The ScreenBar isn't exactly a new concept, as BenQ has been offering this product range since 2017. In fact, we had the opportunity to test previous models. But with each new version, the manufacturer makes things a little better, and this is once again the case with this new version: the BenQ ScreenBar Pro. This little marvel of technology is much more than just a desk lamp. It's your new best friend for long working sessions in front of the screen!
Just imagine: there you are, in front of your computer, eyes tired after hours of hard work. And bam! With a simple gesture, you switch on your BenQ ScreenBar Pro and it's as if the sun rises on your desk. But not just like that! This lamp is so smart that it perfectly illuminates your workspace without creating the slightest reflection on your screen. It's magic, isn't it? Let's find out more…
Unpacking the BenQ ScreenBar Pro
The BenQ ScreenBar Pro comes in recycled, recyclable cardboard packaging. The manufacturer is increasingly mindful of its ecological impact, eliminating all unnecessary plastic components.
Inside, we simply find the 50cm-wide lamp, along with its power supply and instructions for use.
All controls are available on the top of the lamp, for switching it on, adjusting its brightness, but also its heat. A personalized profile can even be saved as a favorite (“heart” button) and applied with a simple press. How convenient!
Forget bulky lamps that take up half your desk. The ScreenBar Pro is designed to attach directly to the top of your screen, like a small, ultra-discreet light bar.
The patented clamp system has been redesigned for easy installation on any type of screen, flat or curved. The lamp is therefore compatible with most monitors, even the thinnest (between 0.43 and 6.5 cm thick) and curved screens (curvature from 1000 to 1800R).
But that's not all! The BenQ ScreenBar Pro is equipped with an ultrasonic motion detector, which is the main new feature of this model. What's that supposed to mean? Well, imagine you're sitting at your desk. Hop, the lamp turns itself on! With a sensor positioned 50 cm above the desk, it detects movement within a 60±10 cm radius in front of the screen, avoiding untimely activation caused by people passing by.
And when you go for a coffee break, it switches off automatically after 5 minutes.
The BenQ ScreenBar Pro comes with its own power supply, but can also be plugged into any Usb-C port for power.
Eye-popping lighting performance
Let's talk a little about technology. The BenQ ScreenBar Pro is like a little sunshine for your desk. It offers ultra-wide illumination, with a central brightness of over 1000 lux. To give you an idea, that's the equivalent of a sunny day in the shade. Not bad, eh?
The BenQ ScreenBar Pro uses 3rd-generation ASYM-Light technology: advanced asymmetrical optics prevent screen reflection and direct glare to reduce eyestrain.
But what's really great is that you can adjust this brightness to suit your needs. With 16 brightness levels and 8 different color temperatures, you can create the perfect lighting ambience for every moment of the day. Would you like a warm, subdued light for a relaxing reading session? Or a bright, cool light to boost your concentration? The choice is yours!
And for those of you who are perfectionists when it comes to settings, the ScreenBar Pro is certified for color fidelity, with an Rf rating of over 96. Basically, this means that the colors you see under this lamp are ultra-close to reality. It's a dream come true for graphic designers, photographers or anyone who just likes everything to be perfect!
After testing the BenQ ScreenBar Pro for several weeks, I can tell you one thing: it's hard to live without! This lamp has really transformed the way I work. No more headaches after hours in front of the screen. No more tired eyes squinting to read poorly lit documents. The quality of the light makes all the difference. It's soft, uniform and creates no annoying reflections on the screen. It's a real comfort for the eyes, especially during long work sessions.
For my part, I've been convinced of the benefits since my very first model 4 years ago. You can indeed find much cheaper models, like on Aliexpress. I've even seen some in Action stores. But the quality of the lighting is nothing like it. It really isn't.
What I particularly like is the automatic brightness adjustment function. The lamp constantly adapts to the ambient light, which is super handy when you're working near a window like me (large bay window). No more fiddling with settings every five minutes!
And the automatic presence detection is a handy little addition. Sure, you can do without it, but having the light come on automatically when you sit down at your desk is a nice touch. And for a home automation fan like me, it's a welcome bonus :p
Personally, I use it 90% automatically: switching on and adjusting brightness. I only touch it very rarely, when I need a nice white light to make an electronic assembly on my desk for example (programmed as a favorite to find this state with a simple click). But when I'm working on the computer, I let the lamp take care of itself, and it does just fine.
Conclusion
The BenQ ScreenBar Pro is much more than just a desk lamp. It's a real productivity tool that enhances your working comfort and cares for your eyes. Its elegant, unobtrusive design makes it the perfect accessory for all types of office, from the most minimalist to the most high-tech.
So yes, its price may seem a little high at first (expect to pay around €139 on Amazon). But when you consider the comfort it brings to everyday life and the quality of its manufacture, you'll think it's an investment well worth making. And, as they say, the health of our eyes is priceless!
In short, if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer (and let's face it, who doesn't these days?), the BenQ ScreenBar Pro could well become your best ally. Not only will it brighten up your desktop, it will also brighten up your working day. And that's priceless!
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