Batteries: Reviews

Updated June 2008

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Best rechargeable batteries

*Est. $10 per four-pack, AA Compare Prices

Both professional and owner-written reviews rave about these hybrid batteries because they have all the advantages of rechargeable NiMH batteries, yet come pre-charged and ready to use. Unlike most rechargeable batteries,… the Sanyo eneloop batteries lose their charge extremely slowly, so after six months in storage, they're still 90 percent charged. Furthermore, they can be recharged 1,000 times. These batteries also come in AAA size, and Sanyo makes adapters that enable you to use AA and AAA batteries in devices that take C and D batteries. Various kits and chargers are available, including a charger that plugs into any USB port.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Doc's Charger and Battery Reviews: This frequently updated Australian site tests the newest batteries and chargers as they become available. The reviewer describes ...

DPReview.com Forums: Based on extensive tests of five brands of hybrid (pre-charged, low-self-discharge) AA batteries, a retired engineer recommends ...

Small Things Aviation: A model airplane enthusiast writes this detailed review of the Sanyo eneloop batteries, testing them in comparison with standard ...

CPFReviews.com: This review of a Sanyo eneloop kit describes the batteries as having "excellent performance." The review doesn't compare the ...

Amazon.com: Hundreds of owners give Sanyo eneloop batteries mostly very positive reviews, praising the fact that they don't need to be ...

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Best disposable batteries for digital cameras

Energizer e2 Lithium

*Est. $12 per four-pack, AA Compare Prices

Experts say that hybrid rechargeable batteries like the Sanyo eneloop rechargeables are best for most situations. However, if it's inconvenient to recharge batteries (if you're traveling, for example), reviews… consistently praise Energizer e2 Lithium as the best disposable batteries for digital cameras. They cost more than most disposable batteries, but comparison tests show that they last so long that each photo actually costs less to shoot. Recovery time and flash power are also excellent. Lithium batteries are light, work well at low temperatures and have a long shelf life of up to ten years. The Energizer lithium batteries come in AA and AAA sizes.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Choice magazine: Comparing 19 disposable and rechargeable batteries based on drain tests and value, Australia's Choice magazine gives top ranking ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports compares Energizer e2 lithium batteries with 15 other disposable batteries, rating all 16 for performance in two ...

PC World: As part of a long article on getting the most out of batteries, PC World magazine tests four types of AA batteries, giving top ...

PCMag.com: Testing seven brands of batteries, this review gives top ranking to Energizer e2 Lithium batteries as the most cost-effective ...

USA Today Magazine: Testing disposable batteries with a digital camera, this reviewer finds that Energizer e2 lithium batteries take more than twice ...

Amazon.com: More than 20 owners give the Energizer e2 Lithium batteries rave reviews here, praising their runtime and light weight. They do ...

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Disposable alkaline batteries

Duracell CopperTop alkaline

*Est. $3.50 per four-pack, AA Compare Prices

Among standard alkaline cells, Duracell CopperTop batteries outlast most other brands by a nose, and they are available in AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt sizes. Alkaline batteries are the best value for low-drain electronics… like smoke detectors, since they don't drain when not being used. Although lithium disposable batteries can last longer, alkaline cells are much less expensive and easier to find in stores.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports compares Duracell CopperTop batteries with 15 other disposable batteries, rating all 16 for performance in two ...

PCMag.com: PC Magazine tests Duracell CopperTop batteries in comparison with six other brands of disposable batteries using a digital ...

USA Today Magazine: Testing disposable batteries with a digital camera, this reviewer finds that Duracell CopperTop batteries' performance was ...

Doc's Charger and Battery Reviews: The author doesn't recommend one brand over another, but he does provide detailed performance data on a wide range of disposable ...

Amazon.com: A handful of owners give Duracell CopperTop AA batteries mostly very high ratings here, but the praise is mostly for the ...

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