Do Alkaline batteries really suck that bad?

[SunnyD]

I know when you purchase something from a store that INCLUDES batteries with it, odds are those batteries are about half as fresh as a new package of duracells or whatnot. But wow.

I bought my digital camera three days ago, and the batteries that came with it are already almost dead. Do alkaline batteries really suck this much?

As soon as the travel advisory is lifted I'm off to get some NiMH rechargables...

 

[cyclistca]

For a digi cam yes. For a flashlight no.

 

[Hitman32]

I think batteries just suck in general. The whole technology has a LONG way to go.

 

[Mark R]

It depends on the appliance.
Alkalines hold much more energy than a rechargeable like a NiMH (about 2.5x). However, they are only capable of giving it out slowly (e.g. in a clock, small toy, or low-power flashlight).
Alkaline batteries are not appropriate for high-drain appliances like digital cameras. In trying to keep up with the huge demands as much as 80% of the batteries capacity will be wasted. NiMH batteries do not have this problem and will convincingly outperform even the best alkalines in such appliances.

 

[Analog]

Lithium batteries rule.

 

[BDawg]

Digital Cameras are not the correct applications for alkaline batteries.

However, I've used my Wavebird controller for two months with the 2 AA batteries it came with.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: Hitman32
I think batteries just suck in general. The whole technology has a LONG way to go.

Kuro5hin.org did an article on this a while back; battery technology has come a long way, it's just that the batteries that are marketed to the public still suck because if they wear out quickly you'll keep buying 'em.

 

[compudog]

I can buy an "Industrial" version Alkaline from both Eveready and Duracell. They are called "industrial" because they are not packaged in the retail packagin and don't have the typical consumer warnings all over the batteries. These "industrial" alkalines seem to last longer in most typical battery applications (flashlights, clocks, test equipment) than their retail counterparts. I tried these in my digital cameras and they still do not last as long as NiMh or Li Ion.

 

[zephyrprime]

Kuro5hin.org did an article on this a while back; battery technology has come a long way, it's just that the batteries that are marketed to the public still suck because if they wear out quickly you'll keep buying 'em.

Oh man! I can't believe that I've been being screwed on batteries all these years! I knew I was being screwed on a $4 twin back of doubles A's but I thought I was at least getting the best possible alkalines!
link

 

[Hitman32]

This REALLY ticks me off. A 24 pack of AA batteries for $9.24 that last twice as long as those crappy batteries they sell to consumers?! I think some heads should start rolling, there is definately market manipulation going on here. :|

 

[Hitman32]

"Non-Consumer" Explanation

Duracell Procell batteries are high-quality batteries intended only for businesses, organizations, and agencies. These batteries are not intended for sale to the general consumer.

Duracell has asked their distributors to gather the Business Name and Tax ID number for validation purposes.

If you are valid business, organization, or agency, you can stop here. We just need your Business Name and Tax ID number when you order. Be sure to include them in the order form.

Link

:|

 

[RossMAN]

I told you!!! Buy some damn rechargeable NiMH batteries, why do people never listen?

(screams)

Thomas-Distributing.com

 

[CraigRT]

Alkaline are the best for the money.. my Digicam can't even finish a memory card before the batteries are dead with everything on auto incl. flash. Try Lithiums.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I told you!!! Buy some damn rechargeable NiMH batteries, why do people never listen?

(screams)

Thomas-Distributing.com

I was listening to you - the weather today cause limited travel advisories so I couldn't go to Big Lots. I was just amazed that the battery life of the alkaline batteries that came with the camera was 3 days. I was planning on getting some decent batteries sometime this week regardless.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Holy crap...
Not only is it $15 for 24 energizers (ONLINE price), but this is $10 for 24 and they last a lot longer!

 

[RossMAN]

Most Big Lots stores are out of stock, so you may want to call them first before going ... also check out CostCo which has the same Panasonic combo for $20 after $5 MIR and I believe Sam's Club has an Energizer pack for around $20 as well.

If none of those 3 leads works then order online.

 

[0roo0roo]

if you use alkalines in something like a digicam you should be beaten. nihm rechargablesr are cheap and work perfectly with consumer devices and save money/nature in the process. alks are for stuff like flashlights where you need to save batteries in a location for years before an emergency happens.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Most Big Lots stores are out of stock, so you may want to call them first before going ... also check out CostCo which has the same Panasonic combo for $20 after $5 MIR and I believe Sam's Club has an Energizer pack for around $20 as well.

If none of those 3 leads works then order online.

No CostCo's within about 500 miles of me. I'm guessing the backwater city I live in Big Lots will have em. I have family that works there too, bonus discount!

 

[TNTrulez]

Originally posted by: Hitman32
This REALLY ticks me off. A 24 pack of AA batteries for $9.24 that last twice as long as those crappy batteries they sell to consumers?! I think some heads should start rolling, there is definately market manipulation going on here. :|

You're a tool.

 

[vegetation]

My digi cam performs better with alkalines than nimh. Probably because the camera is happier with the higher voltage the alkalines kick out (1.5V vs 1.25V).