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The folks at Fuji are trying to spread the word about their new EnviroMAX batteries. They gave MAKE and CRAFT some bundles to give out to our readers. We're giving away bundles of assorted batteries, sizes AAA to D, to two randomly-chosen Make: Online readers in the next 24 hours! Just leave us a comment below and be sure to include your email address in the form field (which won't be published).
You can comment about whatever you wish, but maybe you can tell us if you still use disposable batteries -- how and why -- or if you use all rechargeables. All eligible comments will be closed on Tuesday, August 11th at 11am PDT. Good luck!
Here's more about the Fuji EnviroMAX batteries:
The materials that make up a Fuji EnviroMAX battery are derived from the basic elements of the Earth. There is nothing inside a Fuji EnviroMAX battery that will harm the environment if it is disposed of through normal waste systems. A few reasons why are that Fuji EnviroMAX batteries contain no harmful mercury, cadmium - nor are they packaged with dangerous (and non-recyclable) PVC plastic. Instead, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are made in some of the world's most eco-respectful battery plants, operating under some of the most strict standards of environmental responsibility. In fact, most of all resources used in the Fuji EnviroMAX manufacturing process are reused and recycled! What's more, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are labeled and packaged with recycled paper and P.E.T. plastic. The result is batteries that meet a world standard for environmental responsibility and recyclable materials. And no other batteries are so respectful of our environment as Fuji EnviroMAX.
Update: We have our winners! They are Drew ("Eyebee") and Dave (wa4qal). Congrats! Emails sent.
One has to wonder how much more expensive these may be compared to conventional alkalines, or how much more money and material could be saved by the use of rechargables. Still, they could be very useful for a project you don't expect to get back, like a submersible or spelunking robot to be sent into an unstable area.
scienceguy8@gmail.com
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Gilberti- Fuji EnviroMAX batteries cost roughly the same as the competitors $3.99 for alkaline and $5.99 for digital. We are trying to make it easy for everyone to go green.
You can visit our site at www.greenfuji.com. Thank you for turning over a new leaf.
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I could use me some batteries!
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I just happen to need some new batteries :)
I read make online all day long, I keep hitting refresh for the latest posts ;)
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Heaven knows I go through way too many disposables as it is. I wish there were lithium-poly cells that were as easy to use as alkalines. The NiMH batteries have such a poor shelf life once charged, that I gave up on them, NiCad's memory effect left them in the dark ages, and Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Poly batteries need much more care in the circuitry to ensure they don't burst into flames!.
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this is a comment.
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I could use some of those AA batteries. I have too many remotes that always burn down batteries... and a 14 year old son that burns thought them fast too. lol
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My solar battery charger works well, but for the batteries that I drop in my tea to give it that extra special something, I have to use disposable ones.
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I like having these around for when I just don't have anything charged.
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I use AA's all the time in my Nikon off-camera flash. I'd love some free batteries.
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bring on the progress
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I like to use rechargeable batteries in my camera as it seems to eat batteries the fastest.
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...but my fiance does! I'll be happy to pass them along.
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I sometimes use alkaline batteries when I need 1.5V cells instead of 1.2V rechargeables. Like a 6V source from a four cell holder. I'm switching more over to NiMH packs, but if the smoke poof that came from my charger breadboard circuit is any indicator, I'm gonna need to find a new way to charge them, or else a temporary replacement =P.
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With 7yo triplets, we use too many disposable batteries!
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i have a 13-month old kid with too many grandparents, and therefore too many toys. And i myself have too many gadgets.
I use mostly rechargeables by now, because of the prohibitive costs of replacing all those batteries all the time, so i found a nice charger that actually takes AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt - they don't make many of those chargers anymore.
If i could find *cheap* disposable but minimal environmental impacts (i.e., easily recycled) batteries that last longer than rechargeables, that would be great, of course...
