It should be noted that theses batteries can only be charged in the charger they come with. So if you have lets say a speed charger or a solar panel charger it won't charge these batteries.

The deal is good as long as you stick to the iGo Green charger.

The WIkipedia article on this type of battery says that the number of recharges one can get AND the max voltage depend upon how much the battery is discharged. A quote:

"If they are discharged by less than 50%, they can be almost-fully recharged for a few dozen cycles, to about 1.32V."

That's much worse performance than NiMH batteries. In fact, NiMH batteries can be most "fully" charged if they are almost completely discharged. The best NiMH batteries can be recharged over 1,000 times.

Does anyone know if the charger is compatible with European voltage, i.e., 220-240 volts?

Is this ready for use internationally? Is the charger compatible with 220V and 60Hz power as found in other parts of the world?

I'm totally in the market for rechargeables as my son uses his leap pad all the time and it'll kill 4 regular batteries real quick. I almost bought without reading the forums and glad I did. Seems there are too many questions with this battery and I'm not going to risk it. I'll take a look at ones people have recommended instead.

Is anyone else getting a ridiculously high tax slapped on in checkout? I'm in Seattle and Woot is telling the tax on this is $1.42 - a 14.2% rate. When did Woot start charging sales tax in the first place - it's the first I remember seeing a tax in checkout - and are they collecting for both Texas and Washington state, in my case? I know it's Amazon-owned now, but this particular rate doesn't make any sense to me.

"Note: Any charger will be OK if it ever
charged NiMH batteries."


FAIL! If you're lucky these will leak, either right off the bat or after a few uses if you use a NiMH charger. If you aren't lucky they will explode while charging. Regular alkalines are likely to blow up the first time you use them in a NiMH charger, unless they are almost full and stop charging fast.

gregmobile wrote:Is anyone else getting a ridiculously high tax slapped on in checkout? ...

I'm in NYC and getting $1.33 in tax.
Sales tax here is usually around 8.9%. It's a small discrepancy, but I don't get it.

I see a lot of recommendations for Eneloops. I have some Eneloops, some Kodaks, and a whole lot of AccuEvolution AA NiMH Precharged Low Self Discharge Rechargeable Batteries. These are the same LSD NiMh chemistry as the Eneloops at a lower price. See Bear Wobble (http://www.bearwobble.com/), a goofy name but great prices. My experience with these has been excellent. I have all of the standard sizes (AA, AAA, C and D sizes as well as the 9 volt) and couldn't be happier. The last NON rechargeable battery I purchased was a lithium AA for one of my atomic wall clocks. Everything else runs on the Accuevolutions. I love being able to carry spares in my toolbag and be confident that they will work when I go to use them, not be "flat" after 2 months out of the charger. I would have to say, AccuEvolution FTW.

I put in an order but have requested that they cancel it. It looks like rechargeable alkaline cells have some strange requirements when it comes to how/when these are recharged (as also noted by gslusher above).

If the Woot description said something like "no memory effect" or something like that it would trump Wikipedia, but without some kind of reassurance it doesn't sound like these are batteries I would like to use...

(quote from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_alkaline_battery)
Recharging issues

Though rechargeable alkaline batteries are relatively cheap and contain a high charge-capacity, their rechargeable capacity will vary by how much they are discharged:

* If they are discharged by less than 25%, they can be recharged for hundreds of cycles to about 1.42V.

* If they are discharged by less than 50%, they can be almost-fully recharged for a few dozen cycles, to about 1.32V.

* After a "Deep Discharge", they can be brought to their original high-capacity charge only after a few charge-discharge cycles.
(/quote)

RightWingWacko wrote:These are 1.5V Alkaline. NiMH put out 1.2volts when fully charged.

A 2000mah Alkaline is equivilent to a 2500mah NiMH

1.2v * 2500 ma = 3000mw - NiMH
1.5v * 2000 ma = 3000mw - Alkaline

It depends on the device. If the device is regulated (most electronics are) then the higher voltage means a lower current will be needed to achieve the same wattage. That said, alkaline cells (regular and rechargeable) have a large voltage drop when under heavy load. For this reason they won't work well in high current applications like cameras and flashes.

If the device is not regulated, then the higher voltage will cause higher current and therefore higher wattage. That may be useful or wasteful depending on the application.

The $1000.00 batteries we use in pro camcorders are rated in watt/hours not amp/hours. Each comes with a printed graph of that battery's discharge voltage vs time. For a grand they should come with a driver!

jrs1980 wrote:That write-up deserves a Sulu-style OHHH MYYYYY.

Oh My, that comment was a Perfect way to start my day :-)

When I was reviewing products 10 years a go, this type of battery was tried as a consumer product and FAILED. These cannot be recharged as many times as NiMH and are only 2000ma, where current NiMH cells are often 2500. Pass on this one.

The write-up says, "Patented technology make these the only rechargeable alkaline batteries available," but that is incorrect.

Pure Energy also manufactures rechargeable alkalines. This link shows AA rechargeable alkalines for $1.50 each, or you can get a recharger + 4 AAs for $20.

