Cheap batteries ???

[rh71]

Where do you buy alkaline AAA and AA batteries for cheap? These rechargeables ain't cutting it for extended-life (months) use.

 

[StattlichPassat]

I buy all mine off eBay actually! I got a 16 pack of Energizer MAX AAAs for 7 bucks or something. I also sold a 96 pack of Rayovac AAs a few months ago on there for $26.

 

[HappyPuppy]

I turn in the cost of batteries on my expense report each week for reimbursement, don't you?

 

[RossMAN]

What kind (brand and mAH rating) of rechargeable batteries are you using?

How many alkalines do you want and what's your budget?

 

[QueHuong]

You can get those bulk packs at stores like Costco or Sam's. And it sounds like you've been using rechargeable alkalines...those suck. I've switched over to NiMh (Nickel metal hydride) and those are awesome. They're designed for high powered devices like digicams. They're expensive but if you have a gameboy or digital camera and have to replace batteries often, get NiMh ones. There's a thread in hot deals about these batteries and a recharger for cheap at Micro Center. Check it out if you have a MC near you.

 

[amdskip]

sams has some crazy nuts prices on batteries

 

[Jerboy]

<< You can get those bulk packs at stores like Costco or Sam's. And it sounds like you've been using rechargeable alkalines...those suck. I've switched over to NiMh (Nickel metal hydride) and those are awesome. They're designed for high powered devices like digicams. They're expensive but if you have a gameboy or digital camera and have to replace batteries often, get NiMh ones. There's a thread in hot deals about these batteries and a recharger for cheap at Micro Center. Check it out if you have a MC near you. >>



Using disposable alkaline batteries on digital camera is plainly stupid.

Some facts about batteries:

Alkaline batteries have more "capacity" than NiMH and retains charge longer when it is stored. It will last longer than NiMH in low current application such as relatively small flashlights, radio and such. These have higher internal resistance than NiMH. There is not a whole a lot of difference in capacity between brands. The difference is in internal resistance. They'll all last about the same in a clock, but put it in a digital camera and something like Energizer e2 will beat cheapo by a considerable margin.

Standard Energizer alkaline: 2850mAh

NiMH, while having about half the "capacity" of alkaline and much higher loss during storage, it has much less internal resistance. The higher the current you draw, the higher the percentage of energy is lost in battery and converted to heat.

Eveready NiMH=1,400mAh

NiMH will last about as long as alkaline per charge in digital camera, because alkaline is losing about half the energy in battery itself. Have you ever noticed how hot these alkalines get after being used in digital camera?



So you know that using alkalines will cost $1 each per battery. Using NiMH will yield same performance while only costing a charge. Have two sets of charged NiMH's and you'll be a happy camper.

 

[Booster]

And what about NiCd rechargeable batteries? OK, let me guess... They're bad, right? Worse than the NiMh ones?

 

[Heisenberg]

<< And what about NiCd rechargeable batteries? OK, let me guess... They're bad, right? Worse than the NiMh ones? >>



In general, yes. The NiMh were developed more recently than the NiCd, and have several advantages. The LiOn batteries are the most recent. Of course, some of this depends on application. There are some things that old-school lead-acid just can't be beat for. For consumer electronics type stuff though, the order from worst to best is NiCd, NiMh, LiOn.

 

[Booster]

<< In general, yes. The NiMh were developed more recently than the NiCd, and have several advantages. The LiOn batteries are the most recent. Of course, some of this depends on application. There are some things that old-school lead-acid just can't be beat for. For consumer electronics type stuff though, the order from worst to best is NiCd, NiMh, LiOn. >>



Too bad I bought a pack of NiCd rechargeables not long ago. I use them in my minidisk player. Seem to work fine.

 

[Heisenberg]

<< Too bad I bought a pack of NiCd rechargeables not long ago. I use them in my minidisk player. Seem to work fine. >>



I'm not say there's anything really wrong with them. Just that the NiMh and LiOn are improvements. For rechargable batteries that come in the standard AA, AAA, etc. sizes I think NiCd is about the only option except for the alkalines. The NiMh and LiOn are used mostly in special applications like cell phones, laptops, etc. I don't think they've really filtered down to standard type rechargables yet.

 

[RossMAN]

If you have a Micro Center near you then you should definitely buy these NiMH rechargeable batteries for under $9.

If you have a CostCo or Sam's Club near you buy these.

If you have neither or want some of the best NiMH rechargeable batteries then search for "1800 mAH" here.

 

[rh71]

Thx guys. For clarification...

