Tim-
Per Amazon review:
"Here's my actual review of the product: I love it! I've only had mine for a few weeks, so I can't really rate its longevity. I bought a Luminaid solar light, as well, since it sells for around twenty bucks, and thought I would compare the two. The Luci is much brighter, probably because it is completely transparent, instead of only translucent. The Luci on low is brighter than the Luminaid on high. Even on low power, it is bright enough by which to read. On high power, you can set it on a table (or from the top of your tent) and have several people read by it.
On three consecutive days in April I tested both lights with their batteries completely drained each day. When it charged on a sunny day with the lantern sitting next to a window, it worked on low for about five hours, while the Luminaid on low worked for less than an hour longer. On a sunny day where it sat outside all day, the Luci on low was good for almost ten hours, while the Luminaid was good for just over ten hours (less than a half-hour difference). On a gray, rainy day, sitting inside by the window, the Luminaid lasted less than an hour on low, and the Luci not too much longer.
The worst thing about this light is that it is difficult to inflate. It is like a typical beach ball, where you have to "bite" it, but it's not quite the same position, so it's a little difficult to get used to it, and not real easy for kids. The Luminaid, by contrast, doesn't have anything to bite, so as soon as you stop blowing, air starts coming out. That's a problem, too.
Although I have had no reason to use the flashing signal light, it is a nice option to have. If you need to signal someone, it is bright and noticeable. The Luminaid does not have a flashing light.
Both lights store compactly. It should be fairly easy to attach either one to a backpack and let it charge while you hike during the day. The straps on the Luci, though, which are at each end, seem like they would break easily. You might eventually have to rig up a new way to hang it. The Luminaid, by comparison, has a much sturdier strap.
The other comparison between the two lights is the material. If the Luci gets a hole in it, it should still work fine, since it's rigid enough to hold its shape, I believe. You may have to leave it in the open position, though, instead of trying to deflate it. A piece of tape might solve the problem, but then the tape would be a distracting reflection as the light shines. If poked, the Luminaid would immediately collapse and be even harder to use. Tape might fix it, as well.
I did not submerge either light under water, but they both seem waterproof."
…the perk to the Luminaid is that you can use it as a pillow.
HTH
KJ
