rechargable batteries

[MackemX]

Does anyone know if they are better or worse than normal batteries for the enviroment?

Do you use rechargable batteries at all? Things like clocks, remote controls, toys, walkmans, cordless keyboard/mouse etc. If so what percentage of your gadgets that require batteries are rechargable?

I've used them for years and find them extremely useful

[waheed]

recharchable batteries are not as good as than normal ones, they dont last as long and most importantly, are only rated at 1.2V while the alkaline batteries are 1.5V.


though if you use batteries alot, recharchable batteies is the alternative than buying X number of betteries for replacement.

[rallynavvie]

The extra voltage doesn't matter much for most uses. Like for instance I use NiMH in my FRS radios and it always shows the battery partially discharged even though it was just recharged, however they'll last just as long and the signal will be just as good as regular alkalines. In fact in most everything I've used NiMH batteries in I've never noticed a difference other than sometimes a slightly shorter lifespan (which is fine because I've got tons of spare rechargeables waiting to be used). The only thing I don't use them in is flashlights because there that extra voltage does matter, though I'm phasing out alkalines pretty much everywhere else I use them.

As far as if they're better for the environment I think it's entirely a waste issue. You aren't throwing batteries away (which are a bit bad for the environment) so you're helping that much at least. Whether using power to recharge them makes them better for the environment is probably something some folks would be willing to debate.

[MackemX]

As far as if they're better for the environment I think it's entirely a waste issue. You aren't throwing batteries away (which are a bit bad for the environment) so you're helping that much at least. Whether using power to recharge them makes them better for the environment is probably something some folks would be willing to debate.

that's what I was thinking as it's good in one way but at what cost?

[rallynavvie]

My opinion on that would be that the energy and resources required at the factory to create the alkalines is far more than the energy required to recharge the rechargeables so in the end the rechargeables will be a lot better for the environment.

[Shocker Milwaukee]

I try to buy devices that use AA size, because I've several & can keep them in rotation.

[shelbyGT]

the only thing that I use that takes batteries is my armband radio. I just use the off the shelf kind.

I guess my phone and my iPod use rechargeable... do they count?

[Shocker Milwaukee]

the only thing that I use that takes batteries is my armband radio.

No TV remote? Damn.

BTW - I have a friend who still has a wired VCR remote!

[shelbyGT]

OH CRAP, you got me... LOL! sorry, yeah, those too. I forgot about them, but the batteries on that sucker seem to last for quite some time, so it slipped my mind

[lumis]

have any of you guys ever used those chargers that will charge "one use" batteries?

i've tried to use rechargable batteries, but i can never keep up with them. :P

[Babyboo7189]

A few months ago I bought a battery charger with 4 AA batteries included. I use them for my cd player .

[hoyboy]

Great for my digital camera- keep going and going and going and going.....and then i recharge them!

[MOVIEGEEK]

Yeah NiMH or Li-ion is definatly better for the environment than NiCad or alkaline...not to mention they hold a charge longer and no memory.

[zzyzzx]

I use rechargables for my digital camera, portable CD player, and bike front headlight.

Remote controls and my programmable thermostate get regular batteries.

Rechargable batteries are great for anything that drains them quickly, but suck for things like remote controls because they go after a few weeks anyway.

[Conquest10]

Don't know where all this doesn't last as long talk is coming from. My rechargeables last longer than regular. I started a few months back and have almost completely migrated over. Only ones left are stuff like the controls. Mice, flash, clocks, hair trimmer all run on rechargeables. As well as both cameras, phone, and iPod that have their own proprietary rechargeable battery.

[AlecWest]

Brief question. I've never owned a laptop before and am curious. Given the state of battery technology out there today, how long could I use an average laptop "continuously" before the battery warning lights would tell me to turn it off? For example, if I was to do nothing but type a long document into a word processing program, how long could I type (hours/minutes)?

[Conquest10]

I usually go about 3 and a half hours.


PS that "snide" enough for you?

[AlecWest]

I usually go about 3 and a half hours.

That's what I was afraid of (sigh).

PS that "snide" enough for you?

