Plenty of people have been talking about GE's new energy-saving LED light bulb. Part of the buzz around the bulbs is the finger-like device that helps evenly disperse the light to make them as warm and home-friendly as incandescent light bulbs. Some say this is the future of lighting.

Another part of the bulb buzz is around the proposed $40 - $50 price tag each light bulb will boast. Many consumers are up in arms about the expense. The high price prompted a respondent at Gear Live to ask, "Did you think the future would be cheap?"

Nonetheless, investment in this technology could pay off.

The super-efficient, nine-watt bulbs consume very little energy. They'll offer consumers major cost savings in electricity bills, while still providing the same amount of light as a 40-watt traditional bulb.

Additionally, the bulbs last for an estimated 17 years. Consumers can ask themselves how much they spend on light bulbs - particularly bulb replacements - over the course of nearly two decades. Does $40 still sound unreasonable?

If these pay-offs are not enough, consumers might be assured that the price is likely come down.

Industry leaders are committed to reducing the cost of LEDs to help make them a mainstream lighting solution. Osram Sylvania hopes to have the cost of LED bulbs down to just $10 in time for the 2012 incandescent ban.