Three brave batteries answered the call!
(Credit: Eric Franklin/CNET)Even in the days of nickel cadmium and lithium ion batteries being used in most laptops, phones, and MP3 players, some of us still need traditional alkaline batteries.
Recently, I was forced by my superiors as if my life depended upon my cooperation I was politely asked if I could conduct some battery performance tests on a few regular, everyday, over-the-counter batteries. I, of course, responded: "Yes! Especially since you asked so nicely, I'd be happy to do it!"
I chose what I thought were two of the most popular batteries on the market, and one not so popular battery. The goal being to determine which battery would last longer under controlled conditions.
We looked at the following batteries: Energizer, Duracell Ultra Advanced, and Fuji Enviro Max. All batteries were of the AA variety with a 1.5-volt charge.
We used three identical Mini Maglite flashlights that require two AA batteries each.
We set up a Webcam, placed the flashlights in front of the lens, and started recording. When we returned a few hours later, all three flashlights were off and didn't turn on when we attempted to do so.
We then skipped through the recorded video file to determine exactly when each flashlight died. Using the video duration counter, we determined the following results:
| Brand | Battery life |
| Energizer | 5 hours and 35 minutes |
| Duracell Ultra Advanced | 5 hours and 8 minutes |
| Fuji Enviro Max | 4hours and 28 minutes |
I was not surprised that the purported "Eco-friendly" Fuji Enviro Max came in last place, but I was taken aback that a normal Energizer battery beat something called the Duracell Ultra Advanced.
Note that all batteries were brand-new and only used for the first time with each test run. Also, our goal was to determine which battery lasted longest. Sometimes, even after a device dies, batteries will still have a charge and knocking the device around or taking the battery out and putting it back in will give you more juice. We didn't do that here. The test was one run, repeating the test twice (three times total). The number you see above is an average of the three tests for each brand of battery.
Let us know in the comment section if you think we've missed something, or if you would like to request a different battery to test.
(Credit:
Sarah Tew/CNET)
For this week's installment of the weekly Crave giveaway, we have an assortment of Duracell Smart Power accessories that are just about to hit stores. Included in the package is an Instant USB charger, a sweet Daylite LED flashlight, a Go Mobile charger with two AA and two AAA rechargeable batteries (plus a car adapter), and last but not least, the myGrid cable-free conductive charger (you lay your phone on a mat and the battery juices up). Out of the box, the myGrid only works with the Blackberry, Motorola, and Nokia models pictured, but additional charging adapters are available and next year a charging sleeve, which doubles as a protective case, will be available for the iPhone.
Normally, this collection of Duracell products would cost about $170, but you have the chance to get it gratis.
So, how do you try to win the Duracell goodies? Let me enumerate the basic rules. Please read them carefully; there will be a test.
- Register as a CNET user. Go to the top of this page and hit the "Join CNET" link to start the registration process. If you're already registered, no need to register again.
- Leave a comment below. You can leave whatever comment you want. If it's funny or insightful it won't help you win, but we're trying to have fun here, so anything entertaining is appreciated.
- Leave only one comment. You may enter this specific giveaway only once. If you enter more than one comment, you will be automatically disqualified.
- The winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive (1) Duracell Instant USB charger, (1) Duracell Daylite LED flashlight, (1) Duracell Go Mobile charger, (1) Duracell myGrid cable-free induction charger. Approximate retail value is $170.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified via e-mail. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
- Entries can be submitted until Monday, October 12, at noon EDT.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENT OF ONE OF THE 50 UNITED STATES OR D.C., 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT DATE OF ENTRY INTO SWEEPSTAKES. VOID IN PUERTO RICO, ALL U.S. TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Sweepstakes ends at 12 PM ET on October 12, 2009. See official rules for details.
Good luck.
(Credit:
Matt Hickey)
I just last week spent $30 on new iPhone earbuds. Mine were in the pocket of my favorite peacoat, which was recently stolen by some awful human being. I was shocked by the price, but that's the Apple way.
Today at my local QFC (the "Q" is for quality), I saw the above item for $5.99: eight AA batteries with iPod earbuds included for free! Imagine my excitement! I'll have a backup in case in the jacket thief (or, indeed, thieves) decide to strike again! For less than one-fifth what the fancy name brand cost! I scored, right?
I mean, look at them. They look just like regular iPod earbuds. They're white, shaped with the same design, and feature the helpful "left ear, right ear" icons. I'm sure they're of the same quality I'd get from Apple.
(Credit:
Matt Hickey)
I needed the batteries because I'm a photographer. I mostly take photos in the evenings, which means I use an external flash that burns through batteries. That's what prompted my purchase. But at this point my excitement wasn't about the bargain of the power sources but rather the bargain of the free--I mentioned they were free, right?--iPod earbuds!
... Read more
The AA version of the Duracell Daylite produces a uniform beam of bright light.
(Credit: CNET)Duracell today introduced a new line of flashlights with superbright LED bulbs. Dubbed "Daylite," the series is comprised of three models: two 80 lumens models (one AA and a more squat AAA model) that will retail for $25 each, and a twice-as-bright $35 model powered by lithium CR123 batteries. (Yes, each model includes Duracell batteries.) The rear end of all three models sports a battery cap reminiscent of Duracell batteries' trademark coppertop design.
Duracell provided CNET with an early sample of the AA model, which I've been using off and on for the past few weeks. ... Read more
(Credit:
Bits And Pieces)
We didn't bother mentioning the laser-fighting cars when they came out, feeling that they paled in comparison to the laser helicopters released just weeks earlier. And both fall well short of the "R/C Laser Tag Shocking Tanks," which send electric shocks to your opponent's remote upon a direct hit.
But these remote-controlled bumper cars are a different animal altogether, melding the retro trend and the RC craze while retaining a good dose of mischief along the way. Each car has sensors that detect and keep track of contact; the first to get bumped three times freezes up and loses.
As much as we like them for nostalgic reasons, however, we can't see how the $40 price can be justified. Especially, as Slippery Brick notes, it doesn't include the cost of the 10 AAA batteries required to run them.
(Credit:
Crave Asia)
It's good to see battery manufacturers improving their cells for use with today's more energy-needy gadgets. Following in Sanyo's Eneloop footsteps is the Duracell bunny. Yes, the original hare which predates Energizer's fluffy pink one.
And the former has even more reason to beat its own bass drum. It now offers (for a premium, mind you) pre-charged NiMH batteries. That's good news for gadget owners because it means you no longer have to tether those rechargeables overnight to the mains to season them first. Now you just pop them in straightaway to use.
Plus these new batts, living up to the Duracell name, can now hold their charge for up to a whopping year (365 days to be exact) without use. More importantly, your other half won't be nagging you for long to get rid of those batteries stored in the freezer compartment, along with the frozen edibles.
(Source: Crave Asia)
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