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Many rechargeables don't provide the equivalent voltage. e.g., a lot of AA batteries only provide at best 1.2V, whereas 1.5V is nominal. With some stuff like LED lights that's OK; for stuff like cameras they die too quickly. So I use both.
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I use disposables as they are usually more readily available. I will be investing shortly in some rechargables as I have never really enjoyed throwing out batteries.
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looking forward to put these batts to the test.
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...I have kids with noisy toys (gifts from grandma, who lives 8 hours away). Just yesterday, I was changing batteries and noticed the little "don't throw away" graphic on the bottom, reminding me that the batteries I'm putting into the trash are likely to end up poisoning the kids. Ah, the irony.
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Would love to try these batteries
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Love rechargeable batts :)
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(let's try this again, the site failed on my last comment)
I almost exclusively use NiMH AAs these days, especially in my digital cameras. However, I sometimes run into a situation where a device needs the 1.5V of an alkaline battery rather than the 1.2V of a NiMH. Just last night, in fact, I had to hack something together with 3 NiMHs on test leads instead of 2 AAs to get something to work temporarily. I also try to keep Alkalines around for emergency situations (it's not fun to realize that it's been too long since you recharged your NiMHs during a power outage).
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I use rechargeables whenever I can, but some devices insist on the full 1.5V-per-cell dose, which the 1.2V NiMH cells can't quite deliver. I'd love to try a pack of these.
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i try to use rechargeables whenever possible but disposables can be convenient. they're much more readily available in a pinch.
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I have some autonomous, battery powered projects coming up soon. :)
I love that they are starting to make green batteries.
Other than rechargeable batteries that come with my electronic devices (cell phone, laptop, etc.), I only use disposable batteries.
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I do not use rechargeable batteries as often as I should. Most of the time that I need batteries are in situations where I don't plan on using that item very often (aka disposable electronics, such as games). Any decent electronic device will have a custom battery so I don't need to worry about it.
However, my rock band and xbox remotes could use some rechargeable batteries.
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I still use mainly Alkaline batteries due to NiMH'es being rather expensive. I only use rechargables in my cameras. Everything else is alkaline
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these look like a step in the right direction.
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We just had our first child last Wednesday. The current baby technology requires the following 6 AAA for 49 MHz baby monitoring system (one base and two listeners), 4 AA for Pack'N'Play music/nightlight unit, 1 D for Pack'N'Play vibrate unit, 4 D for the baby swing. That doesn't count the bouncer/spinner and play gym that I haven't put together yet so I don't know the sizes.
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I keep non-rechargables in the old digital camera that I keep in my briefcase... who knows how long it will be before I use the camera, and rechargables could be dead by then.
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i've been using rechargeables in my camera, but they don't hold a charge very long at all. not sure the price jump is worth it.
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Much as I'd like to use rechargables, I travel around too much and recharging just becomes too inconvenient. It's good to see a greener option out there.
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I only use rechargeable batteries in my remotes, flashlights, etc. The problem is that I only use my flashlight every few months. After sitting for that long, NIMH batteries have a tendency to discharge. I bought some low-discharge AA batteries at Radio Shack and now I always have a charged flashlight.
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Reminds me of Radio Shack's old Battery of the Month Club. You got a card, and you'd go to the store once a month and get a free battery. Those were the good old days.
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Everything from my POV projects to my digicam rock some form of battery, so the more batteries i have, i guess that means the more projects i can start!
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Some things I'll use single-use batteries for, if they depend more on low current and long life. TV remotes are a good example. For cameras and such, I'm mostly using NiMH.
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I live in Florida which as you know is Hurricane prone. (None so far this year, knocking on wood.) We put disposable batteries in our hurricane Kit because rechargables just don't cut it when you can't recharge them. These batteries may be great for this purpose.
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BATTERIES!
frenzy@hackbloc.org
groovypancakes.com
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...that these might be really good for. I'll have to look into these EnviroMAX cells.
