IMHO, the silverstar bulbs are still not as white as the hyperstuff out there, but they will probably last longer.
Also, I think they look better shining through clear lenses, versus the pre98 headlights, because there's less to refract off of.
The Xenarc HID kits are coming down in price, but I don't know if the plastic headlight lense covers on the Contiques will withstand the added heat (because the bulb is closer to the outer plastic).
Matt