I don’t usually blog about things that are unrelated to the Flash platform, but once in a while something comes up that I think is impressive, lacks the exposure it deserves, and might be useful to other geeks. Eneloop batteries met that set of criteria, and they’re good for the environment, which is always a bonus.
I heard about Eneloop about a year ago, but I never found them in stores, and thought maybe the technology was vapour-ware. I wasn’t surprised, because they sounded too good to be true: They are rechargeable batteries that outperform alkalines, retain a charge for over a year (so you can charge them, stick them in a drawer, and forget about them until you need them), charge fast, and are quite cheap (only slightly more than brand name alkalines, and nearly half the price of the Panasonic rechargeables I had been using).
Then about 4 months ago I found some in a local computer store, and figured I’d give them a shot. I was impressed enough by the first pack that I’ve replaced all of my batteries with them, which only cost about $100 for 35 batteries and a charger (they also charge fine with my old charger). So far I’m really happy with them. They last a long time (about 2 months of use in my XBox360 controller, versus about a month with fully charged Panasonics), and hold a charge well so far (the ones I’ve put in my tv remotes are still going strong). The only thing I noticed is that unlike the AAs, the AAAs did not come precharged. I’m guessing they discharge more quickly in storage than the AAs due to their smaller size.
I have a bit of a conspiracy theory about these batteries, which is part of the reason I wanted to give them some exposure. These are theoretically “batteries for life” – if you charge them every 2 weeks, and they last the stated 1000 charges, they will work for over 40 years. Obviously this isn’t going to happen, but it seems like they should last a good while. Sanyo is the largest rechargeable battery manufacturer in the world, but as far as I know they have never marketed them directly. I can imagine a scenario where Sanyo approached the companies that were rebranding their batteries with this new technology, and were shot down because it has the potential to dramatically reduce the demand for batteries (because you don’t need to replace them). Likewise, you can’t find these batteries at stores like Best Buy, possibly for the same reasons – batteries are a high margin business, with a good replacement cycle. It’s just a guess, but it sounds possible to me.
I tracked mine down at a local computer shop, and then later at Costco. And no, I’m not getting paid by Sanyo to promote these, I just think they’re a smart product, and they aren’t getting any attention. And yes, they have a really crappy “skip intro” type thing on the Eneloop website. Good batteries, bad Flash. 🙂
Nice find, perhaps there’s a downside you’re unaware of.
Amazon search-results link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=eneloop
I’ve been using these for awhile. Ordered my first set from Dell and later bought a big pack at Costco. They are amazing. I first read about them on a photo blog. I use them in everything now but where they really shine are in the external flash for my DSLR. The old batteries I had would die in no time at all, I had to use akalines to make it work reliably. Now with these the keep a charge for a very long time and not only that but they discharge faster so that the capacitor in the flash refills quicker and thus I can fire off way more flash shots in a row.
Not only have these managed to give me at least equivalent performance to alkalines but in fact have given me better performance. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some truth to your conspiracy theory. As I see it every home should have a set of these batteries. Now all they need is a solar charger to go with the set.
I’ve had them for over a year and and have had to problems with them. The only thing is that I wish that I could find a place where they sell the C and D sized slip on covers separately. The Costco pack that I bought had 2 of each but it’d be nice to have 4 for a large flashlight or something.
Thanks for this post, I’ll have to check out Eneloop. Up until now, I’ve been using another little known company for my recharing AA battery needs, Maha Energy. http://mahaenergy.com
Cheeers.
“and they’re good for the environment”
How are batteries “good” for the environment? There are only 2 things good for the environment: sun and rain. You might want to qualify your statement.
Bill – good call. How about “better for the environment than most other batteries because you should use less of them, and they retain their charge longer (hence requiring less rechargings)”?
🙂
I used to work at circuit city about 2ish years ago and We used to carry those batteries. I never really gave them any cred because the other things sanyo makes are kind of junkie… and the brand seems like it was like batteries you find ‘included’ with devices (some random off brand) but sound like they are worth checking out. = P
I just picked them up 4 weeks ago. so far so good.
And i feel like i am a little more a part of the solution and not the problem.
These kinds of batteries have been out in Japan for years. Way back when, I picked up a CASSETTE player. The included battery charged in about 2 hours and lasted about 40 in the player. I always wondered why we didn’t have them in the states, but as I am a Costco member, I’m excited about the prospects.