Not complaining about you. Just making an observation that the thread is beginning to resemble the "smoking" thread closed by mods ... just because most everything that can be said probably has been said.

[rallynavvie]

Brand new batteries in both slots on my old P3 lapper and I can go 7-8 hours doing internet surfing or word processing which is mostly what I use it on battery for. Newer laptops run about the same for battery time.

[AlecWest]

Brand new batteries in both slots on my old P3 lapper and I can go 7-8 hours doing internet surfing or word processing which is mostly what I use it on battery for. Newer laptops run about the same for battery time.

That's more like it. I've been putting off getting one, knowing that (in the past) most laptops turned into doorstops before a cross-country flight ended ... meaning I'd have to haul along more than one battery on such flights. Mayhaps it's time to do a little bit more shopping. Are there certain types of batteries I should be looking for (over other types)?

I'll be flying to Chicago in late August and would like to have a laptop with me when I go.

[MOVIEGEEK]

@AlecWest,
Li-Ion are the best but more expensive.
http://cellphones.about.com/od/wiseconsumerinfo/a/cell_battery.htm

[AlecWest]

@AlecWest,
Li-Ion are the best but more expensive.

[Edit] - Never mind ... the website answered my question. Thanks.

[jackal70058]

Only time I use rechargeble batteries in things that come with them. (Camcorder, portable DVD player, etc...)

Otherwise it is more of a pain in the ass to find dead battery have to wait for charge than go out and buy new battery. And if it dosent work you have to spend more money on expensive rechargeable battery.

[Conquest10]

Otherwise it is more of a pain in the ass to find dead battery have to wait for charge than go out and buy new battery.

15 minutes is a pain in the ass for you? Sure, rechargeables are more expensive at first, but if you have a real battery guzzler, then theres no way its less expensive (and not to mention that its more harmful to mother nature) to keep buying fresh batteries.

[ChrisX]

The only rechargeable battery I use is on my laptop.

I use it on battery only on occasions due to having half power to run it and not long lasting.

I'll be lucky to have it on for two hours until another recharge.

I used to have re-chargeable batteries in use and I have found them as not so good, not strong enough and not lasting before another recharge.

They can do damage in the battery compartment due to leak from the re-chargeable batteries themselves and having a very short life span.

They did damage my portable hand held TV and the VCR's remote control.

I now generally use Duracell batteries for all from remote controls, wireless PC mouse to the torch light.

I do check them every year at Xmas to make sure as fine and before the use by date.

The use by date is 2010 as plenty of time and I am already noticing that the TV remote control batteries is getting weak.

Maybe time for replacement soon on them.

I also use a tiny battery for my hearing aid too.

Anyway, normal household power is so much better.

ChrisX

[mrtristan]

Different brands and power ratings of rechargeables make all the difference in the world. I recently converted my shop over to rechargeable AA's. We have five walkie talkies and five sets of radio headphones. That's a lot of batteries to be throwing away.

I bought some really cheap generic rechargeables that were being cleared out and they suck. Although they're rated at 2000MA, they lose power faster than the 1800MA Rayovacs that I bought.

Rechargeable NiMH's lose their charge fast, if they aren't used, so it's best to keep them in the freezer or fridge, if you don't plan on using them soon. Alkalines have an extremely long shelf life.

[glockjs]

i just realized i voted wrong. thought i didnt have any until i thought of my cell phone, pda, etc etc..ooops guess i do use em. but other than the toys i own that come with rechargable batteries i dont own a single one

[vitualis]

It depends on your device.

If you are using a device with a high current drain, NiMH batteries work better than alkalines.

Regards.

[waheed]

Yrue, depends on device.

There are some manufacturers that do not recommend using recharchable batteries in certain devices. (mainly because they are 1.2V)

[jackal70058]

Otherwise it is more of a pain in the ass to find dead battery have to wait for charge than go out and buy new battery.

15 minutes is a pain in the ass for you? Sure, rechargeables are more expensive at first, but if you have a real battery guzzler, then theres no way its less expensive (and not to mention that its more harmful to mother nature) to keep buying fresh batteries.

Yes, when I can put in new battery in 15 seconds and be done with it. Not too worried about the environment either so I just buy the disposable ones.