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we use mostly NIMHs around here. LIonare just too finicky despite their higher power density. NIMHs take a lot of crap and keep recharging just fine. Although i do cheat with alkalines for things like the X-Box controller were i dont want to wait for a recharge. And heavydutys are nice for scavanging the carbon rods. Boy does poison control ask alot of questions when u call in because u got a mouth full of battery acid while disassembeling batteries. Probably ended up on somes watch list for that one.
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Just to be in the list ;-)
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But how do they taste?
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I use NIMH whenever I can. Need to get some D cells - but all my AA / AAA needs are green :-)
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Like many other parents who have responded, I go through a lot of batteries in children's toys - including the ones I built myself!
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Yep, I'm still using disposables, but the number of things I use them for is diminishing. Mostly I use them in things like remotes and guitar tuners, which rarely (some never) seem to need to be replaced.
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Er... Meant to post here. Too much coffee, today.
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I use AAA bats in some of my artwork.
See it on Etsy geekgear.etsy.com
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Cool but rechargable would be better
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Sometimes you just need the power. Like when a child wants their toy to work right now. Yes, I know I should always have the rechargables ready to go but the elder child takes those and leaves me with the drained ones.
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I need some rechargables. I've been waiting for a really good technology to come along. Got NiHM (?) for my Wii.
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I still love batteries!
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I try to be efficient with batteries. I turn off my wireless mouse when I'm not at the office and I try to squeeze out juice by "downgrading" my weak batteries to less needy appliances. However, I certainly would have more peace of mind knowing that I was using batteries that didn't kill the environment as I used them.
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Cool!
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Free batteries? I sure can't complain about that.
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This is a great way for them to promote their product. I use disposable batteries. I just haven't found any rechargeable batteries that give me the power I need. I do bring all my batteries to a certified disposal company.
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Lets hope their green claims are as good as they sound. Rechargeables are great for everything except high-drain electronics :/
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I currently use rechargeable batteries as much as possible, but keep disposables on hand for times when I don't have a charge in any of the rechargeables. I am a little saddened by the performance of rechargeable batteries at times, especially in my camera, but they work great for all other purposes like my Wiimotes, other remotes, radios, and other small and little used electronics. Rechargeables are also great to have on hand for stand-alone projects, especially solar or wind powered ones!
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someday maybe all batteries will be made this way.
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I'd love to be able to use more Eco friendly batteries.
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I hope these are adopted widely-
thanks for running the promotion!
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I like the idea of an environmental friendly battery, but my main use for them is my GPSr. I wonder how long they hold up against traditional alkalines and/or lithium batteries.
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It has been said before, but if only NiMH had better voltage profiles... I can't stand the constant battery warnings I get from my cordless mouse with NiMH.
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Yup, still use disposable batteries for remotes, wireless mouse, etc. simply because I can get them anywhere. Not big on the rechargeables. I'd like to see how they compare vs the non-eco-friendly types as far as battery life goes.
Looking forward to testing them out!
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It seems like the world is powered by AA's today. Flashlights, remotes, radios, scanners, etc. I applaud Fuji for their desire to make those batteries as 'green' as possible!
I went to the www.greenfuji.com website, but I couldn't find any capacity numbers for comparison with other batteries.
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So many toys today, even wooden puzzles, require them. Rechargeable batteries are impractical given that:
1. every toy is expected to go through 2, maybe 3 rounds of batteries in its life cycle
2. the first batch is now included and
3. there are SO MANY toys to feed at the same time.
I wish there were cheap 500-800mAh precharged batteries you could buy in bulk. Rechargeables keep the same price while improving the capacity. We can live with the old capacity with lower price.
Environmentally responsible option is needed.
yishai@statter.net
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I love batteries!!
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I still use batteries for my wireless keyboard and mouse as well remotes. I don't use rechargeables as batteries tend to last for a while before changing them.
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I prefer rechargeables when I can use them, because of the economy and environmental-friendliness of rechargeables. Yet, at least 1/3 of the time I need the full 1.5v per cell, or don't have a rechargeable handy. So it's mix for me.
