What kind of NiMH batteries should I get?

[Sukhoi]

Any real difference between the brands for batteries or chargers? Are Energizer or Radio Shack good?

 

[RossMAN]

I wouldn't buy either.

1) What is your budget?
2) Do you have a CostCo or Sam's Club near you?
3) Do you need AAA, AA or other size NiMH battery?
4) If you got a good deal on NiMH batteries would a 5 hour recharge cycle bother you? 1 and 3 hours are also available.
5) What kinds of products will you be using your NiMH in?

 

[RossMAN]

Here's an excellent review of NiMH batteries.

Personally I would only buy from NewEgg.com, your local CostCo, wherever they sell the Rayovac 1 hour quick charger, Thomas-Distributing.com and SunnBattery.com (also known as ptron1 on eBay).

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Racso and the rats of NiHM...

 

[Sukhoi]

Budget is low - under $40 for charger and 4 AA batteries.

For now I'm only getting 4 AA batteries. I'll just be using them in a CD player or radio or something like that. Charge time doesn't really matter, as long as it's under a day.

Good review, most of those batteries I had never heard of before.

No CostCo or Sam's Club accessable.

What's your opinion on battery capacity? Newegg has the Powerex/Maha C204 charger and 4 1600 mAh AA batteries for $30 with free shipping, while Sunn Battery has the same charger with 4 1800 mAh AA batteries for $40 after shipping. I don't really think it's worth 33% more just to get a little bit more power, especially since I'll only be using these batteries in a CD player.

 

[yakko]

<< Racso and the rats of NiHM... >>

Good story.

 

[fr]

You can find a Maxell 4-pack of 1600 NiMHs with a charger for $20 at Circuit City.

Another 4-pack is $11.99.

So for ~$45 you can get a charger and 12 batteries.

 

[RossMAN]

<< Budget is low - under $40 for charger and 4 AA batteries.

For now I'm only getting 4 AA batteries. I'll just be using them in a CD player or radio or something like that. Charge time doesn't really matter, as long as it's under a day.

Good review, most of those batteries I had never heard of before.

No CostCo or Sam's Club accessable.

What's your opinion on battery capacity? Newegg has the Powerex/Maha C204 charger and 4 1600 mAh AA batteries for $30 with free shipping, while Sunn Battery has the same charger with 4 1800 mAh AA batteries for $40 after shipping. I don't really think it's worth 33% more just to get a little bit more power, especially since I'll only be using these batteries in a CD player. >>



I would agree, 1800 mAH is not worth the 33% price increase plus NewEgg might still offer free shipping. So if NewEgg has the MAHA charger, 4 1600 mAH AA's and car adapter in stock then that's what I would buy.

Here's a Hot Deals thread worth reading and giving a bump.

 

[SilverThief]

I screwed up and bought the Energizer NiMH AAA's and charger this past Christmas....takes 14 hours to recharge the damned things!!
One good thing though, the charger is dual capable, NiCAD and NiMH....the NiCAD only take a couple of hours to charge.

 

[AmigaMan]

I bought a Rayovac 1 hour charger that I think came with 2 Rayovac 1600mah AA's for $30. Then bought another set of four (I think, it's been a while) for $12. You're looking at probably $45 for 6 batteries and a good charger and this is all at Wal-Mart.
Rayovacs have been great. Between the digital camera and my wireless optical intellimouse, I use them all the time. I'm always able to keep a set of fully charged ready in case either device goes out.