GE's Bright Idea is a Halogen/CFL Hybrid Bulb

[Sabre]

Engadget Article

We're pretty okay with waiting the second or so it takes a typical CFL to light up, but sometimes, when we're checking for monsters in closets and other inconspicuous places, it'd be nice if things were a little more expedient. For those times (and for generally impatient people) GE is introducing its Hybrid Halogen-CFL bulb. It's basically a typical CFL unit, but look closely inside those coils and you'll spot a wee halogen bulb peeking out. It's like two bulbs in one, the halogen unit powering on almost instantaneously then fading off once the CFL element gets itself all riled up. We're wondering how well the output from the two elements match, whether you'd be able to notice the transition, but we're even more curious about the cost. GE says we'll have to wait a few months to learn that bit of info, and the same holds true if you're looking for a release date more specific than "2011." Hopefully it isn't too late in the year, as LED bulbs are getting cheaper by the minute.

Honestly, other than the color of the light put off from CFL's, I like that they come on "slow" At night, it's nice not to have them come instantly on as it hurts my eyes. I'm very interested in LED bulbs when they hit the mainstream (aka, cheap enough that I'll buy then, haha).

[complacent]

i absolutely agree.

[zaxrex]

Just don't expect any affordable recessed lighting solutions with LED.