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If you're using this many alkaline AA's, you'd better be stuffing them into promotional giveaways.

Anyone else who goes through this many is an rodeo cowboy for not using rechargeables. I say that as a techie, not as a treehugger. The simple power capacity of modern NiMHs has far surpassed alkalines, and the fact that you can get hundreds of recharge cycles out of them is just a bonus.

Treehugger.

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There are applications that require alkalines over NiMH/NiCad.

First, Alkaline is a full 1.5V cell, NiMH/NiCad are only 1.2V.

Second, voltage of batteries drops corresponding to two things: 1. Current being output (due to several factors), 2. Over time as the battery is used up.

In both these cases, rechargeables drop in voltage quicker than alkalines. This can be bad, because some devices have a minimum operating voltage (e anything with a circuit/chip in it).

So, yes, rechargeables will give you more uses, and a larger current capacity, but alkalines give you a longer "useable lifespan" (for certain applications). This translates to remotes that can operate for years on a set of alkalines vs months on rechargeables.

Lastly, due to the design, rechargeables will bleed off their charge over time, alkalines will not.

Yes, #1 is clueless.

Buying a big pack like this is what one does when they want to replace all their clock, remote control, etc (slow drain device) batteries at the same time, or to be stocked up at the winter cabin, survival kit, whatever.

. or have grandkids who always need new batteries when they visit.

These batteries are ok, but not great. I bought 128 of them last time they went on sale and noticed they don't last quite as long as they should. I use them mostly in low-drain applications, so it's not a big deal.

#5 you are grossly mistaken. Alkalines drop in voltage more quickly than rechargeables. The difference is alkalines drop steadily in a more linear fashion as their charge is consumed. Rechargeables keep their voltage steady up til the end when the voltage "drops off the table", so to speak. You may have come to your incorrect conclusion because rechargeables start off with a lower voltage (1.2 vs 1.5) which some devices don't like because they assume alkaline voltage drop behavior.

The only significant advantage of alkalines is that they retain their charge longer. *Not* forever, though, which #5 is again incorrect about. It takes a few years for alkalines to noticeably self-discharge, whereas rechargeables typically do that in a few months. For long-term emergency use, alkalines are preferable. For frequent, high-power use, NiMH or Li-Ion are far superior and cost less in the long run.

Remember to recycle your used batteries, whether alkaline, NiMH, LiIon or any other type. Radio Shack and Lowes both accept used batteries. Tossing batteries in the trash is technically illegal. The heavy metals and other toxic chemicals seep out from the landfill into the water supply.