The Best Little Light Ever: RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light

[Jason Dunn]

If you're anything like me, you love cool gadgets. But even better than a new cool gadget is one that you can carry with you all the time - because a tool is only useful if you happen to have it on you when you need it! The Sapphire Elite Micro-Light from RoadWired, one of my favourite gear companies, is just such a gadget. In fact, it's so small and useful that I've gone through three of them in under a year - why you might ask? The illuminating truth awaits...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/dunn-jan03-microlight-2.jpg" /> <br /><!> <br /><i>RoadWired has some of the best "geek gear" out there, specializing in bags, pouches, and useful gear for people who love gadgets of all types. I've reviewed several of their products in the past, but their Micro-Lights have always been one of my favourites. It's easy to see why!</i><br /><br /><span><b>Hey Buddy, Got a Light?</b></span> <br />The RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light (hereafter referred to as the Micro-Light) does one thing, and it does it remarkably well: it provides light. I can't tell you how many situations I've found myself in where I thought "You know, if only I had a bit of light". I've used my Pocket PC as a flashlight in a pinch, but without any way of focusing or directing the light, it's not an ideal tool.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/dunn-jan03-microlight-1.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: The Micro-Light has a piercing blue beam</i><br /><br />The Micro-Light is bright. No, wait, let me rephrase that - the Micro-Light is <u>painfully</u> bright. So bright that it could be used to drive away attackers if you were out jogging! :wink: That said, the range is limited - this is, after all, a close-range lighting device, not a long-range spotlight. The light itself is a blue sapphire LED that can easily be seen from far away - and the light it casts for the wielder is unlike a normal flashlight. The light is blue, and has a wide angle - it's good for seeing what's in front of you or underfoot. And although it may look like a laser pointer, it's not - the light is more like a strong glow than a focused beam. They've created a perfect implementation.<br /><br /><span><b>Multiple Modes</b></span> <br />What makes this "elite" version different than the previous ones I've used is the support that has been added for three different modes:<li>Constant mode: the default mode. This turns the light on, and it keeps it on.<br /><li>Alert mode: By holding down the on button for five seconds, this mode puts the light into a repeating flash, perfect for getting attention in an emergency or while night jogging.<br /><li>S.O.S. mode: By pressing the button three times rapidly, the Micro-Light will go a mode where it flashes S.O.S. in Morse code!<span><b>Small, But Long-Lasting Power</b></span> <br />I've never had one of these long enough to use up the power, but according to the RoadWired specs, the included coin-sized battery is good for 30 hours of power and a ten-year shelf life. Not bad! Additional power packs are available from RoadWired for $4.99 US each.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/dunn-jan03-microlight-3.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: The Micro-Light is available in four body colours: black, red, grey, and blue.</i><br /><br />Physically, the Micro-Light is a mere 2.75 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 0.25 inches deep. It weighs in at 0.4 ounces - so light you won't even notice it (and that's part of my problem - see below). The body of the unit is made from a molded chassis with aluminum body panels. I've used these Micro-Lights heavily and haven't had them break on me - if one does happen to fall apart under normal use, the factory will replace it.<br /><br />Other physical features include a spring clip that makes it easy to attach the Micro-Light to a bag, zipper, key chain - or almost anything else.<br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</b></span><br />The only problem with the Micro-Light is the user: me. I find these lights so useful to have that I put them in that little change pocket most jeans have - you know, the one you never use? Now here's the embarrassing part: I've gone through three of these lights in the past year because I consistently forget to take them out of my jeans before washing them, and (you guessed it) the Micro-Light isn't water resistant. I'm sure you could splash some water on one and it would keep working, but a washing machine? No way. The "problem" isn't really a problem per se - the Micro-Light is so light and small you'll forget you even have it on you, and that might result in a triple-play accident like I've had. It would be great to have a water-proof version, but I can't blame the product for my own forgetfulness!<br /><br /><span><b>Where To Buy</b></span> <br />The RoadWired Sapphire Elite Micro-Light can be purchased for $17.95 <a href="http://www.roadwired.com/index.cfm?aid=7">directly from RoadWired</a> (affiliate).<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />The Micro-Light is one of the best all-around gadgets I've ever owned - all three of them. :oops: My night vision has never been very good, so I've found countless uses for a small light that I can always carry with me. It also makes a great gift (who couldn't use a small, carry-anywhere light?) and if you're a corporate-type looking for a useful gift for your clients, RoadWired has an option for <a href="http://www.roadwired.com/index.cfm?ip=Commercial%2Ecfm#Customizing">custom laser-engraving</a> in quantities of five dozen or more. Hey, I wonder if they could fit "Pocket PC Thoughts" on there...