Here's hoping I win some of these, I love trying out new products. Go Fuji, innovation rules!
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"The result is batteries that meet a world standard for environmental responsibility and recyclable materials. And no other batteries are so respectful of our environment as Fuji EnviroMAX".... is Fuji talking about an industry standard (like ISO or EN etc.)? If so, which one is that? If not, perhaps Fuji could sponsor a standards effort to which all green disposables are held.
Without standard methods of semi-unbiased evaluation it's too easy to fall into the practice of comparing for marketing purposes as opposed to allowng for informed consumer decisions. "My battery is greener than yours" without standardized evaluation does not make for a long-term shift towards more environmentally sound product.
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I still use disposable batteries. Charging is sometimes inconvenient and the batteries are too expensive for an underdeveloped technology.
P.S-I love Make:. I have a Make: Google gadget on my homepage.
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Finally some batteries that you don't feel guilty using.
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What's the nominal voltage and capacity?
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I'd love to use these for an Arduino project I've got going or simply for my Gerber flashlight; I use that thing all the time so it eats through alkalines.
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I use rechargeable batteries in most items, but also still use disposables in things like TV remotes and clocks.
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danbrodsky@earthlink.net
I would like to see how long these last in my camera
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I used to use rechargable AA's, but I wore them out in my wireless keyboard and digital camera. I have a new digital and a rechargable battery for it, but that's it...this is one area that I haven't "greened" yet.
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(I'd love some batteries)
I still use disposables in applications where I need the battery to stay charged a long time, or where there's a high likelyhood of damage/loss.
I use rechargeables in flash photography, and find them to be a substantial savings vs. disposable ones there.
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I like stuff, especially free stuff.
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This is a great idea...
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It's great to hear about more environmentally products. Everyone uses batteries. Can't wait to test them.
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Rechargeable batteries are becoming a serious part of my life. they go in everything from alarm clocks to wiimotes to roomba to my guitar. More is better.
Phill
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I want them.
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We've primarily used rechargeable NiMH batteries for most things for a few years. I'm always looking for sales because they are expensive, but in the end much cheaper than alkaline. Warehouse stores like BJs and Cosco often have larger packages of up to 20 NiMH that make the upfront investment reasonable and allow you to have enough for the majority of the flashlights, toys and gadgets in the house.
The big disadvantage is that they discharge over time and are all too often dead when I need them. I have started buying the hybrid type that maintain a longer charge, which makes that problem less frequent.
Even with the newer hybrid NiMH batteries, we keep a few alkaline on hand, for emergencies when there's no time to charge or no power for the charger.
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I have 5 children and though I have switched to rechargeables, I quite often find myself hesitating to put them in the kids toys because a lot of the toys these days break right away and just get tossed out. With these, you don't have to worry about losing your precious rechargeables or harming the environment by throwing out batteries.. it's a win win!
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Wow, batteries. I Want some :p
I would probably use these with a minty booster to power my ipod.
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I would be interested to find out how these batteries are able to do without the nastiness that's in the others... Also interested in the longevity of these suckers compared to conventional regargables. I have been buying rechargables mostly lately to attempt to reduce waste and consumption of some of the chemicals involved, as well as the fact that I have a lot of things that need batteries - it will eventually just be cheaper!
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I'm in need of some batteries, and green is always good. Is the grass truly greener on that side of the fence?
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4 children ... need I say more!
We try and use rechargables ... but the kids always seem to need instant gratification and the rechargable batteries never seem to be charged.
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I wonder how efficient they'll end up being...that might affect how green/cost effective they are in the end! Nonetheless, I'd like to try some out! online09@farmers-r.us
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Interesting contrast: decomposable disposables vs. toxic re-usables...still seems like we're not quite there yet, but interesting still...look forward to compotsable batteries...or voltaic compost.
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...I should love some free batteries.
