I hate fluorescent bulbs. The light they cast is hard on the eyes and does nothing for the mood of a room. Perhaps these new bulbs are better, but after spending years at a desk under flourescents I can't bring myself to try them.
I tried a CFL light about 10 years ago and did not like it for this very reason. After that I avoided using the CFLs for a long time. However, a few months ago I saw some on sale for a very good price so I thought I would give them another shot. I was not at all disappointed! Over the years the quality of the light has improved dramatically and now I use them in most of my light fixtures.
There are a few bulbs I have not replaced... they are the soft yellow and dimming lights that produce that pleasant orange-yellow color that is perfect for relaxing in the evening with a nice book. I don't think I'll ever be willing to give that up.
Something that is coming that will replace the CFL lights are the LED lights. I'm sure most Americans have already noticed them in the stop lights at street intersections... the old lights were slowly replaced ofer the last 10 years or so. The LEDs are still being perfected, but they are very close to being ready for general use. The two main advantages of LED lights is that they do not get hot and are almost 100% efficient.