[Drammach]

I have read recently that CFLs ( the compact fluorescents) don't last as long as advertised as well..
Personal experience has found that some of them don't have proper "starters" in them and flicker on and off..
They sometimes don't work well with electronic switches..

The real solution lies somewhere else..
Light Emitting Diodes.. (LEDs)

LEDs have only recently started to become even close to economical..
They aren't there yet, but they are getting there..
Another problem has been "white light" LEDs..
Only recently have white LEDs been produced..
Since they are "new" even compared to standard LEDs, they are also,... more expensive..

But this too, will pass..
LEDs are cooler, like CFLs, and very energy efficient..
They will be the lighting for the 21st century..

[AlexW]

“I have read recently that CFLs ( the compact fluorescents) don’t last as long as advertised as well..”

Especially if you live in an area of thunderstorms, or other voltage surges. In my experience, the premature failures eliminated any savings.

CFLs are still the same ancient technology that is well over
70 years old. Only the solid state ballast has made them compact.

I think LED bulbs will be in the future.
I envision matrix structures of diodes, much like modern
integrated circuits. (thousands of LEDs in one bulb.)

[Wonder Warthog]

"The real solution lies somewhere else.. Light Emitting Diodes.. (LEDs)"

The "quality" of light from "white" LED's is even worse than CFL's (much too "blue").

[Peter W. Kessler]

I agree 100%.

My parents bought a bunch of fluorescent lamp bulbs. They started off OK, but dimmed over time. My parents didn’t notice, and they now sit in the dark trying to recoup their investment.

When LED bulbs hit the market, I’ll be in front of the line.

They work great in flashlights. They should work well in lamps.

[Tinian]

I have read recently that CFLs ( the compact fluorescents) don't last as long as advertised as well..

I have personally experienced it, especially in rooms where the lights are turned on and off frequently. In my experience, they're a waste of money. I hope the new LEDs live up to their potential, but until they do, banning incandescent bulbs would be asinine.

[redgolum]

LED’s are also much more durable. Is there a way to get LED screw in lights?

[HiTech RedNeck]

But again, these LED puppies will be churned out in China at non pollution controlled plants. They are made out of arsenic and other wonderful toxic things. Don’t be fooled by RoHS claims, that only has to do with the pollution that is created when they are discarded.

[chasio649]

LEDs are cooler, like CFLs, and very energy efficient..
They will be the lighting for the 21st century.

---

I have one of these for camping and hiking...very bright and fresh batteries will last almost forever...very cool stuff.
http://store.everestgear.com/353973.html