Cold cathodes are well known to those who mod their computers.

Thanks! I still have a few lights in the house and outside with incandesent bulbs, because they stay on timers. Nobody tells you CFLs can't run on timers until you smell the burning plastic. Or read the fine print.

I'd considered LED bulbs for the same purpose, but they're still way too expensive.

I'll have to track one of these down and give them a try.

What!!! They have been available for quite some time now in a much higher wattage. I personally have a few 100 watt equivalent bulbs that take only about 26 watts of energy, and mainly 60 watt equivalent for non-intensive lighting uses (hallways and such, at 12 watts each). Although these higher wattage bulbs are not element proof nor voltage variable, they more than do well at giving light at a lower wattage. After all, my hallway does not need variable currents and has not been exposed to any heavy rain any time since I have purchased it. Also, a note for those interested. There is a short delay between when they are switched on and illumination. Its not long but it is just how it works ( I believe that it needs to charge a capacitor quickly, less than a second, but it is not as instantly responsive as a regular incandescent bulb. Additionally, they are more expensive than incandescents, so I suggest buying them in bulk from a Costco or Sam's Club if possible, or shop around before you try them.
Cheers,
Sam

The problem with CCFLs is that they're not very efficient. Where the linked sites mention definite output figures (which I find somewhat implausible for the tinted lamps, if they really are just tinted), they claim only about 40 lumens per watt.

Ordinary fluorescent lamps, in contrast, manage 80 or more lumens per watt. Halogen incandescents are down around 20, maybe 25 for the fancier ones.

but they don't say how "low" they go when they dim! I bought some dimmable CFLs that only dimmed to about 20%. Not good when you have four 65watt equivalents in a room with a big projection TV where you want to dim to like 5% each. So, I had to stick with good ole' incandescents. I guess I'll have to wait for LEDs to come down in price since I don't think CFLs will ever make it that low.

These cold cathode CFL lamps are a different technology than the CFLs that you get at Costco or Sam's, and as such they aren't available in 26 watts. These lamps are completely dimmable unlike regular dimmable CFL lamps. You can also buy them here:

http://www.soslightbulbs.com/Home_Lighting_Super_Long_Life_Cold_Cathod_Light_Bulbs-p-1-c-1703.html

Please do NOT confuse (as Flying Squirrel did) Cold Cathode lighting with ordinary compactl fluorescent lamps... they are a VERY VERY different beast. CCFL does NOT have the turnon delay, ARE dimmable, they DO work with (many?) timers, etc etc. They generate reduced A/C loads and have less mercury than CFLs do. Drop by my Web site for my experiences with Cold Cathode lighting (which now represent more bulbs in my home than incandescent and ordinary fluorescent combined).

It's especially interesting if you have the X-10 home control system, since those wall switches end up giving you what I've come to call "nightlight mode". :-)

I just saw these lamps (Cold Cathode) used on the strip in LAS VEGAS! They are great looking and low power fun.

I'm swapping out my lights at home with these. Dimmable is a definite plus!.

Well it sounds like an option and I like my options we should phase out incandesent light bulbs it would save allot on electricity.