Caith,
I know they (LED bulbs) are expensive. I think he said they sold for around $35.00. I’ve kept the bulb for the future…since it’s not just worth pocket change!
LED bulbs are expensive for two reasons: they’re new technology and they last years longer than halogens. Regular MR16 halogen bulbs with average lifespans of 2000 hours cost about $4. Longer life MR16 (4000 hours) cost about $7. LED lights last tens of thousands of hours (several years!) so manufacturers won’t make as much revenue over the long term. That drives the per-unit price up to support their long-term revenue goals.
FYI, these EcoSmart LED lamps from Home Depot popped right into Margaret’s lamps this morning, and were barely lukewarm after ten minutes being lit. They were easily handled with our bare hands, quite an improvement over the halogens.