The BenQ ScreenBar series has revolutionized my home office setup, providing a consistent source of focused light amidst the ever-changing landscape of desks, chairs, and other tech gear. This innovative lamp, a product from the renowned Taiwanese manufacturer of monitors and projectors, doesn’t compete for precious desk real estate; instead, it perches elegantly atop the computer monitor, casting a brilliant pool of light directly onto the work surface. This seemingly simple design has a significant impact on productivity and overall work satisfaction, enhancing focus and creating a more pleasant workspace. BenQ’s commitment to refinement is evident in their continuous iterations of the ScreenBar, with the latest version, the ScreenBar Pro, showcasing a compelling blend of functionality and intelligent design.
The ScreenBar family comprises several models, each catering to specific needs and preferences. The original ScreenBar and the ScreenBar Plus offer core functionality, delivering adjustable brightness and color temperature through either touch controls or a separate dial. The ScreenBar Halo introduces a backlight feature, illuminating the wall behind the monitor for a more ambient and immersive lighting experience. However, the ScreenBar Pro takes center stage with its integrated motion sensor. This intelligent addition automatically turns the lamp off when you step away from your desk and seamlessly reactivates upon your return, lending a futuristic, almost ceremonial feel to the start of each work session. This seemingly small feature adds a touch of dynamism to the workspace, signaling the transition back into productive mode.
Beyond the convenient auto-on/off feature, the ScreenBar series prioritizes user comfort and minimizes distractions. The LEDs are carefully designed to prevent direct light from reaching your eyes, reducing strain and fatigue, particularly when the monitor is positioned at eye level. The light is also targeted to minimize bleed onto the monitor screen itself, preserving image quality and reducing glare. While a slight glare can be noticeable when viewing dark content, such as movies or dimly lit video games, a simple solution is to temporarily turn off the ScreenBar to fully enjoy the monitor’s contrast capabilities. The ScreenBar’s compatibility with various monitor types, including curved models, further enhances its versatility. Finally, the ScreenBar’s ability to draw power directly from the monitor’s USB port eliminates the need for a separate power source, simplifying cable management and freeing up valuable USB ports on the computer.
Integrating other desk accessories with the ScreenBar presents a minor challenge, particularly with webcams. While initial attempts involved off-center placement and software adjustments, a more elegant solution emerged with BenQ’s dedicated Webcam Accessory. This clever attachment secures to the ScreenBar, providing a stable platform for the webcam directly above the monitor. Although this positioning places the camera slightly higher than usual, adjustments to the camera angle can easily compensate for this, resulting in a natural and professional video conferencing setup. This accessory further demonstrates BenQ’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a cohesive and functional workspace ecosystem.
Recognizing that not all workspaces are built around a traditional monitor setup, BenQ extended its lighting ingenuity to laptop users with the LaptopBar. This portable version mounts to the back of a laptop screen, illuminating the keyboard and surrounding work area, making it ideal for late-night work sessions or dimly lit environments. While the LaptopBar requires a magnetic adhesive for attachment, resulting in a permanent magnetic circle on the laptop’s exterior, its compact design and portability make it a valuable tool for on-the-go productivity. The battery-powered operation provides approximately two hours of use at full brightness, with the option to connect to the laptop for extended use. This portability and flexibility make the LaptopBar a compelling choice for those who frequently work in varying locations or simply prefer a clutter-free workspace.
While the concept of a specialized desk lamp might seem trivial, the ScreenBar series has significantly enhanced my work-from-home experience. The focused light not only brightens my workspace but also contributes to a sense of well-being, particularly during the darker winter months. It’s the small details, like personalized lighting control and a clutter-free desk, that contribute to a more comfortable and productive work environment. These subtle yet impactful improvements, combined with the inherent benefits of remote work – no commute, no dress code, and the freedom to enjoy a home-cooked lunch – elevate the overall experience and reaffirm the joys of working from home. The ScreenBar is more than just a lamp; it’s a symbol of the considered design choices that transform a functional workspace into a personalized and enjoyable environment.
