Pictures.

©2005 Imago Media LLC.

Description.

The Pal e-Lite series of products are a unique set of flashlights that are powered by a single snap on 9V Battery. The e-Lite is a multi-purpose product that can be useful in a number of domains ranging from pocket to briefcase and all the way to camping, workshop and survival applications. These lights have a very tactile feel and are distinct from the vast majority of lights that happen to be cylindrical in shape. The E-Lite functionality is also specific in that it provides a number of modes that are specifically geared to the outdoor adventurer while being mindful of energy conservation.
The accessory range of the Pal e-Lite is also fairly wide and includes a lanyard, magnetic collar, diffusion cones and a belt holster. What sets the Pal Lite apart from the garden variety general purpose flashlight is the range of options that include not only circuitry functions but that also offer special purpose LED emitters (availability subject to change)
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Evaluation Results & Conclusions...

Ease of Use

Excellent . Requires very little learning if any. Highly intuitive functional model. press the highly tactile round button once for High, a second time for Low, a third time for flashing and a fourth time for SOS.With a battery plugged in the light will emit a small but perceptible amount of light. enough in fact to make the E-Lite noticeable and findable in the dark. This stand bye or 'find me' mode continues for 2 years if the light is not used. End-uses are limited only by one's imagination. Tactile feedback gives the user a sense of control over the light when turning it On & Off. A handy folding lanyard ring allows for lanyard carry or attachment to other tethers- or even a keychain. Battery replacement is a bit cumbersome- requiring the removal of a rather tricky spring steel band from around the body, before the two rubber halves can be separated to reveal the battery, married to the head of the light.
4.5 points
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Task performance optimization

Excellent . The Pal e-Lite successfully accomplishes the task of making a findable and versatile pocket light available to its owner. . We liked it best for it's overall design and performance. At tasks such as pocking around inside tool boxes, purses or for locating keyholes or searching for object s or tracing pathways at close range the Pal e-Lite shines admirably.
5 points
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Durability

Comprehensive torture tests have not been done, but the build quality is excellent for its price-point and intended purpose- general pocketable illumination. The fit and finish are satisfactory. Replacement frequency will depend on variables such as frequency of dismantling / re-assembly, roughness of use, exposure to physical abuse as well as other unpredictable factors.We wouldn't venture to predict how well the Pal e-Lite would survive a deep dunking in water, but it would survive general splashing or a downpour very nicely. Based on trial use for two months we have provisionally given this product a durability rating of:
4.5 points
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Adaptability

Within the narrow functional constraint of a 9V light, the Pal e-Lite is a suitable problem solver for a numerous end-uses. At the time of this evaluation we tested the red and white cones as well as the lanyard. The white cone was especially handy in spreading the otherwise spot focused beam into an omni-directional pattern that was very useful in a camping situation both inside a tent as well as around the campsite.
5 points
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Pros > 1)Highly context flexible 2) Excellent ergonomics and usability 3) Uses common 9V batteries 4)Minimalist styling/aesthetics 5)Intuitive to use and easy to learn 6)Long run times per set of batteries 7) Long life LEDs never need replacement 8)Limited lifetime warranty
Improvements > 1)Not submersible 2)Deserves to be offered with a Yellow or Amber/Yellow LED 3) Battery changes are slower than the average.

4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended

Footnotes:
All Photographs © 2004 - Imago Media