[GoldKey]

I have a light just like this from another company. Bought at target for about $8. Carry it with me for geocaching all the time. I like the fact that the one you have has the three modes and a user replacable battery.

[DrtyBlvd]

Read other users' reviews here:

http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=135

Nice idea for a giveaway Jason? What's the question?? :lol:

[Jason Dunn]

Nice idea for a giveaway Jason? What's the question?? :lol:

Nah...sometimes I like to actually let the vendors SELL their products rather than have me give them away. :lol: This is definitely worth the price - I love the little things in case you couldn't tell... 8)

[disconnected]

I have one of these (or a similar one), but with white light, rather than blue. The first one I bought had the blue light, but I was using it in the car one day to read a plastic fold-out road map, and all of the blue route signs don't show if you're using a blue light.

[RickP in AZ]

Thanks for the review Jason. I have been a longtime Photon II user but have been too lazy to buy new batteries. I love the clip design and flat shape of the Sapphire so I may just have to pick one up... (I still don't get how these LED microlights are so darned pricey considering that I usually have 2 or 3 in use...)

[David27]

I will have to second you on the fact that these lights prove more useful than you would ever think. My wife owned one for a long time till it was lost off her key chain. We never knew what brand it was, so I replaced hers with a Photon Light and bought two more for myself. I think the pressure switch is easier to use on the Elite Micro type light my wife had, but the Photon Light does have versions with both a pressure switch and a fixed off/on switch. Photon lights also have several colors of lights to choose from including UV and Infrared. The Photon Lights are used a lot by ravers and I believe have some military uses; not sure why anyone else would really need non-visible UV and Infrared flashlights. ;-) At any rate my biggest complaint about photon lights, if I really had a complaint is their small size and they are not free.

One other note, I think that some of the photon lights are actually water resistant, so they might survive the wash.

Any rate here is the web site for www.photonlight.com. I am not trying to sell them over the Elite Micro. They are both great keychain lights and a very useful tools.

Thanks…

[dim_watt]

The Photon Micro-Light (www.photonlight.com) is another good one; tiny enough to keep on your keyring but incredibly bright, about $20.

[Jason Dunn]

Any rate here is the web site for www.photonlight.com. I am not trying to sell them over the Elite Micro. They are both great keychain lights and a very useful tools.

I've used the Photon lights before, and for me at least, I didn't like the fact that the bulb was exposed on their normal units, and I'm not too fond of the design (the RoadWired units are stylish - I find these a wee bit chunky). Just my personal opinion though. :-)

[RickP in AZ]

Jason, second your opinion on the design of the Photons. Originally I passed on the Sapphire as the previous design did not have a continuous-ON function, i.e. the light would only light when you actively pressed the switch. Now that that issue has been addressed I'm all for it.

[pocketpcdude1024]

Nice idea for a giveaway Jason? What's the question?? :lol:

Nah...sometimes I like to actually let the vendors SELL their products rather than have me give them away. :lol: This is definitely worth the price - I love the little things in case you couldn't tell... 8)

Now, if this isn't a giveaway, then what is it? Some sort of new advertising where they pay you to give glowing reviews of their products? :wink:

[Jason Dunn]

Some sort of new advertising where they pay you to give glowing reviews of their products? :wink:

Nope. I genuinely love the product and the positive review reflects that. Is that hard to believe? :D

[pocketpcdude1024]

Some sort of new advertising where they pay you to give glowing reviews of their products? :wink:

Nope. I genuinely love the product and the positive review reflects that. Is that hard to believe? :D

Nope. In fact, I'm glad that this is genuine interest in a product, not some sort of maketing scam. Of course, our Jason wouldn't ever stoop that low. :wink:

Another comment: why are these lights so expensive at $18 a pop? I bought one of those big Mag flashlights about 5 years ago for that price, and I have never forgotten it in my jeans' pocket. (Not to mention the fact that it takes 3 D batteries so it's a little big to put in my pocket in the first place! :wink:)

[msprague]

<img src=http://michael.sprague.name/pocketpc/mid_manager.jpg align=right>I just had to chime in here with what I have found to be my personal pick for pocket lighting. I keep the Victorinox Midnight Manager on my keychain. It has a bright red LED, pressurized ballpoint pen, and other handy tools. Even if I leave my Pocket PC at home :? I can jot notes down in the dark with this.

