Originally Posted by
mulchie
Sorry to hitchhike here... but I have roughly the same question +1./
I want to get some rechargeable AA also maybe C batteries (what kind? I don't have a clue) and a charger but know zip about the specs and what to look for. Seemed better to ad on here and get the advice of the wise ones rather than start a whole new thread. (thanks, grun)
I don't want to spend a ton, but I am just don't like constantly throwing out the hardware store batteries any more. Does that make sense? I'm kind of put off by the $ for the chargers, though.
Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish! Look at these numbers from consumer reports. Plus the new hybrid rechargeable batteries hold their charge 4x longer than older type rechargeable batteries when not in use. Ray-O-Vac has these. I am not certain about other manufacturers.
If you get the Ray-O-Vac PS3 you have 4 compartments that can hold either 2 AA or AAA batteries or 1 C or D per compartment on trickle charge ready to go and you can mix battery sizes as long as you keep the same size battery per compartment. You can also charge the batteries that you are replacing while batteries in the other compartments remain on trickle charge. My neighbor gave me a charger as a gift when our son was born. What a savings in battery costs! We use rechargeables primarily in our digital camera and handheld scanners and toys that get constant use. With the new hybrids, you can use them in anything because they will not lose their charge when not in use.. I have 2 bicycle tail lights that I am going to buy some hybrids to use in.
Digital power
To power a digital camera, nothing beats rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. One NiMH rechargeable battery would last at least as long as about 140 disposable lithium cells or 500 disposable alkalines.
Rechargeable NiMH
1.5¢ - cost per 100 photos
$3.50 - cost per battery
Disposable lithium
$1.40 - cost per 100 photos
2.50 - cost per battery
Disposable alkaline
2.20 - cost per 100 photos
1.10 - cost per battery
Rechargeable-battery cost does not include cost of charger.