I gave a decent explanation over on the Craft blog...here, I'm totally pandering :)
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I use rechargables all can, but my wife and kids are less patient, so if the rechargables aren't charged then they grab the disposable.
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Sure, I still use disposable batteries, in things like remote controls, some flashlights, wrist-watches, etc. For seldomly/intermittently used items, disposable batteries tend to be more cost effective than rechargeable batteries. Additionally, most rechargeable batteries have non-zero self-discharge rate, while certain types of disposable batteries can have a 10 year life.
Dave
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I need them!
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I use rechargeable AAs and AAAs when I can, but disposables still have their place, such as when sending a Minty Boost with a child on a trip to grandma's. I don't sweat then tossing a couple of alkaline AAs.
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I want!
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I try to use rechargeable batteries where I can, but . . . when we host kitbuilding classes it would be nice to be able to send people home with batteries to run their project.
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But I usually never win. I could use free batteries and I will definetly spread the word. See ya!
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I could always use more rechargeable ones
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I use both rechargeables and disposeables. Would love to try a new brand of rechargeable.
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I throw my email in for the contest....
If you bring rechargables on a vacation, you usually wind up bringing the charger as well. More stuff to carry!
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Free stuff rules. Rechargeable or disposables would work for me.
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I still use them in my smoke detector and in the few flashlights I have that aren't powered by a hand crank.
It will be cool to be able to recommend that a few batteries be composted if the local soil lacks K, Mn, or Zn. I could imagine the zinc becoming a problem in rare circumstances, but it's nice to see some batteries made entirely without mercury.
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or does the comment section stop counting after 99?
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Has anyone used the USB rechargeable AA batteries, they look like a good way to not carry a charger with you while traveling.
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I could use some new batteries, I'm trying to convert most of my electronics to rechargeable AA's, but it does take some $$$.
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Can't wait to try them out.
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These batteries look nice.
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Please?
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I use rechargeables a lot, but I still use disposables for some things, e.g. remote controls - their power consumption is so low that disposables last for pretty much their shelf life.
gdm@paradise.net.nz
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man i want batteries. eco batteries.
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I would like some batteries. Mostly use NM-H these days...more power and I can recharge :D
compejasiu(at)hotmail(dot)com
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I need them, I want them, I have to have them !!!
I love rechargeables. They're the best.
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I try to use rechargables when I can. I even go so far as to put them on to recharge after 6 p.m.. I still find for some applications that alcaline batteries are more durrable.
I have sighted this sight (Make)and and Craft in Email, chat and in real life. The only other sight i promote more is etsy.com.
Oh and my sign on is broken have trouble signing in most of the time.
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Well, I try to use rechargeable batteries, but my budget lately doesn't allow me to buy them in bulk. Most AA, AAA, C & D batteries I'm using today is in my kids toys & some times I'm just happy that they ran dead & I don't bother changing them for a month or 2 (I know... I'm an evil parent).
In any case, we've got a handful of toys that our 2 boys would really enjoy again if they would power up again.
I'll take a set off your hands! Gladly!
:)
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Yes, unfortunately I go through quite a few alkaline batteries. Fortunately, my company recycles batteries, so I have a place to safely dump them.
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I use recharagables most of the time. But don't like the fact that they loose 1%/day on the shelf and also they are only 1.2 volts.
lee.klein@fiserv.com
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I have been moving toward rechargeables over the last couple of years. I just by them on sale at Target, sometimes even getting a free charger with them. There is nothing better than NOT having to save up old batteries to take to the e-waste round up. I have better things to do on Saturday mornings, like watch all my DVR'd Make episodes!
scarlett
cmvday1@verizon.net
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Short on electrons in the battery drawer, we could use them.
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I started to use rechargeable batteries when digital camera memory was >$1.00/megabyte! They consumed batteries at a terrific rate. Even with only 1.2 volts/cell it made sense to use rechargeable cells.
