goLITE Fights the Coming Winter Blues

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that the amount of light a person is subject to has an effect on one’s daily mood. Furthermore, severe underexposure to light leads to things like winter blues and cabin fever. To deal with the problem you can always point a 500 watt halogen lamp at your face and blind yourself to everything else. That’s how the previous generations of light boxes were designed: too much too bright.
Philips has just released its state of the art (and science) goLITE device, which your humble editor got a chance to try out for the last few days. The scenario for review turned out to be perfect: as our days in the Northern Hemisphere are getting progressively shorter, I had to also adjust from some recent travels and from standard daylight time coming into effect.
The goLITE sits beautifully on the desk, somewhat resembling Apple’s iPod aesthetics. When the device is turned on, it emanates a rather pleasant blue colored light. Apparently, the body responds best to certain wavelengths of light, and the unit uses the optimal frequency blue LEDs to deliver the most positive effect on the body. The light is certainly not weak, but I am comfortably writing this on my laptop while the unit is right next to the screen. There is a bit of a visual imprint that stays when I glance away, but it is considerably less intense than after staring at an incandescent 100 watt bulb.
In terms of features there is a back lit touch screen which can be used to adjust light intensity, set a timer or an alarm clock, and during off time you’ve got a desktop clock. The goLITE is held up by a nifty magnetic stand that hangs on the back when being transported, and considering its simplicity it’s somewhat surprising we haven’t seen this design before.
In terms of effectiveness, there’s definitely a certain uplifting feeling, somewhat like that first hour in the sun on a winter vacation in the Caribbean. Not to equate the two in any way, but indeed there’s something about it that I believe I sense.
So, if you were disappointed with the previous generation of light panels, you will probably like the moderate blue light coming out of this one. And considering its looks, it will make a pleasant addition to your work table.
Press release: Philips introduces new, advanced light therapy device to offer quick relief from winter blues
Product page: Philips goLITE