Best NiMh charger and batteries for comp hardware?

[RedShirt]

I am fed up with buying batteries. I want to get rechargables.

I need AA/AAA batteries for stuff like my digital camera, replacement batteries for my MX700 (they don't hold a charge like they used to) remote controlls, my graphing calculator, wireless keyboard, and other stuff. is NiMH the way to go? If so whats a good cheap charger and good cheap batteries? A charger that could do C and D would be a plus so I could charge up some batteries for flashlights.

Thanks for any advise on the matter.

 

[0roo0roo]

nihm is great for high drain devices. you shouldn't have been using alkalines for digital cameras in the first place, they dont last as long in that application and cost a great deal more per use. nihm isn't good for low drain long term stuff, since it like most rechargable batts loses ~1% a day just sittin around. so not good for flashlights.. well emergency type flashlights. good nihms are those ic-3 rayovac 15min charge dealies..fastest around. takes the hassle out of it, means u can get away with last minute charging. normal set of 2000mah+ rated for the mx700 isn't its charger would do nothing for the 15min batteries. search dansdata.com for batteries... nihms or whatever, lots of articles.

 

[phisrow]

NiMH is great for some of the stuff on your list, miserable for some of it as well. Generally speaking, NIMH batteries will flatten by themselves in a month or two, and loose considerable charge even within a week or two. This makes them pretty awful for things like remotes and calculators(and don't even think about smoke detectors) that last ages with ordinary alkalines. For things like digital cameras, wireless peripherals, flashlights that are used frequently(if it is an emergency flashlight, use alkaline or lithium), etc. NIMH is absolutely great. As for brands, I've generally heard that the really nice brands are better than the cheap 'n cheerfuls; but not worth the price delta unless you really, really care. Check below for reviews:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

 

[RedShirt]

Thanks for the help and links.

 

[tomstevens26]

Originally posted by: phisrow
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

I've been using that Maha C204 charger they mention for probably 4-5 years with some PowerEx 1800mAh batteries. They've been used only in my digital cameras and have worked flawlessly. I ordered mine from here. I think I'm going to have to order some new batteries soon as the ones I've been using aren't performing as well now. Of course, they've been recharged hundreds of times so I guess that's expected.

Tom

 

[McCarthy]

Love my Maha charger and NiMH for mp3 player, CD player, cordless Dremil (I converted it)

If you want to use rechargables in remotes/flashlights, Rayovac Renewals are great. They're wimpy for high drain devices and in that regard they didn't save me anywhere near as much money as my NiMH have. But I still use them in flashlights, remotes, clocks and with my radio. Just as good as regular akalines in that way. Haven't seen them in the store much lately, don't know if they've been discontinued or just fallen out of favor and get shelfspace in the back.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

site to read up on battery and charger review

place to buy anything and everything battery-related