[NTLK] AA NiMH Rechargeables

[Joel M. Sciamma]

Brad wrote:

> Anyone have good things to say about these fairly new low-self
> discharge hybrid NiMH batteries? For example Sanyo has a brand called
> Eneloop. How many days of average use can one expect to get with these
> in a MP2x00?

I find them to be the best batteries I have ever used, especially in  
the MP2K.

I'm getting a couple of weeks of daily light use (often with  
backlight) but when the machine is not used and is just in standby, I  
think it would be months before they needed replacing. Eneloops have a  
slightly higher voltage than other NiMH cells, which is also a small  
benefit.

Lighter the use, the better they are, because the low self-discharge  
means that they are always ready when conventional NiMH would be flat.  
So even for TV remotes and torches they are a good fit. Effectively it  
finally means the end of primary batteries for most circumstances and  
all the waste and expense they bring.

I did a fair amount of research and it looks to me that the Eneloops  
have the best technology of this breed.

One point to note is that these cells should not be fast-charged  
(200mA is probably ideal) so that implies an overnight or longer  
recharge time. I think this is well worth tolerating for what is close  
to an ideal battery.
Depending on the application this might mean you have to have an extra  
set of cells to always have them ready.

Joel.