I too wonder how much longer you can run a bulb using an electronic ballast... Everything I've ever read and everyone I've talked to with electronics still change their bulbs out in the 6 months (20K bulbs) to year time frame, same as I do with my core/coil.  But you should get more life using electronics.  Electronics are really getting cheaper too.  But I like my core/coil and will probably... maybe... possibly  not change.

I was recently talked into buying an electronic for my halides, and it was about doublt to triple the cost.  But you know what, I love that ballast.  I can't believe how cool it runs.  And for me, that was worth the money, to not have that heat box sitting in my stand. 

So I say get the electronic.

Adam

If the electronic MH ballasts are similar to electronic VHO ballasts then they will produce much less heat, weigh less, and typically take up less space.  Like you pointed out, the electricity cost savings alone wouldn't make it worth it, but together with the other benefits I think they're worth it.  My duel PFO ballast is great but I sure wish it was electronic...

Also, I believe that they will fire both single and double ended bulbs (I may be incorrect on that though).

I ran the numbers and a dual 175W electric setup would save around $0.05/day over a dual 175W Magnetic ballast, but the initial cost is significantly more.  Even buying used it would take around 5 years to make up the difference in electricity.

The real difference is that the electronic ballasts claim to have a longer bulb life,  and this could add up quickly.  Is there any truth to this?  Is the difference in bulb life even noticeable?