I currently have a wood burning fireplace in my basement but want to switch it over to something less messy and a bit more convenient. While looking around I noticed 2 options; gas and electric. Any advice on which is the better option with respect to:
Heating (would still like to get the benefit of the heat in the winter months)
Cost (one time and on-going (yearly electricity costs vs gas costs))
Safety (have 2 children under 3 years of age)
Maintenance
Lifespan

Here's a site that has some information on Gas vs. Heat:

Gas vs. Electric vs. Wood-burning Fireplaces (http://www.homeimprovementtouch.com/Plumbing/fireplaces.html)

Info on just Gas fireplaces:

Fireplace Lowdown: Gas Fireplaces (http://sicarius.typepad.com/fireplace_lowdown/gas_fireplaces/index.html)

Info on just electric fireplaces:

Electric Fireplace Heater Information and FAQ (http://www.air-n-water.com/Electric-Fireplace-FAQ.htm)

Electric fireplace is the answer to all your needs. However, there are several types of electric fireplaces so you better choose the right one.

Take this infrared electric fireplace (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYDH6BLmPg&feature=plcp&context=C3fc74e6UDOEgsToPDskIAeFByr70N4uzibJTUFFp9 ) as an example,
Heating - becomes more powerful with its new technology
Cost - yes, electric are efficient as time goes on and you don't have to spend for maintenance
Safety - just as the example, modern fireplaces have doors and cover that are save to the touch
Maintenance - you don't have to like most electric appliances
Lifespan - they are controlled automatically and remote controlled so it can avoid wear and tear on use