the resulting light is a bit dimmer and softer. It can serve as a nice night light.
Also note: The bulb is a one-piece affair that is permanently attached to a wooden holder where the screw-end of the light would normally be. If the bulb breaks, you’ll need to order a replacement. On the other hand, the company points out the life expectancy of the LED bulb is about 11 years if burned 12 hours a day.
As the instruction manual notes, “A little tricky getting the balance point and levitate.” (From the grammar, you might have guessed the point of origin for the light.) But when held with both hands, it’s pretty easy to determine when the bulb has become balanced and can be released.
It’s available on Amazon, and if you are a Prime member, the product and shipping work out to be $110 — a nice savings over the Levitating Golden Snitch Sculpture.
The light bulb is not as trendy. Its ad copy isn’t as slick. There probably isn’t a “strong demand.” And it’s certainly not a “collectible sculpture.”
But visitors to your office or home will still take notice. And your wallet or purse will thank you as well.
Lonnie Brown can be reached at [email protected].
