Rechargeable batteries aren't anything new. We've all heard of them and have probably used them in the past — which is the main problem. The first generation of rechargeable batteries were what Charles Barkley might call "turrible!" They didn't offer much in terms of capacity, had to be charged before use, and required different battery chargers for each individual size.
Luckily, improvements in battery technology have changed all that. Products like Sanyo's Eneloop batteries have rave reviews and turn those who swore off rechargeables long ago into believers. The batteries arrive pre-charged (ready to use) and hold up to 75% of their capacity after 3 years due to the low-discharge Ni-MH materials.
They even come in new high-capacity (2500mAh) styles (like the XX series) that'll cut down on time between recharges for high power consumption devices like our digital cameras, wireless Bluetooth keyboards, and mice. One of the best features of the Eneloops, though, is that they only require one charger. The charger adapter is designed to fit AA and AAA batteries, and can be cleverly transformed to fit C or D batteries with a shell adapter.
The startup cost can be a little high if you have a lot of battery needs, but you can start with a small pack and then add to your supply a little bit at a time. Isn't it about time we invested in these to cut down the waste of single-use batteries?
MORE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Eneloop vs. PowerGenix Batteries
• Rechargeable Batteries That are Ready When You Are
• Rechargeable Batteries by USBCell
(Images: Chris Perez)
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I have to say, I use these, and I LOVE them. I cannot be more pleased with them. In fact, I have had them almost 3 years and haven't noticed any loss of life. Thanks for highlighting this great product!
When I upgraded my mouse last year from the Logitech Revolution to the Logitech Performance MX, I was pleasently surprised to find that its built in rechargable battery is just a single Eneloop.
Rechargeables only make sense for high draining devices. Mouse and keyboards would be good choice, but clocks, radios and TV remotes would not.
I still have some eneloop from 5 years ago, for my Wii remote. They are about half the capacity now. I also use Duracell rechargeables, and they seem to hold a little more charge after 5 years.
I'm a photographer and use Eneloops every day in my flashes (Canon580EXII) for work. I have been using small flashes for a few years now and Eneloop is far and away the best option. I have been using them for 2 years and they are totally solid with daily use.
Duracall were my first experience with rechargeables about 3 years ago and now they barely hold a charge unless they're charged immediately before use. I also use a Maha eight battery charger to charge 2 sets of 4 at a time. They're a perfect match!
Ditto MikefromNJ - they are awesome for flash use. The regular batteries would be dead in 45-60 minutes and the Eneloops just go for hours.
After that experience I also had a ton ordered for work - since all of the keyboards and mice are wireless - so we could stop going through a case of batteries a month. It's been working out really well.
I use these for all of my battery needs (including TV remotes). The only thing I don't use them for are flashlights because they tend to heat up. I also don't bother with the C/D adapters...I tried using the D adapters once and the batteries lasted an hour or so. If you have something that needs that many batteries, bite the bullet and get regular alkalines.
Re: Eneloops vs. Duracells - for a while the Duracells were rebranded Eneloops....same battery, made in the same factory in Japan. Now I think the Duracells are made in China, but you can occasionally find some of the rebranded Eneloops...they will be Duracell rechargeables with white tops.
This does sound like a money saver... for... various... purposes. Thanks AT!
Ha, I had the same thought as Rashkolnikov...
I use Eneloops in my Apple wireless keyboard and mighty mouse. They last forever and cost a lot less than all of the replacement batteries I would have needed. I also used them in my digital camera until I switched from my old point and shoot to the Iphone 4S