Today in posts saw two references to Eneloops and there was a request, what is a Eneloop?
. Whist response was good and short, it still left my brain knoledge lacking ( many say this is normal even little old dislexic me) even wiki failed.
Do you Oz bargainers use these?
How , why and what for?
Is cost worthwhile?
Is charging a problem?
Lastly , I think, should we be using? Both penny saving and all with a 'green' view.
Thanks
Just bought my first set of Eneloops a month ago… I'm now waiting for the next deal on them so I can buy about 30 more.
I put the four Eneloops I bought in two Xbox controllers that get used every day… I have yet to charge them. Still going strong. I normally would have had to put new (pricey) batteries in at least once, maybe twice by now. I'm sold!
I've had mine a few years now and still going strong, to get the best out of them you should buy a smart charger like I did http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-Charger/d… I just use a travel plug and it works fine.
What is the advantage of a smart charger?
A good smart charger looks after your batteries and conditions them (doesn't over charge/charge too quickly which messes with the chemicals)
I don't use Enelooops, but that is purely due to wanting my AA's for photography (camera flash)
I use a Powerex charger. It's probably overkill for most people, but it's paid for itself several times over and saved batteries that other chargers can't charge anymore.
http://votogs.com/review/powerex-2700-mah-nimh-aa-rechargeab…
Thanks for your reply.
Yes they are worth it.
Better than your average rechargeable battery. Try a pack.
I use a few in high current draw devices, e.g. digital camera. I don't use them in tiny current draw devices such as alarm clocks, remote controls, digital scales, or digital thermometers. It's a waste of money to tie up a relatively expensive Eneloop there when an alkaline that has served most of their life elsewhere will power that device for a year or two more. Or sometimes the device comes with a set of alkalines and these often last as long as the device.
Only this I have that need batteries are TV remotes clock radio and smoke alarm. Well I do have a flashlight too. Would it really be worth the money or effort to use Eneloops in these devices?
This is where they do well - anything that where the battery needs to hold its charge for a long time but you're not using it all that often.
Please don't use them in your smoke alarm however (It should be a 9V anyway, but stick with a brand name alkaline. Your family's safety is worth changing it every year, even if it still has charge in it)
I use them for my flashlights, which go through HEAPS of batteries. Rather than throwing them out, i just put the used batteries into a different pile and grab some more. After i've got 4 batteries, i plug them into the charger.
tbh it doesnt sound like you'd use them enough to justify it. your choice though
Definitely worth the purchase when they show up on the front page. Couple them with the LA CROSSE charger and they will last a long time.
But are they still worth it now that the new 4th gen ones are made in China, not Japan? Is the quality still there?
(No fan boy rants please, just objectivity).
How dare you.
Speaking of smart chargers, does Eneloop sell any Smart chargers or do I need to look for a different brand? I'm an eneloop noobie
Don't think Eneloop are smart chargers. Read up on LA CROSSE OR POWEREX
They deliver here http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-Charger/d… and it works on our voltage and finally just use a travel plug it works fine.
Hi
It actually states on my unopened Eneloop charger ”Smart & Quick Charger” as to how smart they are compared to the rest is debatable I guess..
Confession-
I have only ever bought 1 double pack of eneloops (DSE voucher -got them for free) and have never opened the packet.
If you are going to use it for normal use, then any rechargeable will do
If you need it for high performance / critical items then definitely worth every penny. It holds its charge for a long time.
I used it for work to power D-SLR flash systems, it holds it's charge well (compared to other rechargeable) and it is money well spend.
Worth every cent.
I've been using Eneloops for 4+years now.
The rechargable batteries lasts a long time, like normal batteries but cheaper!
No need to go to shops or look for batteries.
Use them in wall clocks, alarm clocks, wireless keyboards, remote controls etc.
Things which uses very little power and require a long sustaining battery which holds charge.
Traditional rechargable batteries don't hold charge, but Eneloops do!