[kennyg]

Any rate here is the web site for www.photonlight.com. I am not trying to sell them over the Elite Micro. They are both great keychain lights and a very useful tools.

I've used the Photon lights before, and for me at least, I didn't like the fact that the bulb was exposed on their normal units, and I'm not too fond of the design (the RoadWired units are stylish - I find these a wee bit chunky). Just my personal opinion though. :-)

They have a model with a cover over the light, and it's much smaller than the Elite Micro, almost 3 inches? I can get a flashlight smaller...

[dorelse]

Hey look! Palm Zire 'Frontlighting'!!!

Just include a white one as a 'Bonus' keychain, and you've solved the no backlight problem!

[cludwig]

These guys (http://www.botachtactical.com/micolights.html)* have a great selection. I personally have the Streamlight "Cuff Mate". It's got white light and a built-in handcuff key. You never know when you're going to need one of those. :wink:

Also, the cuff stop-pin is just the right size to soft-reset my XDA in those case where I really need to do a soft reset but have misplaced the stylus.

*(Not affiliated, just a satisfied customer).

[alex22]

:D
Just ordered two copies a second ago. :D

Thanks to Jason.

[kinged]

I don't think a pocketpc user would even need this. I have 3970 with transreflective screen. I use my ipaq as flashlight sometimes. It works very well. Why carry another gadget when you are already carrying a ipaq!

[Janak Parekh]

Why carry another gadget when you are already carrying a ipaq!
I agree that the iPaqs are great flashlights, but when you need to look inside a deep part of your PC, you'd rather not use a delicate unit like your Pocket PC. My LED light is indispensable for things like crawling under my desk.

--janak

[alex22]

Why carry another gadget when you are already carrying a ipaq!
I agree that the iPaqs are great flashlights, but when you need to look inside a deep part of your PC, you'd rather not use a delicate unit like your Pocket PC. My LED light is indispensable for things like crawling under my desk.

--janak


Agree with Janak, when I do night jocking, a little gadget like this one is indispensable. And there are little things that are not convenient when using iPaq as flashlight.

[EuroMartin]

This one is the smallest and brightest white LED that I have found.
I simply love it and it has a permanent place on my keyring.

http://www.botachtactical.com/printecpul.html

Regards
/Martin

[felixdd]

In Hong Kong they sell similar key-chains for $10 a pop. $10 -- HKD. Great gift ideas and really cheap too.

Unfortunately, the one I had decided to unscrew itself from the battery cap (where it also attachs to the key) -- so by the time I got him the flashlight has disintegrated into bits and pieces that fell out of my pocket. :cry: But man that thing was bright! AND it's white LED too! 8O

[Saaby]

Hey everyone! IF there was a thread made for me, it's this one :D you see...I'm an admin over at a little place I call Candle Power Forums (http://www.candlepowerforums.com). It's a forum for, well, light freaks.


While the ASP Sapphire is a fine little light there are far better LED lights out there. There is a the Photon line:
Photon I-Momentary on. That is, as long as you squeeze it, it's on
Photon II-Momentary on with a switch so it stay's on--unfortunatly the switch is designed poorly and the Photon II is not entirely waterproof then there's my favorite in the Photon line, the
Photon III-Microprocessor controlled light. 2 buttons--one in momentary on, the other turns the light onto one of it's 7 modes (3 brightness, 3 flash, "Auto off)

Now, while all of these make fine keychain lights I own none of them :p so what small light do I EDC? (Several...) The Arc AAA (http://www.arcflashlight.com) of course! The AAA is an amazing little light. Its a tiny little light that takes an ordinary AAA battery and has a tiny step up curcut in the head that steps up the voltage from the AAA to a level that can sufficiently drive the LED. It's also partially regulated which means that it'll be about as bright on a totally dead battery as it is on a fresh one. Not to mention Arc's unsurpassed 10 year warranty. I actaully know the owner of the company and he's a supurb guy.

Anybody carry a Mag Solitare keychain light? Well it's picture time...


