Last Updated on December 4, 2019 by Christopher G Mendla
I like to work with my laptop in one of the quiet corners of the house. Unfortunately, the lighting isn’t so great there.
I bought one of those USB Gooseneck LED lamp. It works great and once you get it positioned properly.
HOWEVER…. I started thinking about the stresses on the USB port. You have some definite weight at the end of about 8 or 10 inches. Every time you move or jiggle the notebook, you essentially have a lever effect exerting stress on the usb port. Physics isn’t my strong point and I’m not about to work out the stress factors. I just get a queasy Nostradomas like feeling of impending doom.
The solution turned out to be pretty simple. I have a usb extension cord with a base for my sierra wireless aircard. The USB cord plugs into the laptop, and since it is totally flexible, it produces zero stress on the port. I’m going to upgrade my Targus Chill mat to a Chill Hub. Once I get around to doing that, then I can plug the light into my Chill Hub. If the light stresses the USB connection and breaks it, I’m only out 40 bucks, not 900.