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I could use some batteries
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I use mostly rechargables, nimh and lipo. but I do need higher power for some applications like batteries for clocks. I'm glad Fuji is going into the realm of disposable and at least making them as clean as possible, Good job!
hmallis@comcast.net
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I design environmentally-sensitive products for a living, and try to stick with the AA, AAA and D cell standards where I can. I don't consider C "a standard" as it costs like a D and contains a lot less watt-hours. I try to use NiMH where possible but allowing for primary cells in a pinch, as they can be bought anywhere to keep a product going. Hope Fuji is designing similar rechargeable cells!
I wonder what the discharge curves of these cells look like under extremely light loads. Do they have a long shelf life (low self-discharge) for long life-cycles in low current products? Can they put out the high peak currents (low internal resistance) often required without adding a costly super-cap to handle the peaks? How about low-temperature operation for outdoor use? Most engineers don't understand the importance of matching the cell chemistry to the application, and even trying several manufacturers cells side-by-side.
Does Fuji support OEMs with special pricing for including their cells in the original product packaging? That's a powerful marketing tool, especially for a battery nobody has heard of. It suggests what the manufacturer recommends and may influence replacement purchases.
I am very interested in these cells and either way I hope Fuji contacts me. You CAN print the below contact info. Anyone can find me or my company with Google (and not printing my email cuts spammers).
As for Make TV, I love it! I design electronics and write patent applications all day and burn-out by 8pm or so is a problem. I really enjoy the almost random assortment of projects, the cleverness of execution and the enthusiasm of all involved. Excellent editorial work for a broad audience....very entertaining.
Don Ellingham
Energy Conservation Products
SevenGensLabs
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I use non-rechargables because they have a little more mAh, and tend to have a longer shelf life for the charge than rechargable batteries.
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Hey there,
I've been going through batteries like crazy too... My son and I are big into R/C boats and cars... and them xmitters sure use a lot of batteries... I've bought a bunch of NiMH and there great... I've also found a supply of 9 volt lipo's from a company called iPower, they have a really great nine volt product!!! they get over 500 milliamps/hour from there nine volt lipo's... great stuff!!
feel free to drop me a line at tekvax@gmail.com if your able to add me to your battery list.
Thanks,
Dan
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Well, my reason for use non-rechargable(Alkalines) is
1.Alkalines battery is last longer in my equipment than rechargable.
2.It is 1.5V instead of 1.2V on rechargable.
3.No time to wait for recharge,buy and put in.
4.It stable different from recharagable that after a while it will contain less mAH.
Actually I want to completely switch to rechargable if
1.It has 1.5V
2.It stable without self discharge while store after fully charge.
3.It has more mAH than present
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I'd like to give em a try! I've got a keyer (morse code) that should run off the AAAs.
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I think you should pick me - I would use them for everything!!
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Its true. I can get a brand new set, charge them up, put them in the camera, and in less than a day the batteries are dead enough so that the camera will not turn on. I sure hope these new ones work in it.
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I only use disposables when I'm out of charged batteries/need some right away and have to go pick some up at the convenience store around the corner from me.
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Or free batteries. . .
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I need a boost.
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Ignoring, for the sake of eco-hype, the fact that mercury and cadmium are ALSO "the basic elements of the Earth."
Can't believe you all are having Gore-gasms over a company that doesn't get their science right.
I'm sure that takes me out of the running to get any.
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I like to use rechargeable batteries. I think overall its more of an environmentally friendly solution. It creates less trash and if you need batteries in the middle of the night for the morning just recharge.
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interesting idea...
the alcaline battery recycling boxes at my work are overflowing.. makes me wonder if they ever get emptied, and if they do where they go. I use rechargables wherever possible although it means that I have to have a lot of AA batteries around the house. I still use alkaline for things like emergency flashlights and the occasional electronic device that doesn't seam to get enough juice from rechargables.
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I think rechargeable batteries are definitely good but the ease of buying new batteries rather than waiting for batteries to charge is typically what I end up doing.