I'm using 4 AA NiMH rechargeables for my digicam and I'm perfectly happy with that. But my 2 "Energizer ACCU" AAA NiMH (1.2V 700mAH) do not "stay alive" that long while placed in my Palm VIIx. I hardly use the thing, but I don't want it losing its charge completely after non-use for 2-3 days either (and losing all my data). So that's why I'm asking about alkalines especially for my Palm. I can use AAA alkalines for my pager too (which I can expense - I think) ... so if it's cheap.. I'm there. Just wanted your opinions and recommendations.

 

[RayH]

<< But my 2 "Energizer ACCU" AAA NiMH (1.2V 700mAH) do not "stay alive" that long while placed in my Palm VIIx. I hardly use the thing, but I don't want it losing its charge completely after non-use for 2-3 days either (and losing all my data). >>



I use 2 Gold Peak AAA NiMH (1.2V 700mAH) in an overclocked Visor Platinum and usually get at least 5 hours continuous use over 10 days. You might be able extend the batteries by turning beam receive off.

 

[Beau]

Just look somewhere for Varta brand. I know the place I work at buys 40 AA's for $2.00

 

[ThaGrandCow]

<< And what about NiCd rechargeable batteries? OK, let me guess... They're bad, right? Worse than the NiMh ones? >>

NiCd = battery memory. Every time you charge them you lose some capacity. Unless you discharge them completely every time.

 

[FoBoT]

<< You can get those bulk packs at stores like Costco or Sam's. >>

 

[Thegonagle]

NiCd is not all bad. Their capacity is not impressive, but they have a considerable "shelf life." They will retain a usable charge for six months or more in my experience.

Also, the memory effect can be erased by "re-conditioning," that is, giving them a full discharge then a full charge, several times in a row.

NiMH batteries will self-discharge down to nothing in about a month, so a ten day life sitting in a Palm probably isn't out of line. You might want to give a pair of NiCds a try in that thing. They just might be better suited to that particular application.

 

[MWink]

Something I think no one has mentioned is weight. I really like Nicd's because they weigh the least. NIMH's on the other hand weigh the most. Note, I'm not counting lithium or Li-Ion as most people don't use them in everyday devices.

BTW, when shopping for NIMH batteries don't pay much attention to the mAH rating as I found out it is more of a joke. Almost all the NIMH cells I have tested out at about the same capacity (1000mAH +-100mAH) no matter what their rating was. That was for batteries ranging from 1200mAH to 1600mAH. Though I did have some 1800mAH GP batteries come in at 1450mAH. The funny thing was my 700mAH NICD's came in at 685mAH (impressive). I guess in reality NIMH is not that much better than NICD.

 

[Nefrodite]

<< Thx guys. For clarification...

I'm using 4 AA NiMH rechargeables for my digicam and I'm perfectly happy with that. But my 2 "Energizer ACCU" AAA NiMH (1.2V 700mAH) do not "stay alive" that long while placed in my Palm VIIx. I hardly use the thing, but I don't want it losing its charge completely after non-use for 2-3 days either (and losing all my data). So that's why I'm asking about alkalines especially for my Palm. I can use AAA alkalines for my pager too (which I can expense - I think) ... so if it's cheap.. I'm there. Just wanted your opinions and recommendations. >>



hm is that the one with the antenna? that model just sucks the juice a palm 3x or visor lasts quite a long time with nihms. i get a week or two depending on how much i use avantgo

 

[rh71]

Yeah it's the one with palm.net service... I've cancelled that service since I have SprintPCS wireless web now anyway. I just use the Palm for reminders and the datebook if necessary (cell phones can't store addresses, etc.).

All in all, I'm just thinking a nice large pack of 'cheap' AAA alkalines will serve me longer (without worrying about self-discharge) in the Palm. Hence the thread.

Oh BTW, I meant AA for my work pager, not AAA. Sigh... I wish I could afford the new toys on the market that serve as a single device for all this CRAP.

 

[Thegonagle]

OK, you can probably get a 24-30 pack of Rayovac alkalines at Home Depot (or maybe I'm thinking of Menard's) for fairly cheap per battery. Also check Walgreen's for large packages of their house brand alkalines. Otherwise, Cosco or Sam's, as others have suggested.

 

[apoppin]

Join the Ferengis in Hot Deals.

Lurk and learn, I say. Try "search" in HD (do NOT post this question there).

Quite often there are very hot battery deals. Right now I have so many 'free-after-rebate' alkaline batteries, I am afraid they will get too old by the time I get to use them. Also good deals on rechargeables from time to time.


EDIT: RossMAN has a current HD link.