I found this tip on a sewing bulletin board. It also seems like a good tip for those who cannot afford a genuine Ott-light lamp to illuminate their computer work station at home. Although Ott-light lamps do not seem to come as “goose neck” types, a similar Ott desktop lamp would cost $100 upwards.

The writer said that one can purchase a table top lamp with a flexible neck (goose neck) lamp that accomodates a standard size incandescent light bulb for $1 to $15 at thrift or discount stores. Instead of the incandescent bulb, she purchased an “Energy Saver” compact fluorescent “day-light” bulb for $7 that puts put out the equivalent light of a 75 to 100 watt incandescent bulb. The actual wattage ratings on these fluorescent bulbs is less than 1/3 of the equivalent incandescent bulb, therefore the “Energy Saver” fluorescent bulbs use less electricity and generate much less heat and last far longer.

The quality of light from the “day light” compact fluorescent bulb is very close to neutral and with the flexible neck on the fixture, it can be pointed to where light is needed. Choose a compact fluorescent bulb that is marked “daylight”, as regular compact fluorescent bulbs give off a blue or yellow cast that is not as natural as the neutral “daylight” bulbs.

Therefore, it is possible for under $10 total cost, to create your own mock “Ott-lite”.