How to Buy Batteries - Standard, Rechargeable, or Pre Charged

Understanding the true differences in batteries will help the buyer to make the right choice when buying batteries. Purchasing batteries is no longer limited to a simple size like AAA, AA, C, D, or 9 volt but also includes determining whether you need Alkaline, NiMH, and NiCd. New technology has also introduced the option of pre-charged rechargeable batteries versus rechargeable batteries. So how do you select the right battery for your product and use?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Product
• Product Manual
• Pencil
• Paper
• Battery Charger

1. Read in your product, toy, or technology product manual for the recommended size of your battery. Sometimes the product manual will also specify the preferred type of battery in regards to Alkaline, Recharge-able, Pre-charged Rechargeable, and NiCd, NiMH, etc.

2. Look at the product or technology item itself, if the manual is not easily available, to find the place where the batteries are inserted. Usually in the this area on the product or toy will be the battery size specifications as well as the number of batteries needed.

3. If there is still a concern about the right battery for your product - for instance in the case of a particular high end digital camera - then call the manufacturers product help line or visit the product's website. Many product websites will have online manuals in case you have misplaced yours or it is not longer available and the product websites will usually list a customer service product help line as well as email addresses, contact forms, or mailing addresses for customer service and product assistance or questions.

4. Write down the recommended battery size, battery type (NiMH, Alkaline, NiCd, etc), and other relevant information certain products or technology. For instance, some cameras need a certain mAh like 2100. If you select an mAh too high like 2600 - it could cause the flash to go out prematurely according to some camera customer service reps.

5. Determine how much time you have to purchase your batteries. If you need them the same day, then you best option will be a local store like Target, Walmart, Big Lots, or a grocery chain. Sometimes outlets like Big Lots will have batteries at a reduced price. If you need a particular battery for a technology product, you will need to check a local technology store that carries that product like Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Conn's, or Fry's.

6. If you can wait one day or even a week for your batteries, then check online retailers for the greatest selection. Some sites and stores offer overnight and next day shipping, while others offer free standard shipping which can take a few days to a week. Other retailers, online and in-store, offer specials like BOGO or 2 packs of batteries for the price of one. There are some companies that only manufacturer batteries who sell them direct to the public online for a much lower price than the typical name brand carried in stores.

7. Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries or pre-charged batteries. Many rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 1000 times. If lack of a battery charger is holding you back from the switch, check in-store and online for battery sets that come with complementary battery chargers. There is a difference between the traditional rechargeable batteries and the pre-charged rechargeable batteries that is important - the precharged come with a charge while the rechargeables usually don't. And the precharged will hold their charge much longer than traditional rechargeables - some brands research stating the ability to hold 85% of the charge after 1 year of sitting. There is another type of rechargeable that holds its charge well which is called a hybrid also.

8. Consider the battery charger you have available or an upgrade pack with a "smart charger" when making your battery selection. Certain chargers only take certain batteries while other chargers can take NiMH and NiCd - so know your battery charger. If you have a "dumb" charger - this charger cannot be set, does not monitor the temperature of your batteries, does not turn to trickle or turn off when battery is fully charged, and cannot have the charge settings changed. Dumb chargers will lead to a shorter battery lifespan - so consider a smart charger kit complete with a selection of batteries.

9. Read customer reviews of batteries and battery chargers before purchasing for high end items like digital cameras, video cameras, IPods, Mp3 players, etc. These reviews can be very helpful in determining the right battery and charger for your batteries.

Tips & Warnings

• Pre Charged Rechargeables or Hybrid Rechargeables can be used in remote controls and bedside lamps because they hold their charge.
• Consider purchasing a battery combo with a smart charger or buying a smart charger for your rechargeable batteries or pre-charged batteries to extend their life even more. The best smart chargers can refresh your battery by discharging and recharging to erase the residual effect that happens when you don't fully discharge before charging which usually shortens you battery charge and battery life.
• Precharged rechargeable, rechargeable, and hybrid batteries will save you money over time. Many can be recharged over 1000 times! That is a lot - and if you have the good "smart" battery charger, then your batteries can last even longer.
• Realize that most "fast" chargers will shorten the length of the battery life.
• Realize that "dumb chargers" have the ability to overcharge and overheat batteries causing them to lose charge and die faster.
• Don't store batteries in your battery charger.
• Don't use rechargables in fire and smoke detectors.

Resources

• Sanyo Eneloop AAA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries (4 Pack)
• Duracell Mobile Charger With 2AA And 2AAA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries
• La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger - Eligible for FREE Super Shipping at Amazon!
• Product Review: La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger

[jenng]

on 11/7/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Buy Batteries - Standard, Rechargeable, or Pre Charged 5*

[heatherinks]

on 11/6/2009 The new precharged batteries are excellent - they hold their charge so you can use them in remotes and other items that sit. And you can charge them hundreds, some claim 1000 times! They cost a little more - but by holding their charges and being able to be recharged so many times. It is worth it. I also invested in a good smart charger which can with a few sets of batteries as well. I use battery operated reading lamps - I think this will cost less than electric. God bless.

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/19/2009 Sometimes batteries cost as must as the toy does. Great steps in buying batteries, you are right. 5*

[EarthMother]

on 10/19/2009 How to Buy Batteries - Standard, Rechargeable, or Pre Charged is a great article. I didn't realize there were so many types of batteries until I had to buy one for my cordless phone. Smile!