From Consumer Reports:
Picking the right battery
The dreaded words "Batteries not included" could add to your decision dilemmas this holiday season. Choices for disposable batteries include two kinds of alkaline cells as well as lithium models. Opt for rechargeable batteries, and the list includes nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells and rechargeable alkalines--both of which have supplanted nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries in the consumer market. While cordless drills and other handheld tools are among the gear that still use NiCads, these cells are made in product-specific sizes and are available only from product manufacturers or specialty stores.
We've focused on the most common battery size, AA, which powers everything from cameras to motorized-toy dogs. Even within that size, however, prices for the typical four-pack vary significantly by type.
Is a $12 pack of lithium batteries better than a $2.50 pack of alkalines, or are $12.25 rechargeable NiMH batteries roughly twice as good as $6.50 rechargeable alkalines? Much of the answer depends on what you plan on powering. Here's what we found.
DISPOSABLE BATTERIES
Small quantities can safely be thrown away with other trash. The major types:
Alkaline: high drain at a price. Conventional alkalines sell best by far. Duracell and Energizer now offer high-drain Duracell Ultra and e2 versions for motorized toys, flash cameras, and other high-drain devices that draw short but intense bursts of energy.
In past tests, high-drain alkaline cells outlasted conventional alkaline batteries in high-drain devices. But the price of a single high-drain alkaline battery will buy you two conventional alkalines, which, together, last longer than one high-drain cell. With conventional alkalines, you'll also save by buying the lowest-priced brand. Those from Duracell and Energizer cost about 90 cents each, while store brands cost about 60 cents and should do as well in most applications.
Lithium: longer life, lower value. Pricier than high-drain alkalines, lithium batteries are stronger still and, in past tests, lasted nearly twice as long as regular alkalines in a flash camera. Lithium cells also last about 10 years on the shelf compared with 5 years for alkalines, but they can cost four times as much.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
These are available in common sizes for most gear. Non-NiCad types contain no cadmium or other harmful metals, so disposal is the same as for nonrechargeable batteries. Rechargeables can also cost the least over time, despite the high price you'll pay for the batteries and the charger (about $30). Some devices aren't designed for rechargeable cells, however; check the product literature. And some rechargeables aren't a stellar value.
Best: nickel-metal hydride. NiMH cells may not power a toy, flash camera, boom box, or other high-drain gear for as long as disposable alkalines. But with 300 to 600 charge cycles, they cost the least overall and create the least waste, since they last the longest.
On the debit side, NiMH cells discharge when they aren't in use. That makes them the wrong choice for flashlights, remotes, and other devices that often sit idle. It also means you'll have to charge these cells before their first use.
Rechargeable alkaline cells: false economy. Rayovac's Renewal batteries are among the few rechargeable alkalines sold. They cost about half the price of NiMH cells and don't drain when idle. As a result, they come ready to use and work well in flashlights and other devices you use intermittently.
The catch: In past tests, rechargeable alkaline batteries provided only about 25 charge cycles. While they should power most devices for about as long as regular alkalines when new, their run time shortens with each recharge. That can make rechargeable versions pricier than they seem.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Conventional disposable alkalines are a good choice for most uses.
Rechargeable NiMH batteries are the most economical overall. Consider them for high-drain and other gear you use often. And be sure the device can use NiMH cells.
Dispose of old NiCads properly. The rechargeable-battery industry has collection programs (see
www.rbrc.com for information about local disposal sites).
Don't bother storing alkaline batteries in the refrigerator to stretch their life. Doing so made little difference in our tests.
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