The dev hardware you didn't know you needed: BenQ ScreenBar Pro and Halo reviewed

[@keyboard_g]

I have this one for about a year. I’m constantly between it perfectly highlighting the dust on my screen, or when tilted to not show dusk leak harsh led light directly in my eyes. I haven’t found a comfortable position that I could use long term. It is well made though. I have a 32” BenQ monitor and wish the light could be powered by it rather than another power cord draped behind my desk.

[@benfrainuk]

Take it the Monitor doesn’t have USB ports so you could hide the cable?

[@keyboard_g]

@@benfrainuk it does not, no. It has USB-C input only.

[@trackvegeta8716]

after all your keyboard reviews, do you use the defy permanently?

[@benfrainuk]

No, mostly that and Voyager currently but will be getting the A360 and Glove back out soon. Have a stint on a Svalboard to do next though!

[@BrownehqUk]

got a light bar at the start of covid when i was kitting out my WFH setup. bought it on a bit of a whim along with a bunch of other stuff, but it's really stood the test of time, and it's high up there on the list of kit that i wouldn't like to code without anymore. i'm now envious of your auto on off!

[@benfrainuk]

Brilliant. Maybe you deserve an upgrade 😉

[@seestevecode]

How well do these light the user, for instance during a video call? And how do they integrate with a webcam that sits on top of the monitor?

[@benfrainuk]

Don’t light the user at all, just the desk area. I have my Webcam on a mic arm but you can also use the Webcam adapter from BenQ www.benq.eu/en-uk/lighting/accessory/webcam-accessory.html

[@seestevecode]

@ Thanks for replying on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas.

[@supersnail5000]

A nice alternative to the auto on off of the pro, if you happen to have a monitor/TV supporting it, is to use on of the usb ports on the display to power the light. Many displays only send power to these ports when the display is on, so the light will turn on and off with the display you're using. You'll need a 1.5 Amp port, which often gets labelled as HDD (for connecting a harddrive) on TVs. I personally use an alternative to both of these, as I wanted a wireless controller, but wasn't a fan of the one for the halo. I have found the biggest downside with all of these is mounting a webcam - I've started putting the webcam next to the light bar, then flip the light bar up to use it (which also helps illuminate my face).

[@benfrainuk]

Great idea with the power on the USB 👍 BenQ do something that attaches to the screenbars to help with mounting a Webcam but I have mine on a mic arm so didn’t look further

[@DarthImriel]

I have the ScreenBar Pro and it's great. I didn't think it'd be a big deal, but has been so nice. I have a strip of white USB-powered LEDs on the back of my monitor for the backlight, so the all auto of the Pro appealed since I had no need of the backlight from the Halo. Hope you have a great Holiday Ben 🎄

[@benfrainuk]

Hey great, another happy user. Wished I’d come by them sooner 👍 thanks and all the best 🎄

[@malpern]

Pro added to cart. Thanks.

[@benfrainuk]

👍 love to know how you find it

[@hglbrg]

Once again Ben Frain is convincing me to spend money. :)

[@benfrainuk]

You’re worth it 😁

[@PaulSebastianM]

What monitor is that?

[@benfrainuk]

Dell U4021QW (but the U4025QW is the upgraded 120Hz version 👍)

[@em4me-Dan]

I agree the hands-free BenQ Pro version is the best option to set it and forget it. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays.🎅🎄🎆🎇 Kudos from NYC.🗽

[@benfrainuk]

Merry Christmas to the NYC massive 👋👍