I don’t normally write about a single product, but since Christmas is coming up and it seems like every toy and gadget on the planet needs batteries these days, I figured I’d tell you about the rechargeable batteries I use for almost everything now.

The Eneloop Power Pack

First, yes, I use rechargeable batteries for anything “non-critical” like toys, digital cameras, various tools (laser levels and whatnot) and just about anything else that can’t save my life. I still use name-brand alkaline batteries in my smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and electronic thermostat and I still change them regularly. In fact, when I take the batteries out of my smoke detector I throw them into a box and when I need some disposable batteries for something (like throwing an extra pair into the suitcase for vacation). Even if the digtal camera won’t run with them I can sometimes use the alkaline disposable batteries in little toys and flashlights for my toddler son. So even with the disposable batteries I try to use them until they’re completely drained.

My rechargeable batteries of choice are the Sanyo Eneloop AA or AA rechargeable batteries. I used to use a lot of different brands of NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries, but then I stumbled across the Eneloop Power Pack which included an assortment of AA batteries, some AAA batteries, a charger and even some C & D battery converters for $35, so I took a chance on them.

Eneloop batteries, besides having a slightly wacky name, are a new type of hybrid NiMH rechargable batteries that actually come out of the package mostly charged and ready to use. They work right away because they’re charged before they’re packaged and they have the incredible ability to hold their charge for a much longer time than regular NiMH batteries.

Sanyo claims their batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times and that they can hold 85$% of their charge for up to a year (90% for up to 6 month) if they’re stored at a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a fairly decent capacity, too, with the AA Eneloops being rated at 2000mAh and the AAA Eneloops being rated at 800mAh. They’re not the highest capacity rechargeable batteries, but they’re definitely passable.

You’ll need a special charger but a lot of the Sanyo Eneloop packages have a bunch of batteries as well as a charger included (like the Power Pack that I initially tried). In some packages they come with plastic converters that are the sized of C and D cell batteries. You just slip a AA Eneloop battery into the plastic converter and it can work in a device that accepts C or D batteries. Sure, it won’t last as long, but they do work and it’s a nice convenience feature for those few things around the house that still use the larger sized batteries.

You can expect to pay about $2-$4 per Eneloop battery online, depending on the package deal you find and whether or not it includes a charger. Given the price of regular batteries you can see that it will only take you a few charging cycles for them to pay for themselves.

I’ve slowly started converting all my rechargeable batteries into Eneloops, ordering a few more every other month or whenever I order a few books or DVDs from Amazon.com. Most of the Eneloop package deals include free shipping (and through Amazon they’re still usually sales tax free), so if you’re buying toys for the kids from Amazon then do yourself a favor and pick up some Eneloop batteries to power those toys.

They really do hold a charge for a long time and they really seem to last a lot longer than any of the other rechargeable batteries I’ve ever used.