Electronics

Rechargeable batteries are the most necessary components for all of your digital equipment and spare sets should be kept on hand whenever possible. Knowing how to measure the worth of rechargeable batteries will go a long way toward saving you money in the long run. Here is a brief overview of basic battery terminology to help break down the most important information you need to know before putting any money down.

The Characteristics of Rechargeable Batteries
A rechargeable batterys strength is called its capacity, which is measured in mAh (milliamp per hour). The higher the capacity number, the longer the battery will provide energy before requiring recharging. Although the batteries with the highest capacity may look the most desirable, its important to remember that all that extra juice needs space, and these tend to be the bulkiest batteries available.

Battery size, or thickness, is a result of its type and capacity. Newer types of batteries like lithium ion and lithium polymer offer increased power density and pack more energy more efficiently into a smaller space. Similarly, battery weight is governed by the same factors as size, and because its denoted by a solid number, may be a better indicator of a batterys mass than the vague terms used to measure size — terms like slim, ultra slim, or extended.

Battery type refers to the technology by which a battery generates its energy, with the most modern type being the lithium polymer variety. These and lithium ion batteries are the least susceptible to the memory effect, a deterioration that affects older battery types and gradually shortens their lifespan with each successive recharge. Battery life is determined by its capacity and drain rate, and can vary wildly depending on the strains to which the batteries are subjected. Finally, rechargeable batteries can only hold a charge for a certain amount of time; batteries that have been sitting on a shelf for over 60 days should probably be forsworn in favor of verifiably fresher ones.