Money Saving – Rechargeable Batteries

If there was one thing that was constantly on my shopping list it was batteries. So many small gadgets seems to require batteries including: digital camera, wireless mouse/ games controller, remote control etc.

It might surprise you to know that we have the process of recharging batteries has been around since 1859. Today a battery charger and batteries can be bought for around £15, an amount soon saved by not buying standard batteries.

Are all rechargeable batteries equal? No! Here are the different types of rechargeable battery:

• NiCd: Some of the earliest rechargeable batteries, if you do not fully discharge them fully every time the capacity would be reduced. Known as the Memory Effect.
• NiMH: Have largely replaced NiCd because they suffer far less from the Memory Effect and have a higher capacity (can store more energy). These are available in the standard battery form such as AA and AAA, C or D.
• LiOn: This type of battery is found in devices such as Mobile Phones and Laptop Computers. It has a much longer life and hold charge more effectively however they are more expensive and do not come in standard battery sizes.

Yes these batteries will too eventually ‘run out’ and you will not be able to charge them again. However this takes hundreds charges before it happens. I have been using my batteries for a good number of years without problems or any noticeable reduction in life.

Although it has to be said that batteries such as AA are commonly being replaced by Lithium-Ion. An example being the Nintendo DS its predecessor, the GameBoy, always seemed to get through batteries very quickly.

Benefits
+ Saving Money
+ Saving the Environment; note that rechargeable batteries can also be recycled like normal batteries.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/battery5.htm