I bought Rayovac rechargeable alkalines back in the day, and I have a bunch of these Pure Energies now. They're great for low-drain and infrequent use applications, because rechargeable alkalines don't self discharge. I have them in flashlights, bike lights, remotes, and clocks.

However, my Rayovac alkaline recharger can't handle NiMH, so this dual-type recharger sounds great.

Lots Eneloop mentions. I had never heard of them until recently when a guy at work bought a bunch for our shop. I figured with 3 boys I might as well get some. They're arriving tomorrow. Pretty good deal, better than this if you ask me. 12 AA, 4AAA and C and D adapters for $40.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058N6JUE/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

claudicina wrote:I wonder how long it takes them to recharge? I didn't notice it among the description.

I was wondering that as well. Hopefully someone out there will have an answer.

deathopie wrote:Lots Eneloop mentions. I had never heard of them until recently when a guy at work bought a bunch for our shop. I figured with 3 boys I might as well get some. They're arriving tomorrow. Pretty good deal, better than this if you ask me. 12 AA, 4AAA and C and D adapters for $40.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058N6JUE/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

The C and D adapters are fine for emergencies, but they don't have the "staying power" of C and D rechargeables. From your link:
" The eneloop AA batteries with the spacers are great for use when standard cells are not readily available or for emergency use. The voltage and the capacity remain unchanged from the standard 1500 eneloop AA specification."

As opposed to a D size rechargeable (true D size, no spacer) which has a 10,000 mAh rating (vs. 2,000 mAh for a "D" spacer with an AA battery installed). If you use the D cells on a regular basis, buy D rechargeables (I like these: http://www.bearwobble.com/10-AccuEvolution-D-Rechargeable-Batteries-NIMH-Low-Self-Discharge_p_14.html).

ambergreen wrote:I need a charger to hold all 8 of the stupid batteries at once. Actually, only 7 since my son's new RC truck is odd.

Buy 2 then- I tried not to reveal it, but yes I am some sort of a math genius

ambergreen wrote:I need a charger to hold all 8 of the stupid batteries at once. Actually, only 7 since my son's new RC truck is odd.

Buy 2 sets. Then you'll always have one working set while the other set is charging. No downtime = happy child.

well this really has nothing to do with todays sales but a few weeks ago I bought the 60 batteries for around 10 bucks, just to let everyone know they suck!!!!!!! cannot take more than a dozen photos with them. so keep in mind when they come up again

Spiky wrote:http://www.thomasdistributing.com/-MAHA-MH-C800S-AA--AAA-8-CELL-BATTERY-CHARGER_p_153.html

Since these are alkaline and not NiMH or NiCD, this charger you suggested, or any other including my Lacrosse will cause these batteries to leak, destroying them, and possibly the charger.

There will be a lot of disappointed wooters when they try to charge them in a charger other than the one they come with.

I'm getting some since some devices (wireless mouse) are very voltage sensitive. I hope the higher voltage of these batteries will work better.

Does anyone know if this charger will detect when a battery will no longer accept a charge?

It's a different brand, but I've already been soured to rechargeable alkelines. I got a rayovac Remewal batteries years ago and they had a mild chemical explosion/leak in the charger. And I'm not some Krampus overcharging them or deciding to pointlessly leave them in the charger 24/7 so they are always ready. I heart Eneloop now. I've accumulated around three dozen of them since they have worked so well and they have successfully replaced standard batteries with their abundance in my house. I also use a LaCrosse charger to keep them in tip top shape.

Just another product that will end up in a closet or junk drawer. Alkalines never did and never will recharge to its original capacity. Every recharge will render it less than 10% capacity of it is previous charge. It is a physical fact. Alkalines by design aren't rechargeable. Why do you think this company boasts they hold a charge for years? Because they aren't rechargeable batteries. They are Alkalines!

To get the best life out of these is to not exhaust them below 50% charge before recharging them, and you MUST charge them at a VERY low charge rate (this charger).

Do yourself a favor and pass this junk up and spend twice this price for a NiMH charger and batteries. They are the most economical way to go with rechargeables.

I am deeply disappointed in Woot for even selling this product with out a big disclaimer for the performance issue of these batteries. It clearly shows how little they value loyal wooters, and utter disregard for the innocent and unsuspecting.

Of course, that's just my opinion, and the Flying Woot Monkey knows there are plenty of worthless opinions around here...

My order was messed up today I only want one charger. Please cancel the Visa card order and send the one charger paid for by PayPal.
an 2, 2012 07:03:38 PST

Some how the transaction didn't complete properly on the internet, but I received conformation for both charges one for Visa and one for PayPal. Please cancel the credit card order. I only want one (1) charger.
Visa info:
Your order number 36302114 for 1 iGo Green Battery Charger with 8 Rechargeable Batteries has been received by Woot on 1/2/2012 and your credit card has been charged $14.99.
Your order will typically ship within 5 business days. To check your order status, go to the Your Account tab at www.woot.com

Thanks in advance




[from mod: Pls email service@woot.com. They're off today but they'll take care of you tomorrow. ]

do you have to plug in the charger to recharge the batteries?

