SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries Reviews

• LSD is great.... just keep away from heat!

  
  By AOEAD7DPLZE53 on 2007-01-09
  According to Sanyo, the new eneloop LSD (low self-discharge) NiMH batteries can maintain 85% of its original charge after 1 year of storage. This claim is slightly misleading, because it is based on simulation test at 20 degree C. At higher temperature, the self-discharge rate is likely to be much higher.
  
  I have tested five of those AA cells (details are given in my review for the eneloop 4-pack). The average energy loss is about 26% after less than 6 months of storage, based on manufacturer date codes. This self-discharge rate is about 3 times higher than what Sanyo claimed. However, it is still 6 times lower than that of ordinary NiMH batteries. Therefore I'm in the process of replacing most of my existing rechargeable cells to the Sanyo eneloop.
  
  Thanks to lower self-discharge rate, you'll discover a lot more applications for eneloop cells in your house, such as in clocks and remote controls. Do NOT use those cell in smoke detectors, since their discharge voltage profile is very different from that of alkaline cells. Also, don't use them as emergency flash lights batteries in your car, because the higher temperature during summer time will probably nullify the advantage of LSD.
  
  [Update on Jan 13, 2007]
  I have tested six new eneloop AAA cells, dated "2006-06'. The average residue charge is 589mAh, and the freshly charged capacity is 827mAh. This implies a self-discharge rate of 29% in 7 months, which is consistent with the rate for AA cells (26% loss in 6 months).
  
  [Update on Jan 29, 2007]
  The Rayovac "Hybrid" rechargeable NiMH batteries are now available at Walmart, priced at only $[...] for 4-pack of AA or AAA cells. It is also advertised to have low self-discharge rate, but not as low as that for eneloop. The eneloop is supposed to retain 85% charge in 12 months (when stored at 20 degree C), whereas Hybrid is supposed to retain 80% charge in 6 months (no mention of temperature).
  
  [Update on June 3, 2007]
  In my 2-month self-discharge test using four different brands of NiMH cells. Hybrid and eneloop came up neck-and-neck!
  
  Room temperature: 60-62 degree F (16-17 degree C). All capacities measured are average of 2-cells.
  
  - Sanyo eneloop 2000, purchased Jan 2007.
  Initial capacity measured: 2070mAh
  Capacity after 62 days: 1796mAh (-13.2%)
  (Note: my previous result for eneloop showed -18%, but I repeated the test and it did better this time)
  
  - Rayovac Hybrid 2100, purchased Jan 2007.
  Initial capacity measured: 2155mAh
  Capacity after 62 days: 1859mAh (-13.8%)
  
  - LaCrosse 2000, purchased Jan 2006.
  Initial capacity measured: 1902mAh
  Capacity after 62 days: 1417mAh (-26%)
  
  - SONY 2300, purchased Sep 2004.
  Initial capacity measured: 2210mAh
  Capacity after 62 days: 1309mAh (-41%)
  
  So neither eneloop nor Hybrid did as well as advertised, but they are still significantly better than previous generation of NiMH cells. So you can't go wrong with either brand.
  
  
  

• Some new facts about LSD cells you should know...

  
  By AOEAD7DPLZE53 on 2007-01-06
  [Updated Oct 24, 2008]
  My original review on the Sanyo eneloop NiMH cells was written nearly two years ago. Since then, I have learned a lot more about the characteristics about eneloop and other low-self-discharge cells. So it is time to clear up some inaccurate information I wrote about eneloop's self-discharge rate.
  
  1. I was told that the Sanyo eneloop cells were not 100% fully charged when they leave factory. This makes sense because new cells are fast-charged in the factory to save time. In order to avoid problem with heat and gas built-up, they cannot be charged to 100%. I have tested some eneloop cells that were manufactured 20 months ago, and they still maintained about 70% charge. On the other hand, cells manufactured 6 months ago contain about 75% charge. This confirmed that the discharge rate is much lower than I previously estimated.
  
  2. The self-discharge rate of eneloop (and other LSD cells) is not linear! My own testing showed that a fully charged eneloop may lose 10% of its initial charge during the first month of storage, but in the second months it may lose just 2-3%. The rate becomes even slower after three months. In fact, my 5-month self-discharge test using various brands of LSD cells gave nearly identical results as my previous 3-month test.
  
  3. When an eneloop cell is freshly charged, its capacity actually measures at about 5% higher than its rated capacity (2100mAh vs. 2000mAh). In my previous tests, I used measured capacity as base to calculate the percentage loss. This results in apparently higher percentage loss. Had I used the rated capacity as base value, the self-discharge rate would be about 5% lower.
  
