"Would I pay $50 for a lightbulb?" Sure, if the return on investment is worth it. I have no problem paying the money upfront to lover the overall costs that I pay. The biggest isue I see with it is that the energy savings aren't really that much different than CFL. Sure, it looks better, and it'll last a lifetime, but is it worth it when CFLs are ~$2-3? I'm not so sure on that part. We've already got mostof our lights switched over to CFLs, and so there wouldn't be much/any savings in our electric bill. Maybe if/when they come down in price we'll slowly switch bulbs over as they burn out.
What I'm really interested in is permanent light fixtures with these... I mean, who needs a screw-in bulb if the LED portion is going to last far longer than you'd ever want to keep the light? So manufacturers should just hardwire the LED into the fixture. It would cut costs, cut complexity and allow for better construction (instead of having to deal with a 4" oblong "bulb". Will be interesting to see.
What I'm really interested in is permanent light fixtures with these... I mean, who needs a screw-in bulb if the LED portion is going to last far longer than you'd ever want to keep the light? So manufacturers should just hardwire the LED into the fixture. It would cut costs, cut complexity and allow for better construction (instead of having to deal with a 4" oblong "bulb". Will be interesting to see.