I use batteries in my Microphones, wireless keyboard/mouse, and all my remotes for my gadgets...
Free Batteries are always good ;-)
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I buy rechargeable batteries as much as possible. With two young children here, there is an ever-changing landscape of toys & gizmos that need batteries. Single-use batteries do not make financial or environmental sense.
BTW, I have tried to log in here with my OpenID ID and it just won't work. The browser (Firefox & Safari on XP) says the page gets into an infinite redirect loop.
Thanks!
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ooh! More power! I'm currently in the process of switching over to rechargeables. I tend to by batteries in volume, so I've still got an inventory to get through. But I'm not buying anymore single use batt's.
=LF
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Rechargeable's make my electronics so much more convenient and simple to use, and now with ecologically responsible rechargeable batteries...
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I am very happy to see these batteries are 1.5vdc not 1.2.
This reason alone will make me more likely to use this product.
I use AA batteries a lot, in fact "D" and "C" batteries are getting hard to find.
The other battery, the 2032 coin batteries I eat like Candy, in many LED lights I use around the house for Flameless Candles.
Perhaps it is time to make some DC to DC circuits to replace the 2032's for this.
I of course Re-cycle all batteries from Lead Acid from the Robots down to my watch batteries.
Viva - La - Tech!
OkOkok I did this for the Swag....
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I got a fancy LaCrosse battery charger to "refresh" my aged NiMH batteries and it's very slooow. Here's to hoping for fresh batteries, new and old! Thanks Make.
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Hmmm I'd love to try these out!
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I am using pretty much just disposeable batteries. For all the mobile gear the best choice for me are disposeable batteries, since some rechareables deciced to spill their content all over the recharcher and nearby furniture. The stains in the furniture could not be removed thus I dumped everything. Good thing is, I got new furniture :D
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I use a maximum of rechargable batteries - and if I do get disposable ones, I'll put them in the appropriate recycling bin!
The rechargable batteries are a lot more expensive here in Belgium (batteries in general are) - and I did get quite a lot of them stolen in a public project..
But in order to optimise the use of the disposable batteries I got a battery tester (-_^)
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I would love to try these. I use a mix of rechargeables and alkalines mostly because I seem to kill rechargeables frequently. Probably running them too low between chargings but it's hard to remember sometimes.
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I only use disposables in a pinch when I don't have anything charged up. I hate throwing batteries out.
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I still use disposable batteries when I build & test effects pedals. I would love to try some greener 9Vs!
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I was using rechargeables until my wife put alkalines in the charger. I could use some batteries and a new charger!
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for some reason I don't think that you can do that.
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Batteries are my biggest consumable.
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I don't have any rechargeable batteries, and this makes me a worthy candidate...hopefully.
dan@nerdybynature.com
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Batteries are good
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Batteries are good
list@davenelson.com
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I agree that it's best to use rechargeables whenever possible. But when it's not. These should be the next best thing.
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Some times I don't have rechargable batteries ready for use and disposables are used to fill that gap.
I use disposable lithium batteries because they last a long time. So if I'm on a trip with my camera I don't need to worry about my batteries dying on me.
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these batteries will make all my hippie friends jealous
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If this is a re-post, please forgive, I keep getting submission errors when I submit my comments.
I'm excited to see how these perform! I mostly use AA and D batteries and I use rechargables as much as I can. They never seem to hold much of a charge though.
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The lack of environmentally sound batteries was a major part of my last blog post. Thank you for offering a choice. Now if only I had some to test.
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Awesome! Batteries are amazing!
Bending is so much easier with them!
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Never gotten around to getting rechargeable batteries
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This sounds pretty cool. I wonder if there are any trade offs?
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I prefer to use rechargables everywhere, so I was disappointed when my Nikon camera, which otherwise is very nice to use, doesn't know how to handle rechargables. I use them anyway, and still get decent use out of them.