  Based on the above revelation, I believe Sanyo's claim about eneloop (maintain 85% charge after one year, 80% after two year) to be accurate. Therefore the title of my previous review ("The News of LSD Has Been Slightly Exaggerated") has to be replaced.
  
  Over the past two years, I have tested several different brands of LSD cells available from Amazon.com, including Rayovac Hybrid, Kodak Pre-Charged, and Duracell Pre Charged. They have all performed very well - practically no difference from the Sanyo eneloop. So the bottom line is: just pick which ever brand of LSD cell is on sale, and you can't go wrong.
  
  

• After all It is not only about milliampere hours

  
  By A2FVVXVOJS3ZM8 on 2007-03-12
  I received several sets of Eneloops in February and label told they were produced in April - so they sat at warehouse for nine month. I put them into camera and they worked just fine. Kudos Sanyo!
  I should also mention that Sanyo includes reusable battery holders with each set of four. These holders do not look very sturdy, but they perfectly usable.
  
  Technically, Sanyo solved the main problem with NiMh technology - frightening self-discharge rate (up to 40% a month for standard cells). By doing this Sanyo reduced cell capacity down to 2000 mAh from today's top line of 2700 mAh.
  
  Simple calculation shows that due to self-discharge a good 2700 mAh battery holds only around 2000 mAh after a month and a half.
  So the answer to the question "which battery is better - Eneloop or standard NiMh" - lies in the usage pattern.
  
  If you always keep batteries in your camera in top-notch charged condition, then standard 2700 mAh set is a winner. For occasional shooters who always forget to charge batteries (like me), Eneloop makes lot of sense because in three month I get around 1900 mAh out of Eneloop and only 1400 mAh from the standard cell. So Eneloop is a winner for everyone who keep batteries inside the camera or any other device for more than 6 weeks.
  
  And, well, if paragraph above looks too technical with too many details and numbers - then Eneloop is a clear winner too, because it just behaves the way battery should behave - without forcing users to know how it works.
  
  This observation made me buy additional sets of AAA Eneloops to use in my wireless mouse, keyboard, voice recorder and LCD flashlight. It should be taken into account that Eneloops are four times more expensive than Alkaline cells, so it is reasonable to use them for devices that require fresh batteries at least twice a year.
  
  
  
  
  

• Simple little charger that gets the job done - eventually

  
  By AOEAD7DPLZE53 on 2007-02-10
  This compact charger, MDR02, is best suited for traveling, because it is tiny (measures only 3"x3"x1"), very light (weights about the same as two AA cells), and accept universal input voltage (100-240V AC). It is also a "smart" charger in the sense that it charges each cell individually, and stops whenever each cell is full.
  
  The main drawback of this charger is that it is rather slow. The charging current is 550mA for AA , and 380mA for AAA. That means it takes about four hours to charge up a pair of 2000mAh eneloop cells. What if you need to charge up a set of four 2700mAh cells? That will take close to 12 hours! So you really should keep another faster charger for home use. Just remember that the eneloop cells do NOT require special chargers. Any good quality "smart" NiMH charger will do the job.
  
  The reverse is also true - You can use this eneloop charger to charge other brands' AA or AAA NiMH cells. I keep one in my office just to charge up batteries for my MP3 players, headphones, wireless mouse, etc. And since I always keep a spare set of fully charged batteries, the longer charge time does not bother me.
  
  

• Buying my 4th set

  
  By AAJIGWE242MSN on 2007-04-02
  I was initially skeptical when I bought these but figured it couldn't hurt. I needed a set for my Nikon SB-600 flash. The 2700 mAh Energizers I had performed just fine until they sat in the flash for a month, at which point I had to carry a spare set "just in case". I charged the Eneloops, placed them in the flash and had my first call a month later. They worked wonderfully. I went the whole evening without needed spares. I used them again two months later and got a solid hour or two before they were exhausted. They easily lasted 2-3x as long as the Energizers and where in the flash for 2x as long. All-in-all, they've performaed very well. They may not maintain 85% of their charge after one year at room temp (as one reviewer suggested) but they certainly "sit in the bag" far better than my others. I am slowly phasing out all my non-Eneloops as a result...
  
