My $16 LED lamp finally arrived from the EBAY seller noted in my OP.
Build Quality
When I got it in my hands, I was impressed with the solidness and quality of the build. It can take a beating, and has great weatherproofing. It's about pocket sized, short than my hand. It's quite stable and has rubberized ends for extra grip and protection. It can sit or be hung from either end.
The power button settings are low, high and off. While off, theres a little green led that flashes to help you find it in the dark.
Illumination Quality:
It has a bright white colour temperature. I really light how it provides useful light in all directions, illuminating an entire space with even light. There is no 'hotspot' in the center of a flashlight or headlamp beam that was designed for throw. Much nicer for working and reading from than a headlamp. It allows you to illuminate a whole area like a tent or table at a dark campsite. It's ideal for several people to share the light and use at once in an area.
When the light is sitting on a table the top reflector prevents the light from shining in your eyes while standing above it to work. However the top can can be removed, and the light suspended from the bottom for a wide floodlight .
Brightness and Runtime: (on 2000mah Nimh at @1.25 volt)
When measuring this light, it becomes really obvious how this light is different than a flashlight, in that it is outputing light in a 360 degrees around the lamp in almost all directions like a sphere. Although a headlamp or flashlight, gives a higher lux reading, they are providing only a narrow 'spot' illumination in comparison.
Low mode:
0.06 A current
- similar brightness to a full sized candle, but in white light, and without flickering or fire hazard.
- gives a constant brightness for 20 hours+ (still going... will update later.)
- does not 'run hot'
- 10 lux at 20 cm. ie for working directly beside lamp or reading paper
I can comfortably read a paper back book sitting beside this.
- 2 lux at 1 meter, equivalent to the brightness of a 'standard' sized candle.
High Mode:
0.40 A current
- 6-8 hours before dimming to low brightness for many hours more.
- useful illumination for a 10 x 25 foot room.
- 10 lux at 1 meter.
- 80 lux at 20 cm. ie. for working directly beside lamp or reading paper
Equivalent brightness to a 80 lux Delight at 1m - but in all directions around the lamp.
- too bright to look directly at!
- does not run hot.
Other notes:
- I've read this design is modable / upgradeable with newer emitters (from CPF).
- I think this is excellent value for the price.
- I will likely buy a few more, I like it so much!