When are they EVER going to have rechargable Li Ion batteries? Oh wait, that would put them all out of business. Reg rechargables never work good. Crap, crap, crap

Can these be used with smoke detectors? The issue is that with NiMH batteries you do not get a low battery warning like with regular alkaline batteries.

fooknboomn wrote:When are they EVER going to have rechargable Li Ion batteries? Oh wait, that would put them all out of business. Reg rechargables never work good. Crap, crap, crap

Li Ion AA cells and chargers are available all over the place, and they offer very good output current and hundreds of recharge cycles. I've used several different brands and found that Energizer performed the worst, a no-name brand from China worked the best (cycles and current drain). I also like some of the 15 minute charge NiMH 2000 mAh NiMH cells.
Just keep away from this. This belongs in the Woot Bag-O-Crap offers along with some good stuff. Woot should be ashamed.

Someone asked when somebody was going to make Lithium Ion cells in standard sizes. Most likely never, or until each buyer must pass a written bozo test.

Despite warnings about that kind of battery EXPLODING if used in the wrong charger, some Krampus will always try charging them in an old Radio Shack charger they got at a garage sale for 50 cents.

Then, when they are disfigured in the explosion, they sue the battery company. "Duh, ya should have put the warning bigger on the package, cuz I din't see it."

So until this is a nerf world where nothing can ever hurt you, these cells will always be funny shaped and need a funny shaped charger.

wstrope wrote:well this really has nothing to do with todays sales but a few weeks ago I bought the 60 batteries for around 10 bucks, just to let everyone know they suck!!!!!!! cannot take more than a dozen photos with them. so keep in mind when they come up again

You were warned, repeatedly, about the kind of cheap cells you bought. Sadder, but wiser, eh?

I tried to buy this, but it said it was 1-2 weeks for shipping, so I just opted for the 8 AA and 4 AAA sets with charger for $38. I'll just pick up another set if I need more.

theguruguys wrote:
I also highly recommend the BC-700 LaCrosse Smart Battery Charger. It will keep your batteries charged properly without overcharging, will let you know when you have a bad cell and can attempt to 'recover' bad batteries as well.

Thanks for all the info, but I have to point out that the charger you are recommending is ONLY compatible with NiCd or NiMH batteries. It is NOT designed for rechargeable alkalines!!

babystewie wrote:If you guys buy these, buy at least two sets since shipping stays $5.

You must be new...

whitcwa wrote:It depends on the device. If the device is regulated (most electronics are) then the higher voltage means a lower current will be needed to achieve the same wattage. That said, alkaline cells (regular and rechargeable) have a large voltage drop when under heavy load. For this reason they won't work well in high current applications like cameras and flashes.

Thanks for the heads-up, I was wondering if these would be any good for my speedlites. Guess I could probably still use them for wiimotes.

I've got the LaCrosse and that's exactly what I do. When "kick starting" batteries in a cheapo charger still doesn't work, I know it's time to get rid of those batteries. It's a great charger.

Ringo4422 wrote:Li Ion AA cells and chargers are available all over the place...

Not in standard AA sizes and voltage (1.5V).

This is what greenbatteries says about why we don't have standard AA and AAA Li-ion batteries:

Are Lithium Ion batteries available in standard sizes like AA , C or D cell size?

No, Lithium-ion batteries are not available in standard sizes. We believe this is because it would be too easy for users to inadvertently put them in a charger not designed for Lithium-ion batteries creating a potentially dangerous situation. (If an alkaline battery is put into the wrong charger it might leak or even burst, but a lithium-ion battery put into a NiCd or NiMH charger not designed for lithium-ion, might ignite. Also, because Li-ion batteries operate at much higher voltage (typically 3.7V per cell) than the 1.2 to 1.5V of most cell batteries, designing a 1.5V lithium-ion cell would be expensive.

ilta wrote:I'll second the LaCrosse recommendation. You can't get a better charger for maintaining your batteries (as opposed to slowly degrading their performance like cheapo fast-chargers do). But it's important to note that if a battery is completely drained the LC unit wont' know what to do with it, so it's good to have a cheapo to "kick-start" the battery just enough to be recognized by the LC.

For some reason the reply didn't go through correctly....This is what I was replying to :-)

I've got the LaCrosse and that's exactly what I do. When "kick starting" batteries in a cheapo charger still doesn't work, I know it's time to get rid of those batteries. It's a great charger.

I've used lots of rechargeable alkalines (Rayovac Renewals and Juice), and am now switching to low self discharge (LSD) NiMH batteries, like the Eneloop, Rayovac 4.0, etc., because of leakage problems.

Disadvantages:

• special charger required (terrible advice in earlier comments that recommend Maha or LaCrosse chargers--they will not work and will be ruined when rechargeable alkalines leak or burst, which is likely).
  
• leakage, ruining your devices. While rechargeable alkalines have performed fairly well for me in the first year or two, as they get older, they are going to leak. They leak like any alkalines. Juice brand have been worse leakers than Rayovac Renewals.
  
• 25-100 charge cycles, on average (my results).
  

• long shelf life/low self-discharge.
  
• 1.5V, for devices that require more than the 1.2V of NiMH.
  
• cheaper in bulk than LSD NiMH (~$.50 per).