  
• Finally, a high capacity rechargable that holds its charge
  By A2U6W2V5BO18TF on 2006-12-30
  Funny, everyone seems so thrilled about how they come charged out of the box. While this is nice and convenient, the bigger picture is *why* they can come charged out of the box: they discharge at a much slower rate than normal (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. If you use your battery-needing product often, you may not notice this, but for things you use sporadically, this is a godsend. No more coming home from vacation to find your TV remote control is dead. No more grabbing your digital camera after three weeks of not using it only to find it won't start up.
  
  These batteries are, indeed, the best of both worlds: they have the power and reuse advantages of a good NiMH battery, but the slow steady discharge of an Alkaline disposable. Look no further -- this is the rechargeable you've been waiting for.
  
  And if you had to guess, I'm happy with my first set and about to order more... :)
  
  
• These batteries are great!
  By A1B4MIXYVIKMU2 on 2007-09-08
  I bought these batteries for use with my Canon S2 digital camera. I was having trouble with typical nimh batteries because I would charge a spare pair of batteries for use when the main pair died. But I was finding that the ones I charged a few weeks ago would be almost fully discharged by the time I would swap them. This was really annoying and pretty much defeated the purpose of having rechargeables... I had to use alkalines instead. But this new so called 'hybrid'/low discharge technology finally solves this problem. Of course it does not solve it completely because these batteries still discharge over time... just a lot slower, but at least now I know I have a pair of batteries that are at least 80 percent or so charged when I swap them. This technology was actually developed by an small independent company and licensed for use with all the major battery companies now. For instance, Sony is also utilizing it in their new batteries now. To me, this demonstrates how well it works.
  
  So how does it hold up in real life? Pretty darn well, actually. I noticed that these particular batteries last really long in my Canon S2. I haven't had the problem of charged batteries being totally discharged by the time I swap them anymore. So if you're having similar problems with your older Nimh batteries, I would recommend giving these batteries a try. But don't feel limited to this brand, there are many other brands utilizing this technology and I've used other brands with the same great results.
  
  Tip: If you live near a Fry's Electronics, they have a nice selection of battery choices that utilize this technology.
  
  
• So much better than regular rechargeables
  By A1PSVZBM894R5H on 2007-06-08
  These 2100 mAh rechargeables are better than 2700 ones - Why - because the regular but higher capacity ones lose charge so quickly, within 10 days they have less charge left in them than the "eneloop" type.
  I had some doubts how they would perform in the real world - in particular, their peak current capability (which will determine how well they actually work in a digital camera). Turns out - they do better than the regular ones. While my 1600 mAh panasonics gave approx 40 - 50 shots consistently, the same digital camera now gives me approx 100 shots with these eneloops. Suddenly my mom's camera which "ate up battery very quickly" - has become a "great camera" from the battery change. If she's happy, so am I. Incidentally - the amazon price is also very good - you can also try getting the ones with a charger - this eneloop charger charges batteries INDIVIDUALLY. This is critical - no matter which charger you buy - get ones that charge batteries individually and not in pairs. Also remember to always mark your batteries, so you don't mix up charged and discharged batteries when charging them. I've found this to be a common problem with many users.
  
  
• Best batteries/charger
  By A1I6W4T79CA9X8 on 2007-01-09
  11/2006:
  I was going to buy the LaCrosse or Maha MH-504FS after reading tons of reviews. I'm glad that I didn't and bought this instead. First, this charger (not sure about the 2 batteries version) is a smart charger which monitors and charges batteries individually just like the LaCrosse. It is not a dumb timer charger you get for $10 or less. You don't need to worry about quick/slow charges (like 504FS) because it uses pulse charge to charge at a speed that's not too fast to hurt your batteries. Second, this charger costs so much less compared to Maha and LaCrosse. Third, I used these eneloop batteries fresh from the package without charging and took over 200 pictures (about 50 with flash and a few movie chip) with my Cannon A540. I believe it can take more pics because NIMH batteries take few cycles of discharge/recharge to reach full capacity. Last but not least, these eneloop battaries are able to hold the charge when sitting idle for months. Unless you charge the normal nimh batteries the night before, they are no good even if they are 2600 high power ones. By the time you use them, they are only partially charged.
  
  I would recommand you to buy a LaCrosse if you still decide to use the ordinary NiMH batteries because you will need to use the refresh function to get rid of memory issue and the LED to tell you how much charge is left after letting the batteries sit for days. (Oh, I forgot to mention that eneloop claims that it can recharge 1000 times without memory issue.) However, if you decide to use the eneloop, forget about paying extra for Maha or LaCrosse and the normal Nimh batteries and just use this amazing charger and awesome batteries instead.
  
