MY EXPERIENCE
I use AAAs mostly for my MP3 players.
4GB USB 2.0 Mp3 Music Player with Fm Radio Function Voice Recorder Red
. My wife began complaining that our rechargeables (several brands, most more than 5 years old) didn't seem to be delivering as much playing times they used to. So I purchased 4 Amazon NiMH rechargeables---which are said to be repackaged Sony Eneloops, which are generally acknowledged to be the best consumer NiMHs available.
CAPACITY
Honestly, I have not noticed any difference in how long the new Amazon NiMH batteries lasted compared to my old NiMH batteries. That means that there COULD have been a difference of up to ~20%. But then, I have a better charger than most users---see below.
HOLDING CHARGE
In actual practice (not charts of test results) most rechargeable loose about 1/2% of their charge per day, or more, so fully charged batteries are nearly empty after 3 months, or less, even if unused. The great (hypothetical) advantage of these Amazon batteries (Eneloops, and other advanced NiMH batteries] is that (theoretically) they hold their charge for years (when stored in optimal conditions), making them practical (but generally not cost-effective) in light-demand applications such as wall clocks or TV remote controls. In actual practice, even these batteries loose their charge much quicker when actually installed in equipment, depending on the type of equipment. My MP3 player is so "leaky" that fresh batteries are dead in about 3 weeks, even if the player isn't used---in which case Amazon/Eneloops wouldn't make any difference.
CONCLUSION
While I doubt that these batteries live up to their hype in actual use, I have no doubt that they are the best choice among AA/AAA consumer rechargeable batteries.
PACKAGING
The packaging is a nice 3" X 5" X 1" cardboard box, the batteries in the box are shrink-wrapped together. Honestly, I would have preferred a small cardboard box the size of 4 batteries which could be used for storage, particularly when traveling, since I only use one battery at a time.
RECHARGING
I strongly recommend
Sony BCG34HRE4KN Cycle Energy Quick with Refresh Charger and 4 Pre-Charged 2000 mAh AA Batteries (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
. Yes, the Sony costs 2-3X as much as an average dumb charger, and has been discontinued, but is still available, and apparently Sony has no replacement model. Actually, at $33, the Sony is probably the cheapest truly smart charger you can buy. Minus $8-$10 for the included batteries, the Sony charger is, in effect, $20-$25. The next cheapest smart charger I know of is $45 without any batteries. Caution, cheaper Sony chargers which look almost identical are NOT smart.
Most chargers are dumb and just charge a preset amount of time--usually 8 hours. They either undercharge or overcharge your batteries. (That is, they overcharge partially charged or low capacity batteries, and undercharge empty high capacity batteries). Overcharging damages batteries. Undercharging causes permanent loss of capacity. You also have to charge 2 or 4 batteries at a time---you can't charge 1 or 3, nor mix AAAs and AAs (except in pairs). The Amazon Basics charger is a nice little charger international travel, but IS NOT SMART.
The SONY CYCLE CHARGER monitors your batteries as it charges. If a battery only needs to be topped off--the charger ONLY tops it off, often in just a few minutes. If your batteries need a full charge, they get it, regardless of their capacity, AND as fast as your batteries can accept the charge--usually just a few hours. You can charge ANY number of batteries at a time, including just one, and ANY combination of AAAs and AAs. If a battery dies on you while the SONY is in already in use--no problem, just insert the battery in a free slot and it will be properly charged. The SONY has a "refresh" function which (optionally) fully drains the batteries before recharging---which typically restores lost capacity. Using the "refresh and charge" cycle several times, I've resurrected a half-dozen nearly"dead" NiMHs (which I had just thrown in a drawer). I believe that this charger is why my 5-year old batteries have the same (or nearly the same) capacity as the new Amazon NiMH batteries.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A CHARGER IS SMART OR NOT
If it cost less than $20 (not including any batteries), it is NOT a smart charger.
> Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.
Skaizun
GrantVisions