Lightbulbs

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I agree with the other reviewer that the packaging is ridiculously complex, yet the safe way to open the box is by prying open the bottom (rear tab appears to be glued shut, so I used a letter opener to severe it), then with box lying on its back spread the sides apart, then pull up on the base which is attached to the inner flap that restrains the plastic bubble. Finally, pry the plastic bubble (which is glued to the back) free from the cardboard backing, then carefully separate it from the second plastic cradle that resides behind the bulb & inside the first plastic bubble. The last step is best done on a soft surface, like an upholstered couch or a floor carpet, in case the bulb falls out. Phew, that does it! This package is obviously intended to attract attention in store as it is built as a shelf display unit, yet in part it may also serve to protect the bulb. Let's hope that after Philips has garnered enough attention in stores it will change to packaging that is more user friendly!<br /><br />All that aside, the bulb works well & can be dimmed in my standing lamp with a traditional rotary dimmer, which is a great surprise, yet the dimmer must be turned up almost all the way before the bulb energises, then it can be turned down to dim the bulb. In other words, the bulb dims down but does not brighten up. It seems that some excitation threshold must first be achieved to get the bulb to energise, then it can be dimmed. Unfortunately, it cannot dim continuously & shuts off at a certain low level, unlike an incandescent that can dim all the way down until it is practically off. I fear that the nature of LEDs will never permit continuous dimming, this is probably as good as it can ever get, yet perhaps Philips may read this & keep trying! A very good effort, nonetheless.<br /><br />The bulb is not quite bright enough for all purposes. A 100W equivalent is required that can be dimmed down at least as low in lumens as this 60W equivalent version.<br /><br />Finally, be aware that the centre top of the bulb emits no light (that is, with threaded base oriented down), so it isn't necessarily suitable for all light fixtures. Light is only emitted from the sides. At 182g the bulb also weighs six times more than the 30g of a regular incandescent bulb.

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

This can replace all our incandescents. Unlike most LEDs with harsh white light, this can be used in living areas, overhead fixtures and they work well over a bathroom mirror.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(1 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I purchased ten AmbientLED A19 bulbs. I am having great difficulty removing them from the plastic inner package without getting cut. I have box-cutters, scissors, large serrated knives, and a bandsaw. None seem to be able to do the job, because of both the particular plastic material, the box's three-dimensional shape, and the tight fit of the bulb in the package. I always end up prying back sharp shards of plastic. Is there a trick to it? Are the bulbs extremely fragile, so they need far more packaging protection than incandescent bulbs?

How long have you owned it:

A month or less

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.