  6/2007 update:
  I bought a new set of Rayovac Hybrid Batteries to see how these compare to Eneloop because they are cheaper. I put the fresh new Rayovac in my digital camera, it works. But when I put it in a LED flashlight, the LED has no light output at all. Later, I put my used Eneloop (after 200 pictures) in it. Guess what? The LED works! Well, you get what you pay.
  
  
• Best Rechargeable Battery
  By ANE5D6S3SY35K on 2007-03-28
  After switching digital camera from Canon A75 to A540, I discovered the battery life is extremly short on the A540. At first I thought it's because Canon A540 uses 2-AA instead of A75 with 4-AA batteries, then one time, after taking ZERO pictures and freshly recharged NiMH sitting in the camera for only one day, the "low battery" indicator came on. This happened to both Energizer NiMH 2300mAh battery and Sony NiMH 2600mAh. So I begin to Google the problem and discovered it has something to do with rechargeable battery's drop-off voltage characteristic and how Canon's camera interpret this as low battery indicator.
  
  Hence comes the Eneloop. These batteries' voltage doesn't drop and they discharge very very slowly. I have used the Eneloop for over two months now and glad to say it finally solve the problem of my Canon A540. A set of freshly charged Eneloop can last for weeks and 300+ pictures and counting. Plus the charger is 110v to 220v capable, so my trip to Asia/Europe won't require a different charger. This is an awesome product and I will buy more of it!
  
  
• Slight Adapter Design Flaw...
  By A1T2DLWGLAECWC on 2008-05-14
  I haven't had these batteries long enough to judge their life per charge, but so far they seem to be doing really well, so no issues there.
  
  My problem is with the D (and possibly C) spacers (adapters) that come with these batteries. I purchased these mainly for use in flashlights, and other regularly used items. To my dismay, the D spacers do not work in my Mag-Lite 3 cell (D) flashlights. I'm sure this is going to be an issue with other flashlights as well. A normal feature of flashlights, is the coil/spring that presses against the batteries and completes contact when the flashlight is closed. An important aspect to this is that the spring needs to be able to press against the actual batteries. Unfortunately, since the spacers are shorter than the AA batteries, and they're open at the top, the spring simply goes over and around (never touching) the end of the AA battery. It then pushes on just the plastic spacer, causing no connection, so the flashlight doesn't work. The only way to fix this, is to put a coin or metal disk on top of the AA battery, and then close the flashlight. Doing this makes the necessary connection and the flashlight works.
  
  [...] Flashlights have been around for years, and so has the existence of these springs, so in my opinion this is really bad designing.
  
  I hope Sanyo corrects this with future adapters, since these can really be useful batteries. I shouldn't have to amateurishly rig a flashlight to get it to work. They should have realized that the bottom of a D battery has a larger surface area, and many products are designed with this in mind. Since they didn't take that into account, the small surface area of the AA battery, is a pretty big issue.
  
  If you won't be using the D adapters in flashlights, then you probably won't have a problem. Like I said, so far the batteries are performing very well. I just wanted to make everyone aware of something I didn't think of, and never would have thought of, prior to purchasing.
  
  
• A technology that actually works...
  By A22FY81GML7A0B on 2007-02-07
  A friend in Japan sent me some eneloop cells when they were first introduced. They tested out very close to their rated capacity of 2000 mAh. I then conducted some self discharge tests. I fully charged the cells and set them on a shelf in my house. I checked them at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days.
  
  After 6 months of room temperature storage they had 86% of their initial capacity.
  
  Very impressive...
  
  
• Finally, A Rechargeable Battery Which Doesn't Go Flat Waiting
  By A3SLC8F6VIWXIR on 2007-02-03
  My biggest problem with rechargeable batteries for the many years I have been using them is that they normally loose charge at a fairly rapid rate while sitting waiting to be used. GE/Sanyo solved this problem and the result is fantastic.
  
  We have been using these in a Pentax digital SLR and are thrilled with the long in use lifetime and with not needing to worry if the camera sits idle for several weeks.
  
  The only ones to buy IMO!
  
  
• Slow but good
  By A2IXIJLZ46MBPD on 2008-04-22
  Based on reviews on other Eneloop products, I bought this kit prior to my vacation. On the whole, I'm quite pleased.
  
  It's only been a month, but the batteries seem to be holding their charge fairly well. Certainly, they're doing worlds better than my old ones which had the camera showing a low battery warning after an idle week.
  
