Rechargeable Batteries

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
08/06/2018 at 11:13 • Filed to: None

I use rechargeable AAs in all of my wireless keyboards, mice, etc, and I’ve used a mixed bag of eneloops and Sonys for a long time. But they aren’t holding a charge for long any more, so I need to replace them. Has anybody tried these Amazon branded batteries? They are certainly a good price, but am I getting what I am paying for?

DISCUSSION (14)

Rico > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:17

They are rebranded Eneloops if I recall correctly. My friend has a bunch and they seem to work just fine.

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:18

Hell to the no.

I’m using these right now and they hold about 1/10 the charge of regular AA/AAA batteries. I’ve used Eneloop with far better results, but the price reflects that. Honestly with as cheap as disposables can be found now, I’m about to give up on the hassle altogether (note on my loss of Green Cred: I do usually dispose of batteries at a battery recycling center).

Amazon Basics as a brand is starting to get a bad rap as nothing but a low-bid co-brander without a whole lot of vetting, but that’s just hearsay.

ttyymmnn > Ash78, voting early and often
08/06/2018 at 11:23

Found this on Amazon comments:

To clarify, there are now three different versions of AmazonBasic rechargeable NiMH batteries:
- The original AmazonBasics batteries came in black wrappers. They are made in China and have the capacity rating of 2000mAh. They are NOT as good as Sanyo eneloop batteries.
[[ASIN:B0030T1NEA AmazonBasics AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]
- The second version of AmazonBasics batteries came in white wrappers. They are made in Japan and also have the capacity rating of 2000mAh. They are (according to me) rebranded 2nd-gen Sanyo eneloop, so you can expect at least 1500 cycles lifespan.
[[ASIN:B00CWNMV4G AmazonBasics Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]
- The third version is also black but called ‘high-capacity’. They are (according to me) rebranded Sanyo XX. They are rated 2400mAh, but actual capacity is around 2550mAh, just like Sanyo XX. The rated lifespan of the XX is only 500 cycles.
[[ASIN:B00HZV9TGS AmazonBasics High-Capacity Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries]]

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:28

Makes sense, but just another thing Amazon is doing to alienate customers (like changing prices on items 100+ times/day...it maybe be POSSIBLE, but it’s a bad idea).

When I say my batch is bad, I literally mean they’re dead within a week in a child’s alarm clock (vs 4-6 months using traditional alkaline). However, it may take a dozen cycles to realize this, so then you’re past the return period.

gettingoldercarguy > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:30

Yes, they're rebranded enerloops. Work great.

Urambo Tauro > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:30

I used to use rechargeable NiMH batteries all the time for CD players, Game Boys and such (this was before MP3 players caught on). They worked alright, but they never lasted as long as regular alkalines. A lways had to keep charged spares on hand.

I think the whole voltage thing was a major contributor to that. Especially when batteries are placed in series- instead of 1.2V vs 1.5V, you’re looking at 2.4V vs 3V, or worse...

facw > Ash78, voting early and often
08/06/2018 at 11:31

I haven’t tried the batteries (I have mostly eneloops with some old Duracell rechargeables mixed in), but I have plenty of other Amazon Basic’s stuff, and don’t have any complaints (besides the fact that I’d rather not have an Amazon Basics logo on my backpack or whatever). Stuff s eems well made and well designed (though in many cases they are clearly just copying design features from more-expensive successful products).

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Ash78, voting early and often
08/06/2018 at 11:32

They aggressively negotiate for contracts, usually with a large vendor, to get their branded stuff. They’re usually effectively identical to a product from the sales leader in the category...

That said, in things like this, I’d avoid them. And you’re right that consumables like alkaline batteries are dirt cheap these days, so it’s hard to feel bad. Back when I was burning through batteries in CD players and walkmans, rechargeable batteries were a must, but today I stick them in keyboards where they last 5+ years and mice where they last 12+ months...

One example I know is that this is made by Ergotron:

AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Stand - Lift Engine Arm Mount, Aluminum https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MIBN16O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hMgABb7D83A24

LX Desk Mount LCD Arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00358RIRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ONgABb95BDD14

I couldn’t say what the difference in quality is, though. They’re definitely made using the same molds/design.

Wacko > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 11:33

I have white Amazon aa batteries for a few years now and they all still work great

ttyymmnn > Ash78, voting early and often
08/06/2018 at 11:34

I did some more looking (on Amazon) and found 8 eneloops for $25. I’ll probably go that route.

ttyymmnn > Urambo Tauro
08/06/2018 at 11:36

I’ve been doing some reading about them, and yes, the demands of the device play a big role. In wireless kbs and mice, I would imagine that voltage needs would be minimal. But then again, I don’t really know a volt from a watt, so I may be completely wrong.

Monkey B > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 12:03

I have them, no complaints.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > ttyymmnn
08/06/2018 at 14:17

I’m using Amazon branded AA and after a year or so they seem to still hold a full charge and not deplete quicker than usual. As soon as I’ve gone through the damn Costco pack of AAA I will use Amazon AAA as well. Version 2 - white ones.

ttyymmnn > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
08/06/2018 at 14:18

Good to know. Thanks.