A battery is a portable device that stores chemical energy that can be converted into usable energy when connected to an electronic device. While there are many different types of batteries, all of them fall into two main groups, disposable and rechargeable.
Disposable batteries must be discarded once they lose power. Examples of these batteries are the common alkaline batteries found in toys, music players and other devices. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged and reused after they lose their power, like the ones found in cell phones, laptops and many digital cameras. Additionally, many electronic devices can take either disposable or rechargeable batteries, which leaves consumers wondering which is the best choice.
The main difference between rechargeable and disposable batteries is that disposable batteries are only good for one use, while rechargeable batteries can be used time and time again. However, they also differ in a few other ways as well. At first, both types will hold almost the same amount of power, but after the first use a rechargeable alkaline battery will begin to decrease in capacity and lose power much faster than a disposable alkaline. However, a rechargeable alkaline battery can be charged anywhere from 50 to around 500 times.
Nickel-metal hydride, or NiMH, and nickel-cadmium, or NiCad, batteries are also rechargeable. While NiCad batteries are usually weak, they can be recharged hundreds or thousands of times. On the other hand, many NiMH batteries have a higher capacity than disposable alkaline batteries and can be recharged hundreds of times.
Unfortunately, unless a consumer carries fully charged backup batteries, rechargeable batteries can be less convenient than disposable batteries. While a disposable battery can be easily replaced, a rechargeable battery must be recharged, which can take a fair amount of time.
While rechargeable batteries are generally more expensive than disposable batteries, they are usually more cost-effective. Because these batteries can be used hundreds of times, consumers only end up paying pennies per use. Therefore, when considering the cost and longevity of rechargeable batteries, many consumers may want to permanently make the switch when possible.