<![CDATA[Gizmodo: rechargeable batteries]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: rechargeable batteries]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/rechargeablebatteries http://gizmodo.com/tag/rechargeablebatteries <![CDATA[10 Terrible Tips for Longer Battery Life]]> Nowadays, everything comes with a rechargeable battery, but who knew that getting long battery life could get soooo confusing? Here are 10 expert-backed tips to keep you from running low on the juice:

1. Since a battery should never be 100% full or 100% empty, you should charge it then discharge it in sequence ideally ranging between 80% to 20%. Start by charging for 12 minutes, then running it down, then charge it for 11 minutes then run it down, and so on. Confused? Just use this handy formula: n!=C(n,k)/r! where n can't equal r, and k never reaches zero. Simple!

2. If you use a phone or laptop without first charging its battery fully, you will die.

3. A lot of battery experts warn of the memory effect, but it's not really an "effect." It's just their way of saying "Remember to charge your batteries!"

4. Batteries run better when cold. The easiest way to do this is to find a refrigerated warehouse or meat locker, befriend the night watchman, and do all your work from there. ($20 bribes usually work.)

5. If your laptop battery gets hot enough to sear tuna, step away. Check your fridge for tuna. If no tuna in fridge, run to the supermarket to buy tuna. Don't worry, as long as you don't unplug your laptop, the battery will stay hot while you are gone.

6. When putting your laptop into storage, take out the battery. Wrap the extracted battery in a well oiled cloth and place it in a clay pot. Bury the pot in a hayfield. Any will do, but it's best if there's a long rock wall with a big oak tree at the north end. The battery should keep fresh for up to six months that way. If you're worried about finding it again, just mark your spot with a rock that has no earthly business in a hayfield. I favor black volcanic glass.

7. If your battery is about to run dry, take it out and blow on it. I have no idea why this works, but it totally does.

8. If your battery does die, you can always make your own: A potato theoretically has enough "potential energy" stored inside to power a laptop for a full hour—the trick is knowing where to stick the wires. Just ask a third grader. One tip: The potato must not be baked.

9. You should never confuse your batteries. Here's an easy way to keep them apart in your head: Lithium Ion batteries explode, Nickel Cadmium destroys the environment, and Lead Acid batteries are more corrosive than the Alien Queen's blood (plus, they contain lead). You can eat Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries.

10. People may tell you to carry a battery-life extender in your bag, but the secret there is, it's just another battery. What do I recommend? Jumper cables.

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<![CDATA[Sanyo CY-SPG226 Battery-Assists Your Lazy Butt For Up To 85km]]> Sanyo's Eneloop label, known for Wii charging stations and batteries, is taking cycling for a spin with the CY-SPG226 battery-assisted bicycle. Don't let the 85km range fool you though—there's still pedaling to be done.

The impressive range is accomplished, Sanyo says, by a battery that recharges itself on downhill stretches or when the cyclist brakes.

There's also that big honkin' basket on the front, capable of carrying more than 20 pounds (perfect for a chance encounter with an animatronic alien), but that has little to do with the batteries. Sadly, there is no little bell to ring when you arrive with a delivery.

The bike is, unsurprisingly, being marketed to courier and maintenance companies for about $1,300 (Japan only). That may sound expensive to some, but if you really hate pedaling or doing more work than is absolutely necessary, like I do, it might not be so bad. [CrunchGear]

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<![CDATA[Sanyo Eneloop Batteries Go Cs and Ds]]> Sanyo's just expanded their lineup of rechargeable batteries to include Cs and Ds, two sizes Jesus can't wait to get his hands on. They're rated as being rechargeable up to 1000 times, which is quite a few sessions of whatever it is you're doing with C and D batteries. There's also a new charger for these, and all of the above will be released September 12. Stock up on a few for the inevitable zombie invasion. [Sanyo]

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<![CDATA[Duracell's Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries Hold Power For a Year]]> Duracell's latest NiMH rechargeable batteries have two neat features. One, they hold power for up to 365 days without use, and two, they come pre-charged, so you won't have to juice them up before plopping them into your camera. The first is great so your batteries are always ready for use even if you haven't touched them for a while, and the second is great so your batteries are ready for use when leaving the store. Too bad these are $12.99 for a four-pack. [PRNewswire via Coolest Gadgets]

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<![CDATA[Old-Fashioned Rechargeable Batteries Get New-Fashioned Way To Charge]]> Energizer just announced that it's trying to get the "tech-wired and wireless younger generation" to switch to rechargeable NiMH AA and AAA batteries. The best way to reach that coveted consumer demographic? Colorful USB chargers, of course! The Energizer Duo can plug into a USB jack or wall outlet, comes in red, yellow or blue, and costs $14, with two AAA batteries included. It's not as sexy as the USBCell, but Energizer does bundle in software, referred to as both "interactive" and "customizable," that will let you watch your batteries charge up. That is, if you've got nothing better to do for about two hours.

Stay Charged For Every Occasion [Energizer]

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