Some LED lighting questions.

I’ve been trying to use LED lights to replace incandescents in my home. I like them better than CFL’s for a couple reasons, no mercury, slightly better appearance both the physical “bulb” and lighting itself, and lately, they’re cheaper as well.

However, I’ve found that the “best” uses for me are unsuitable for most standard LED bulbs – areas that are difficult or annoying to access, like enclosed ceiling fixtures, or outdoors.

I’ve also read that most of them aren’t as long lasting if “base-up” due to the way the heat is distributed.

I like the fact you can get “daylight” and other higher-Kelvin colors, which I think works better in some outdoor, bathroom, and kitchen applications, but most of my fixtures in those areas are unsuitable (base-up bathroom vanities and enclosed fixtures).

What are some good brands/lines that are good for outdoor AND enclosed useage, and or indoor, enclosed and/or base-up usage? I know they do sell “flood” and “spot” type bulbs, I assume these are OK to install “base-up?”