Part of the reasoning was based on the assumption that rechargeables like NiCads and NiMHs lose their charge a lot faster in storage than non-rechargeable alkaline AAs (Eveready, Duracell). Li-Ion batteries of course are the bee’s knees in rechargeables but are expensive and hard to get in convenient configurations (eg AAs. AAAs) as far as I know.
As for NiCads, ..well I don’t even consider them anymore.
But there is a newer type of NiMH on the market and that is Sanyos ‘Eneloop’. This has all the advantages of other NiMHs, but doesn’t have the disadvantage of slow discharge…(eg around 1% / day I have found). The Eneloops come out of the pack from the shop fully charged, and have a similar shelf life to ordinary non-rechargeable alkalines. For a pack of 4 AAs, they cost about $24 from Dick Smith (DSE), similar to ordinary NiMHs. This seems like a lot but it works out cheaper if you go thru a lot of AAs (or AAAs) (even when comparing with the plethora of cheaper alkalines from places like Supercheap Autos)
I have been using Sanyo Eneloops for a while in my/J’s dig. cameras, and also in bicycle lighting. I now wish I didn’t have all those other/older, ‘ordinary’ NiMHs…(which slowly go flat in storage)
The charger I got from DSE will do AAs or AAAs, and can be used on 240v mains, or via a car charger, which means I can use it with the car (obviously), or the bike.
Of course this may all be old news to you, or of no interest, but it could be of use to someone.
Steve
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