I've had this for over a year and just love it. Sounds like others have had rather annoying difficulties, but I've had no problems whatsoever. Long battery life and it's worked like a charm. I especially appreciate the very handy hanging hook hidden in the handle.
I don't *want* very bright illumination in camp at night, and I certainly didn't get it with this item.
I bought the lantern for use for a winter camping trip in the Sonora desert; the remote had worked when it first came out of the box, but not once we were actually on-site.
The lantern was rather dimmer than I had expected, and was more use as a night light while climbing into the bags than as any real illumination around camp. (A single candle in a glass, with no reflector, gave a good bit more light.)
I suppose it depends on what one has in mind, but I was underwhelmed.
Can you imagine the feeling of power it gives one to be able to push a button from a distance and have light? Well that's how I feel when I use my Mini lantern's remote control feature. In my tent, in the campground, on the paths, I always know I will have light. Great little lantern.
