As technology advances, sometimes breakthroughs are made that both make our life easier and help environment. Recent introduction of so called low self-discharge NiMH batteries goes into this slot.
This far, when selecting batteries for your AA/AAA-run device (AA is what people call sormiparisto in Finland, AAA is one size smaller), you have had these options:
Disposable battery
+Not hazardous to environment
+Retains the power for years until used
-When used, lasts only for limited, sometimes very limited time.
Regular NiMH battery
+Rechargeable, can be used thousand times or more.
+Even one full charge lasts longer than a single disposable battery
-Hazardous unless disposed off properly (ongelmajäte)
-Charge wears off over time, so when you buy new batteries they start empty, and you need to recharge them often
Now we have these new kind of rechargeable batteries: low self-discharge NiHM batteries. They tackle the last bullet on NiMH cons list – they retain most of their charge for months.
Here’s some data from an independent test:
sorted data: AA and AAA NiMH low self-discharge tests–Round 2: Storage and Media Forum: Digital Photography Review.
So all in all, if you have high power devices like digital cameras or wireless mice, consider getting these new kind rechargeable batteries for them. I have used them for my cameras for months now and they indeed work. Normally if the device has been used for weeks, the batteries are in bad shape and you can’t just pick the device and go using it. With these new kinds of batteries you can.
As you can see from the link above, even if your device is used just one week after the full recharge, these all low self-discharge ones deliver more power than even highest rated normal batteries.
Here are the types I have used myself and where to get them:
1) GP ReCyko, Partco Oy
2) Varta Ready2Go, Clas Ohlson
3) Eneloop, Verkkokauppa.com