LS3, LS2 and LS1 Questions?

First up, I appologize in advance for my ignorance, but I still consider myself a rookie to CPF.

Anyway, I just read Peter's thread regarding up and coming release dates for new Arc releases.

I was somewhat confused on the differences between the LS1, LS2 and LS3.

Obviously the LS3 running off a 5W emmitter will be significantly brighter than previous LS models, but what's the difference between a high dome and low dome LS2 and LS1?

Also, any idea what the LS3 runtime will be with such a large wattage draw?

I recently purchased a AAA as an experiment to see the fit and quality of the Arc lights and was really really impressed. Now I would like to pick up an LS but I'm not sure if I should get one now, wait for one of these new models to come out or what. I would love to get them all, but at $100, $125, $150 and $220+ I'm not sure if I can afford them all. What do you guys think?

Hopefully this helps:



Low dome (batwing) LS (old version) has a different radiation pattern than the new high dome LS. High domes are also suppose to be a bit closer to "white" than low domes.

Here is a comparison shot between a low dome, high dome & 5 watt LS:



More info and pictures here & here.