My (Old, no longer carried) Mag Solitare:
http://home.attbi.com/~saaby/y.gif

Now, the Arc AAA:
http://home.attbi.com/~saaby/x.gif

Now the 2 together. The AAA is smaller and puts out whiter, brigher light...
http://home.attbi.com/~saaby/z.gif

Heh heh, sorry about the loooooong post but, well, Pocket PCs are nice (I'm waiting to get an Axim from school and have mostly just been lurking around here) but flashlights are my main hobby :roll:


**EDIT**
Someone had commented they didn't like the Photon due to the "Exposed bulb" well...
A) They now have a "Covert model" where the "bulb" is showded
but more importantly
B) I realize you probably know this but the "Bulb" is not a bulb at all but a LED. The LED is a tiny emitter with tons of epoxy on top. All that is exposed is a bit of the epoxy. You won't break it I swear, and even if you DO break the epoxy the light will still, well, light--it will just put out a less focused beam. Some people sand down the epoxy on purpose to get this effect.

[ctmagnus]

I've had the original version of this for a couple of years and it's nifty. It's not from Roadwired though; I think it may have come from Eddie Bauer.

[RickP in AZ]

I was wondering when Saaby's newly revealed knowledge of LEDs would surfacein this thread...

And all I can say is...... Man that Arc-AAA is super-cool!

[bbarker]

Jason, I have the same basic light as you and it looks identical. I think it's the same brand, but I'm not sure (and I'm too lazy to go look at the warranty). But mine isn't the deluxe model you can get to stay on without holding in the button. I've been carrying it for a couple of years, I think, and it's still going strong with the original battery. I carry it attached to my keychain so it's harder to forget.

Mine has a lifetime warranty that includes batteries and bulbs. Whenever either needs to be replaced I can just send it in and they're supposed to do it free. I've never had to do that.

One observation on the color of the light output: mine is blue like yours, which is fine in many cases. But as somebody mentioned, the blue light is awful for looking at maps and for certain other purposes. White light would be much better for that. And red light would be best for not affecting your night vision. Of course, if you're trying to dazzle an aggressor while jogging at night, you want it to affect his night vision.

[bbarker]

Here is one I haven't tried, but it looks interesting:

http://www.magellans.com/images/product/moreviews/SP145_big.jpg

Eon® Everlasting Flashlight
This powerful, high-tech LED pocket light contains two bright LED bulbs and special circuitry that enables it to shed a bright beam into dark hallways and entries, poorly lit streets, or deep corners of carry-on bags, using very little battery power. The bulbs will never burn out, and the non-replaceable batteries will last up to 10 years with average use (that's eight times longer than most lights!). Available in Red with red light (great for map reading), Black with white light, or Purple with blue light. PLEASE SPECIFY COLOR. (3 3/8 x 2 1/8"; 1 oz)

Available for $19.85 from Magellans, where I bought my Sapphire light (which they don't seem to sell any longer): http://www.magellans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?ruleID=4&iMainCat=0&itemID=2746&iSubCat=0&iProductID=2746&sSearch=light&itemType=PRODUCT

[Saaby]

Here is one I haven't tried, but it looks interesting:

http://www.magellans.com/images/product/moreviews/SP145_big.jpg


Not worth trying...for that price you can get a--you guessed it--Arc AAA. That light does *not* have replaceable batteries. It's disposable. Interesting factoid though, they sold a gold and platnum version of it...they were expensive, in the thousands I believe :eek: 8O

[Terry]

I carry a Photon II on my key ring ... I work in a high rise that illuminates emergency stairwells with a generator (that's right, no battery backup lights)...the Photon might just save my butt if the power ever completely fails...I have a Saphire too, but prefer the smaller size and weight. I also carry a MagLight solitare for under-desk work (but may consider the AAA goodie)...

[st63z]

These guys (http://www.botachtactical.com/micolights.html)* have a great selection. I personally have the Streamlight "Cuff Mate". It's got white light and a built-in handcuff key. You never know when you're going to need one of those. :wink:

Also, the cuff stop-pin is just the right size to soft-reset my XDA in those case where I really need to do a soft reset but have misplaced the stylus.

*(Not affiliated, just a satisfied customer).

Heh, you beat me to it. I've also bought most of the selections on that page ( www.botachtactical.com/micolights.html ), and the ones I like I've bought a lot more (I've also scoured others at various mail-orders) :) Though I've since been told some of these can be had as cheap at local Wal-Mart/Target/etc. And I've seen Inova micro-light at CompUSA too.

Hmm, typing this feels like deja vu.. I seem to remember we've had a similar PPCThoughts thread a few months back?

