Money-saving battery use tip

disneysteve · #1 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 08:01 AM

As we enter the season when lots of us will be getting gifts and gadgets that run on batteries, here is something to keep in mind. When batteries no longer have enough power to run a high-drain device like a digital camera, they may still hold more than enough juice to run a low-drain device like a clock. So don't throw away those "worn-out" batteries. Save them for less demanding uses.

I took a set of batteries out of my camera last week that were "dead". The camera wouldn't even turn on with those batteries. I put one battery in my computer room clock which was truly dead. A week later, the clock is still keeping perfect time and probably will continue to do so for months on that same "dead" battery.

poundwise · #2 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 01:28 PM

Good tip. I use batteries that won't power my camera or other such devices any longer in my remote controls, etc.

LivingAlmostLarge · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 06:03 PM

i like rechargables

disneysteve · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivingAlmostLarge

i like rechargables

I typically use rechargeables in my camera, but I always carry one pair of regular batteries just in case.

InDebtInDC · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivingAlmostLarge

i like rechargables

Do rechargeables still have problems with developing a memory if you don't fully discharge them the first couple of cycles?

I remember being taught that in college chemistry.

disneysteve · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InDebtInDC

Do rechargeables still have problems with developing a memory if you don't fully discharge them the first couple of cycles?

No. That was true of the old rechargeables, but the current versions don't have that problem.

InDebtInDC · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 06:51 AM

Thanks for clearing that up. I PM'ed you.

DayByDay · #8 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 08:29 AM

Great tip. Thanks.

poundwise · #9 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 12:09 PM

Rechargeable alkaline batteries are lousy. Not only do they not last nearly as long as standard alkaline batteries, they also lose capacity in storage. That is, you can't charge them up and store them for any length of time without loss of power and need for a recharge.

As for other types of rechargeable batteries, such as the rechargeable lithium cells that come with many cameras and digital music players, etc. they tend to work well and are generally well-suited to their purpose. Though, you have be wary of claims regarding number of hours of operation you may get; actual is typically much lower than claimed.

LivingAlmostLarge · #10 (**permalink**) 11-23-2007, 02:05 PM

They were free at cvs. I have tons of batteries.

leggzz66 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-24-2007, 05:31 AM

wow good tip thanx. I have a hp digital also, batteries last about 30 pix.lol

disneysteve · #12 (**permalink**) 11-24-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leggzz66

wow good tip thanx. I have a hp digital also, batteries last about 30 pix.lol

You definitely need to buy rechargeables.

leggzz66 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-27-2007, 12:48 PM

Your right Steve. Everytime i consider it, something else is needed though seems like. 3 kids still at home, ive been trying to get some though. I need coupons/rebate or something though. I looked at wm here and the cheapest set ive seen still on the shelf is 19.95, charger and 4 batteries. I hope to get them for Christmas. lol.

mom-from-missouri · #14 (**permalink**) 11-27-2007, 04:52 PM

Got another one for you...
Disposible cameras run on 2 AA batteries. Places like Walgreen remove the batteries from those cameras and save them. (I buy these cameras for the kids so they don't loose my good one, or DH to use in the fishing boat). When you take the cameras in for processing, if you ask they will give you free used batteries either from your camera or their battery bin. Sometimes if they have a bunch, our lWalgreen will dump 20 of them in a bag for me. Great for the kids little flashlights or some of their toys. And, they are free.

shizane101 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-28-2007, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leggzz66

I have a hp digital also, batteries last about 30 pix.lol

I know what you mean! Digital cameras are the worse. I have a Sony DSC-P41 digital camera and that thing eats up batteries like they're going out of style! I had to switch to rechargeables.

leggzz66 · #16 (**permalink**) 11-28-2007, 11:21 AM

Thats so funny to me at the moment mommy, i was just thinking that very thing about a stocking stuffer. Buying Kodak throw aways for thier stockings. They like to take pix of thier own, and paying what i did on credit for my hp, i wouldnt concider letting them use it, oy! Last year for dd's bday i bought her one of those digital cheapies at wm, 20.00, with the changeable cover, it dont have a flash, so most of her pix are too dark to even be usable. My sons want one also, and my youngest is six, so i have been putting that off! Now im sure that is one of those stocking stuffers ill be getting them this Christmas.

You and Steve, i know are right also for my hp, shizane. Just gonna have to wiggle that extra 20 out of my budget someday if i dont get it as a Christmas gift. dh keeps asking me what i want, its just in my nature to keep saying nothing, id rather spend it all on the kids, which i have said thus far, but im gonna mention that today, Because it will indeed help our budget over time as well and i dont think 20 dollars will make much difference on whats spent on 3 kids. So ill let you all know if Santa came thru for me after Christmas. Maybe we should start a santa wish list thread.lol