Cool Tool: Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries
I guess I didn’t know this about NiMH batteries, and it’s pretty interesting.
Some people know this, some people don’t, but standard rechargeable NiMHs self-discharge, constantly losing energy (even when not in use), so people often end up with powerless cameras at weddings or powerless radios or flashlights in survival situations. I’ve found it’s quite possible for the energy in them to have halved after a month or two, and with some older cells I have, the dive can be much faster. Although Eneloops have a quoted total charge capacity that can be smaller than the best premium NiMHs, they lose their charge at a much lower rate – the company says as little as only 15% a year — because of their design. They’re also Cadmium-free, which is supposed to better for the environment.
I guess it’s probably time for me to pick up some Eneloop batteries from the local store for the Wii I have sitting around.
