Lighting the way

/. has an interesting discussion on CF blubs. They use less energy to make and use, and last considerably longer, so obviously they are worth it. Here's a quote:

I use Philips and Osram lamps. Never used cheap lamps. I also use "color 84" lamps, 83 is the regular "warm white" while 86 is the "daylight" bluish regular lamp. 84 is something in between, IIRC it was also called "natural" color. Is not as yellow as the warm whites.

Another interesting quote:

Interestingly, Mythbusters checked this out just a few weeks ago, and their methodology seemed pretty sensible. IIRC, their conclusion was that the start-up current spike for a CFL bulb was equal to about .25 sec. of running time.

Many CF blubs appear to have a problem with high humidity, like in bathrooms. Someone in that thread claims that it's the reason natural (or daylight) CF bulbs (from places like 1000bulbs.com or www.imagineenergy.net) look better is because cheap CF bulbs put out lots of green light, and the "warm" ones put out yellow light. He suggests finding high-temperature (CCT) "Daylight" fluorescents(5000K) . Someone else points out there are 6500K bulbs available - but most people are going to consider them too harsh.

A good compromise appears to be 3500 to 4000K, S/P: 1.65, and ideally a CRI greater than 85. Looks like a common part numbering scheme is 930 or 950, where the 9 means 90% and the 30 or 50 is temperature.

Sylvania

Lastly, someone provides an analysis on the current state of LED bulbs (result: less efficient and more costly).