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I am transitioning to rechargables just about 100%, but if I am caught out away from home with dead batteries, it's good to see that there is an available battery that doesn't require special handling.
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Very Cool, I would be interested in checking them out.
silveradept@gmail.com
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I have tons of rechargeable battery that I try to keep topped up when not in use. I think that anyone that doesn't use them is missing out on something good! Because really. They save you money!
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As others have noted, The one big pro to alkaline-like batteries is their longevity in comparison to bi-metal batteries. The also of course have the historically 'proper' voltage of 1.5v versus say the 1.2v of NiMH.
A few thoughts on those items.
With longevity, I'll be the first to admit, I hate finding my NiMHs that have been sitting around for a month and are COMPLETELY dead. Being a typical American, 'I want it now'... and waiting an hour for a charge takes patience or planning. However, I have noticed that the 'shake to charge' flash lights that I have seem to hold a charge over time quite well. These are based on magnetic inductor coils of course, and the storage is via small capacitors. So I wonder if for some electronics that require long shelf lives, if capacitors are the answer? As far as I'm aware, some capacitors can be made in a very 'green' way, with few heavy metals, etc.
Regarding voltage; I have noticed that some electronics manufacturers, e.g. my Garmin eTrex Vista HCX gps, have configurable settings for Alkaline/NiMH. Presumably they have a variable voltage regulator, which truly is a nice feature. I wonder if we'll see this as the future of portable electronics given the variety of 'batteries' available; i.e. 'put in any voltage you want, the device will sort it out internally'
To address the 'green'-ness of the Fuji batteries, I can't help but wonder how much transportation affects their green-ness? For my NiMH I of course charge them up to their 2300mah capacity at home, from the grid (which happens to be hydro), hundreds of times.
I'll make the presumption that the Fuji batteries are produced in Asia, and then shipped to other markets such as the US, and of course they will more then likely end up in the primary 'waste stream' as opposed to being recycled.
So when I look at a single NiMH that needs a bit of attention (proper charging and eventual proper recycling) on one hand, on the other hand a PILE of disposable batteries that will:
-weigh several kilos in the trash can
-have costed me orders of magnitude more the that initial rechargable purchase
-each have to shipped trans-oceanic....
The 'green' way still seems clear to me.
Given my above thoughts about the acceptance of NiMH into mainstream portable electronics (voltages) and the possible use of 'green/rechargeable' capacitors for long life applications. I can't help but wonder if Fuji is just trying to re-brand an outmoded product... disposable batteries.
Here's to hoping to being shown I'm wrong...
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My biggest battery consumer is my wireless mouse. Problem is I go to school on an island where batteries don't come easy. Shipping costs are more than they're worth :(
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I've been looking for some decent 9v rechargeables. I see chargers for 9v rechargeables, but the batteries themselves are fairly hard to find (and very expensive). Anyone have success with the "off brands" of these that you can find on Amazon?
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It comes down to two topics for me: price and convenience. Every rechargable battery I have is either dead, or charging when I need it. I would love to switch to rechargeables across the board, but at any given time, I can't get over the initial cost. I know, I know...
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Rechargables don't cut it for clocks, wireless devices, flashlights and other items in long-term service.
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Okay, folks. The entries are now closed, but feel free to keep talking. This has been a great discussion and an amazing response. Thanks!
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Fuji-me!
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I haven't used disposable batteries in years. It's all rechargeable for me!
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This is another excuse to raise prices.
Alkaline batteries are one of the biggest rip offs ever. They cost less than a penny each to manufacture, cost retailers 25 cents a piece, but cost foolish consumers more than a dollar each.
I bet the environment would be better "saved" if the SUV driving, penthouse condo owning, weekly jet flying elites were shaken out of the supply chain and the price of batteries lowered.
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these would be great for all the wireless hardware I chew through batteries with (bluetooth mouse, kb, etc)
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To late to get some batteries ??? 3aih@angushines.com
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