This light bulb lasts 17 years

Yes, that''s right. A light bulb that will last through your offspring's childhood. A bulb that stays on long after the dog dies. A bulb that will last longer than many people own their homes.

GE will debut a 40-watt GE Energy Smart LED bulb this year or in 2011. At $40 to $50, it won't be cheap, but it should last 40 times longer than a general 40-watt incandescent or halogen bulb, the company says.

The LED bulb will consume only 9 watts, save 77% worth of energy and produce almost as much light as a normal incandescent bulb.

"This is a bulb that virtually can light your kid's bedroom desk lamp from birth through high school graduation," said John Strainic, global product general manager for GE.

That's not all. In unrelated news, GE also announced that discount giant Target will install its energy-efficient lighting in refrigerated display cases in 500 stores nationwide, cutting energy use 60% compared with older fluorescent systems.

(Photo from GE Consumer Products/Engadget)