[Neil]

I think you will find a big difference in these energy saving lamps. It all depends on the make I think. I have a couple in the hallway down stairs and they strike instantly. I have had ones that are slow to strike as well. I have a very bright one that is almost blue in colour, it is that awful a light we don't use it. They are no good as outside security lights. I had a couple as outside lights a few years ago, they did not like cold weather. They were very dim when it was cold, I don't think they could get up to normal temp so the light output was very poor.

I think they have pro's and con's depending on the application. I personally don't believe in saving electricity to save the planet. It's the 21st century, we should have enough energy to use as we wish without damaging the planet. I blame the oil companies for keeping is the dark ages of burning oil for everything still.