[st63z]

I'd also searched for the perfect keyring/microlight combo, haven't found one yet.

Bought these, none are perfect:
- www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?sku=SI782WHT
( www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?sku=SI780WHT )

- www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=360545

The Sharper Image is worst, wasted money on 3 units (one broke right away). Though I did like their original keyring-only model...

Brookstone's OK, but not as bright as the stand-alone microlights. I use it but still carry the Photon II anyways :)

[ctmagnus]

I'm waiting to get an Axim from school



Where do you go to school that they give out Axims? :)

[Newsboy]

I recommend and would stand behind the Photon MicroLight. I have the Photon II, and it's been indispensible (how did we live without these things before!?). I was screwing around with the unit and busted one of the LED leads...sent it back and had a replacement unit in a few days, no charge, no questions asked. Great customer service!

The other reason I support Photon is because the money stays in the community where the lights are made, rather than going to major subcontractors and/or the far east. Residents of Blachly Oregon assemble the lights in their homes for a per-unit fee, rather than having a huge "Photon-Light" factory. I don't preach "buy American made", but this is one case where it's worth thinking about.

Read the full article here (http://www.registerguard.com/news/20001022/1g.bz.photonside.1022.html). Excerpt:

"Subcontractors, who range from a 17-year-old single mom to a 70-year-old grandma who lost her leg to diabetes, can earn $10 to $20 an hour, the Allens said.

"With Oregon's minimum wage at $6.50 an hour, how can the Allens afford to pay that much?

""We're in America, and these are technicians," Allen said. "These people are doing a technical skill. We require quality and if you don't pay people, they'll go away.""

[Brian726]

I use the Inova microlight (botachtactical.com has these as well as the sapphires) and have been very pleased with it. Cost less, user replaceable battery, non rusting gold plated contact, both momentary and continuous on, and just an all around great tool. Get one for your girl - she's gonna want to steal it when she sees it!

Brian

[Saaby]

I'm waiting to get an Axim from school



Where do you go to school that they give out Axims? :)


I am enrolled in the Cyprus High School of Technology (http://home.attbi.com/~saaby/sws.htm)

[bbarker]

I am enrolled in the Cyprus High School of Technology (http://home.attbi.com/~saaby/sws.htm)

Hey, I'm a member of the Cyprus High School graduating class of 1973. For some reason we didn't have many personal computer or PDA resources. It was as though the PC hadn't yet been invented.

[Marauder]

I used to have one of the RoadWired Sapphire lights that this story originally talks about. They're pretty cool, but I can't recommend them wholeheartedly. The case is plastic, and the clip mechanism was not very well built. After a couple of months on my keychain, the clip started to break... it was only a couple weeks after that that the entire thing fell apart in my pocket.

I would recommend getting a metal version of the same kind of light (Sharper Image has some nice looking ones). Having a light like it is very useful on a keychain, but it's got to be able to take a beating. Just thought I'd let people know my experience with it.

-Graham

[st63z]

^ I personally want something as small and light as possible, that was a major reason why I hated the new Sharper Image combo (that I linked above). Way too heavy, and too big (too much useless real estate). Not when I already have a lot of other things attached to my keychain.

Plus none of these combos that I've tried are as bright as the leading stand-alone microlights (nowhere near as bright). Worst again is the Sharper Image unit, even w/ dual LEDs. And don't get me started on the stupid battery pop-out mechanism...

Anyways I like some of the lightweight sealed "indestructible" plastic-type (urethane, whatever) casings (plus indestructible bulb) on the stand-alone microlights. A few also waterproof to a degree...

[Ketsugi]

Cool line of products... precisely what I need. Now I have to find someplace to get one of these in Singapore... :\

[Kathy_Harris]

I ordered 2 of the photonlight 3's. One for me :) and one for my son that is somewhat obsessed with flashlights. The 120 hours with the CR2032 is amazing. Plus I get to support Oregonians (we need all we can get!)

[Will T Smith]

Check out

http://www.princetontec.com/entry.html

for some cool lamps. These ones are all waterproof.

The head mounted LEDs are the coolest for pretty much ANY situation where it's dark and you need light. Personally, I walk at night with a tiny three LED unit (powered by 3 AAAs). The cars flash their brights at ME!!!!

[Saaby]

Got time to kill and money to blow?

http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/


Guy recently had a brain tumor so site hasn't been updated much lately but he's getting on his feet agian...