Why do my halogen lamps keep dying?!

[mariahlullaby]

So yesterday my silver halogen desk lamp decides to die. This is the second one of the exact same model we've bought because the last one died too. I really love the lamp but now that it keeps dying after owning it for any length of time (i.e. 5 months) the thing stops working; I had only had it on for about 45 min at the time.

So now I'm stuck typing by the overhead light and I hate it. My eyes are killing me.

Anyone have any good suggestions for a desk lamp? Something modern and sleek, in silver.

 

[bousozoku]

I use Ott-Lite desk and floor lamps for that. The full spectrum lighting works better for me. Most of them don't look fancy but they do have a more stylised line. If you have Michael's or Jo-Ann Etc. stores, you can usually get them at huge discounts.

 

[CanadaRAM]

2 main causes

Touching the bulb with bare skin while installing --- the skin oils (or any other contaminant) burns on the surface of the glass, shortening the life of the bulb.

Excess heat. A poorly designed housing will cook the bulb.

Unfortunately, a lot of the budget goods being cranked out (such as lamps) is poor design -- it's made to sell for cheap, not to last.

Ott-lites are expensive but good

 

[wrc fan]

Why'd you buy a new one, couldn't you just get another bulb? Bulbs for my halogen lamp are even at the market.