Today’s New York Times has a small review of the soon-to-be-available Oxyride AA and AAA disposable batteries from Panasonic. The company states that these batteries will “last up to two times longer than traditional batteries in most digital cameras, and 1.5 times longer in other electronics ” . The Times put that claim to the test, and found the following :

• In digital cameras, Oxyrides do indeed get 2.4x the life of regular alkalines, for the same price.
• In other circumstances, eg in flashlights, fans and toys, the results are mixed. Oxyrides often underperform regular batteries with respect to total endurance, but in fact deliver more power, due their higher operating voltage of 1.7 volts.

The article concludes by decrying the fact that Oxyrides are meant to be disposable, and extolling the virtue of rechargeable batteries in general and nickel-metal hydrides in particular … they fete NiMH with the words “most economical, environmentally friendly, powerful batteries you can buy “. Can a New Disposable Battery Change Your Life? Parts of It, Maybe. Panasonic Oxyride Batteries home page.

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