rechargable vs regular batteries

United States
January 5, 2009 11:09am CST
my best friend says she wont do rechargeable batteries because they dont work as good or hold the charge as long.. i know when they wear out that is what happens but till they wear out are they as good at staying charged a long time as throw away batteries or not?
4 people like this
12 responses
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
5 Jan 09
I decided to start using rechargeable batteries thinking it would be better for the environment. I was not happy with their length of service. I have gone back to using regular batteries. I also worry about my house catching on fire as the charger becomes awfully hot while charging the battery. Since they costs considerably more, I didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth either. All in all I've not been happy with them!!!
• United States
7 Jan 09
well the good thing with me using it is that i dont use batteries often or for long so them not lasting a charge as long doesnt bother me.. but if i needed them to last as long i wouldnt be happy
1 person likes this
6 Jan 09
Rechargeable batteries have a higher capacity and considering they have a long life-span i tend to prefer them. For example i have a 15min charger and batteries for my cordless mouse, keyboard, headphones, cameras and various other bits and pieces. Some devices chew through batteries like mad so rather than buying alkalines frequently i've been using the same rechargeable ones for years. In most cases they are very similar price-wise anyway. I guess you could consider the electrical costs of the charger ...
9 Jan 09
Uniross are generally the big known brand of rechargeables and i honestly dont find them that expensive. I'm always amazed when people come into a store and decline everything except standard duracell batteries. They're buying a brand name ... that is all. 2 x 2 D-size batteries in duracell non-rechargeable can cost more than a charger and 4 batteries in some stores!! I ran a lifespan test to prove a point at work 1 camera and 4 types of standard battery: duracell, energizer, our own brand and varta. The camera was used in the same way for all tests with the screen on at all times (which is mainly what drains the battery). The own brand lasted roughly the same as the energizer, both of which were far greater than the duracell ... The own brand being substantially cheaper. Whenever i do use standard batteries, they are own brand.
1 person likes this
@riyasam (16556)
• India
6 Jan 09
i thought at first,it was better to have rechargable batteries but their performance is not so good as regular ones plus after some time it wears out.i think the regular ones are more cost effective.
2 people like this
@riyasam (16556)
• India
7 Jan 09
i think i dont go for the very expensive ones.i had gone for the moderate but my regular ones function for 6 hours or so and rechargable ones 4 hours or so.
2 people like this
• United States
7 Jan 09
did you use the more expensive rechargeables or regular or cheaper priced ones? i know some of my electronics will only use the expensive batteries (rechargeable or regular) and those eat me alive cost wise on throw away.. i think some disposable ones are just crap but im not sure which are
2 people like this
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
5 Jan 09
For the most part I use regular batteries.....I have bought the rechargable ones but not the recharger....I think that is next. I'd rather have some that you can recharge so when you run out you don't have to run to the store!
2 people like this
• United States
7 Jan 09
yeah i always keep my battery charger full so i can just switch them out for newly charged ones when they die
1 person likes this
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
I think it depends on the battery brand - if you buy the cheap rechargeable they dont stay charged as long. I tend to purchase the Nihm Rechargeable designed for use with cameras and music players - they're a bit more expensive but they last longer. I'd rather recharge them and use them again than keep having to buy new ones.
2 people like this
• United States
7 Jan 09
yeah i buy the more expensive ones because i had a digital camera that i used them with for awhile and they did better than other ones
1 person likes this
• India
7 Jan 09
well it depends on the brand rechargeable are more advisable someway we help our environment and at the same time we can recharge at any time for digital camera rechargeable batteries can be used ...........
2 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I have been wondering if the cost was worth buying the rechargable ones we are always needing batteries for one device or another so I would love to get one but didn't know if they worked well enough and how many times can ou charge them before having to replace them? I have heard 200 times. Bu not really sure on what brand or anything to buy. What brand do you recommend?
• India
8 Jan 09
As a general rule, rechargeable batteries will save money. This is especially true with items used frequently such as toys and electronic gizmos. The initial expenditure for the rechargeable batteries and charging unit will be more expensive. However, if you change batteries routinely on heavily used devices that pull a lot of energy and if you find yourself making too many trips to the store for disposable batteries then do the math and approximate a yearly cost. If the price tag seems high then contemplate the advantages of the rechargeable battery. consequently, if rechargeable batteries make good sense for your particular use, then consider purchasing extra batteries. When the power runs out of the Walkman while jogging and you don't want to wait to charge the battery and the kids are having a fit because their favorite toy is out of power. This may be the time to purchase extra rechargeable batteries. The additional batteries can be charged and conveniently waiting for quick replacement. In conclusion and without having to do jump through the hoop with mathematical equations, the question of rechargeable versus disposable batteries boils down to usage and cost. How often are the devices used and how much energy do they consume? Low wattage clocks and or flashlights, and rarely used items, will of course be a better choice for disposable batteries because they will last for at least a few months. On the other hand toys and radios and similar appliances used often and consume a lot of energy would most likely be the best candidates for rechargeable batteries and would after the initial investment save money. The cost per kilowatt-hour is much higher in disposable batteries. In both cases, consider the environment while using batteries. Many retail stores will accept used batteries and provide for proper and safe disposal, to keep our earth as safe and healthy as possible.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
6 Jan 09
I am not sure about that, my son will not use non rechargeable batteries he says they wear out too fast.
2 people like this
@DawGwath (1042)
• Romania
9 Jan 09
Actually they're much better than regular batteries and have better efficiency at first uses. I've been using a pair of good rechargeable batteries for a year and they're still good. They probably store 60-70% energy so it would be a good time to change them. Overall it's economic and ecologic and the only downside is that you need a charger and a socket so they're not that useful if you're in the woods. Unless you buy one of those solar chargers... :D
• United States
8 Jan 09
Shot, i think they are lithium batteries that i bought for my camera and they lasted almost a year. My parents have rechargeable batteries and haven't had them half that long and have had all kinds of trouble out of them. Even when they first got them they would not stay charged.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Jan 09
did they buy expensive rechargables or cheap ones?
• United States
13 Jan 09
I honestly don't know.
• India
8 Jan 09
i dis like using normal batteries intead i use rechargable battery i have been using rb for past 6 years without replacement since my mouse and keyboard are wireless they need battery since then i use the rc battery and i love them they are the best finding in technology
• United States
9 Jan 09
yeah they are great for those and remotes