David Nebenzahl wrote:

Just a small data point to throw into the ongoing
discussion/argument/fight over CFLs here.

One of the oft-heard complaints about them is that they take a long time
to achieve full brightness. I remember this when I first starting using
CFLs; at that time (ca. 2002), the best/cheapest ones 'round heah' were
the ones Ikea sold (20 watters @ ~ $5). They were basically good bulbs,
and put out lots of good light when warm, but the most annoying thing
about them was the extremely long startup time: they took a full 5
seconds to emit *any* light when first turned on, and then were only
about half brightness.

Anyhow, I just installed a new light fixture for a client, one that uses
a CFL with the bi-pin arrangement, and was surprised the first time I
flipped on the switch that it came on instantly at nearly full
brightness. Unfortunately, I failed to get the brand of bulb (it's one
of the "twisty" types). But it shows that it is indeed possible to make
a CFL that doesn't take an ungodly amount of time to get bright. (Up to
now I've been advising clients not to bother with CFLs in places like
closets where lights are only on for short times.)

--
Found--the gene that causes belief in genetic determinism

I've not noticed CFLs with long startup periods or long warm up periods
in any I've used in the past 5 years or so. I do remember those issues
with the early ones, but all I have purchased in recent years are
probably 250ms startup and start at probably 90% brightness or better.
I do notice that there is a burn in period for the first perhaps 10hr of
use where the color temperature and startup brightness stabilizes. I've
bee using nearly all CFLs except for some infrequently used locations
like closets for 4+ years with no complaints.