  The charger is fairly slow. You'll want to leave your batteries in it overnight rather than trying to top them off in a hurry.
  
  Note that the charger can only charge TWO batteries at a time. I didn't realize that when I ordered it and was disappointed. It's also kind of finicky to get the AAA batteries into it. The AA's went in nicely.
  
  
• Better than Some_But NOT the best
  By AKRSSC2ETWTNB on 2008-01-10
  Better than a regular (AA) alkaline battery, but Not better than some rechargeables on the market. (When?)
  - I bought these Eneloops(2000 mAh) because of the reviews regarding slow discharge rates, and how rechargeables above 2500 mAh can lose power faster, etc.
  
  What I know is that, this winter/under Limited sunlight, the eneloops operated strongly 4 nights (running about 12 hours Constant) in my solar strand led Lights, BUT my (Powerex (AA) 2700 mAh Rechargeable NiMH Batteries) by MAHA ran strong for 8 nights b/f diminishing for the same time frame, using the same light types(over the same week [simultaneously]). Yes, the Sanyos are better than alkalines = ability to be re-used, will save you money -over time, and perhaps better than a comparable (AA) size 2,000 mAh rechargeable. But I will not buy these over the 2,700 power by MAHA/ Powerex -- especially when the device is operated [continuously].
  
  - illumination was also much better w/ the 2700s in the light strands. (for Maha batts- shop around/sale prices vary)
  
  -eneloops arrived w/ some charge but not [fully] powered. They can be charged in any quality NiMH charger, although the package only mentions Sanyo chargers.
  - An eneloop is simply a 2000 mAh rechargeable, when Ur mainly concerned about running a device in the "ON" mode continuously. It is when the battery is [Not] in use, does Low SELF-discharge (LSD) battery usefulness pay off.
  
  Difference:
  A)2700- 2900 mAh (from a quality brand)= for the greatest available power & speed at an event today/ 2 wks from now, Significantly MORE pics at a photo shoot/celebration, camera flash maxim speed, Stronger illumination in your lights, etc. -OR-
  B)eneloops (2000 mAh)= b/c your item sits idle for Long periods/mths(LOW camera use), device is slowly drained(clocks/ various remotes), you dislike recharging as often, want a set of back-up batteries sitting [in storage] holding power because your device can still run well with 1600-1700 mAH, if its 10- 11mths down the road, more or less.
  
  Some have [over] rated/recommended these batts as if they're "all-purpose" rechargeables. [In storage] =they're beneficial- ready to use. Yet, [In continuous operation] =they can get outperformed. It comes down to usage...
  
  Update: Sanyo also has a 2700 mAh -NIMH. And Maha has a LSD w/ even more capacity( IMEDION 2100 ). When eneloops & other LSDs are also available in higher milliampere hours (mAh) - that'll be the day!
  
  
  
• Eneloop batteries
  By A34M3AM0LCFLH0 on 2007-01-11
  I bought these recharger and batteries because, using a flash, I could literally only take about 20 pictures with two AA batteries before they were dead and in need of replacement. With the Eneloop batteries I can take 60-80 pictures before I have to switch batteries. Much better!
  
  
• Best rechargeables on the market
  By A35OH4TQV2Y2VB on 2007-06-28
  I have a 5 MP digital camera that only uses 2 AA batteries and was getting very finicky about the Energizer and Rayovac rechargeable NiMH batteries I supplied it with. I like to charge up my batteries and keep a spare set in my camera case for backup. However, I was continuously putting in the fresh batteries and the camera wouldn't even power on. It would say "Change batteries". It was baffling b/c batteries that were totally charged were not working any more. The only thing I could figure is that because NiMH AA batteries are only 1.2 Volts instead of the standard 1.5, anything less than a full charge would not supply the camera with a high enough voltage to power on. Then I started reading about batteries and discovered that these things lose charge surprisingly fast when sitting in storage. I bought four Eneloop batteries and tried them. I have been amazed at the performance with my digital camera. With the previous brands of NiMH, I could maybe get 120 pictures from the camera. Now I can go almost double that time. Don't ask me why. Part of that reason is probably due to the fact that I don't use my camera for significant amounts of time between shoots. So the eneloops hold that charge MUCH better. Anyway, foot the extra cost of these batteries and order plenty of extras. You'll be glad you did when using high-drain devices!
  
  
• Finally, the last drawback to rechargables is gone
  By A2X61KKXXR6WNP on 2008-01-27
  I've always been interested in rechargeable batteries. Really, hasn't everybody who has ever thrown away an alkaline wondered if there isn't a better way? I mean, they look perfectly fine, even though we know in our hearts that they are dead, never to return.
  
  Enter the NiCad, the staple of the hobbiest of the 1970s, these batteries can be recharged many times, but quickly fade out. Their destiny was to be tossed into the battery drawer, that graveyard for half-used and dead batteries that everyone had someplace in their home.
  
  Later, the NiMH, the successor to the lowly NiCad, arrived. When that one showed up, everyone declared victory, emptied the battery drawer into the trash, and started anew. They held much more power than the NiCads of their youth, and seemed nearly perfect. They worked very well indeed in high-demand applications like digital cameras, where the flash and the screen on the backs ate up the little NiCads like they were peanuts. The problem was that in lower demand applications, like remote controls, the thing they still had in common with NiCads proved their undoing. When left alone for a month or two, in a device or not, they would lose their energy. Leaking out like the helium balloon of a child, the power escaped into the ether, leaving the owner to return to a dead remote, unable to do so much as change a channel.
  
  Enter the Eneloop, otherwise known as the precharged NiMH. But, this battery brought something more to the table than a simple quick-charge at the factory. It has an extremely low self-discharge rate, which is fancy talk for saying that a year after you charge it, your remote will still work. Amazing. Finally, after years of well-dressed, but incapable technologies, the contender actually has the chops to take on the reigning champion, the mighty bunny battery.
  
  Replacing all of your remote batteries with these will save countless trips to the garbage, as well as trips to the computer to order more bulk batteries from Amazon. Just think what all those UPS trucks, filled with oddly-named alkaline batteries from China, could be carrying instead. The overworked drivers might even be able to take a day or two off every now and again, all because of a little, relatively unadvertised innovation that fits in your pocket.
  
  If you've ever wondered if there might be a better way while throwing away yet another handful of dead alkalines, give these a try.
  
  Highly recommended.
  
  Sean P. Logue, 2008
  
  
• Great battery for photographers
  By A1R7WSYAM251NQ on 2007-09-23
  I purchased a set of 8 about 2 months ago, after becoming thoroughly frustrated with my much more expensive Powerex 2200mah batteries, that I had been using for about 1 year prior.
  
  I use a Canon S2 IS, which goes through batteries like they're going out of style. I had thought the Powerexs would be ideal from what I read in their marketing, but I had some very bad luck with them. Out of the 8 Powerexs, one is now completely dead (as of 4 months ago, will not charge at all), and the remaining ones seem unable to hold a charge at all. Despite my best efforts to "match" them, a set of four will not last me a weekend of shooting (I shoot motorsports racing) without needing to be charged at least 4 times a weekend. Meaning I had to bring a car charger and charge in between races, often missing some races altogether.
  
  Enter the Eneloops - so far, so good. They do seem to hold their charge extremely well, as advertised. I don't run any tests, I simply go by what I see. I charge both sets after finishing up a weekend, and let them sit until the next event. I can pull them out of the case, pop them in my Canon and shoot away, it is not uncommon for me to be able to shoot an entire weekend (2 days of racing) on one set of the Eneloops (although I always bring two sets just in case, that is never a bad idea, hence this 8-pack being such a great deal IMO). The fact that they work so well in such a power-draining application is testament enough for me, I will never go back to Powerex.
  
  The Eneloops charge using my Powerex charger, I think you can use any charger that is made for these NiMh type batteries.
  
  
• very expensive for Eneloops
  By A33YZNZIRA3H97 on 2008-02-18
  Eneloop batteries are really great, but this kit is really expensive. My local Cost** store sells a similar kit with a charger and 12 batteries (twice as many batteries) for $26.
  
  
• Superb!
  By A2BVRPC2WV61D0 on 2007-08-01
  The Sanyo eneloops are a huge improvement over every other brand I've used for the last decade. I bought a dozen to start and they are so good that I just placed an order for 24 more plus another charger.
  
  The eneloop 4-cell charger is also the best I've seen, much less owned. (OK...yes, I'm a techie and a battery freak.)
  
  The tendency of batteries to go dead--even when they are not being used--is called "self-discharge". These days, the end of a battery's useful life is when it won't hold a charge for a reasonable period of time.
  
  It doesn't matter how much capacity a battery has if it is dead two weeks after charging. So don't compare the eneloop's 2000mAh with the 2500mAh of other brands. Unless you ~always~ charge ~immediately~ before use, in real-life the eneloops will run your camera much longer.
  
  From generics to the bunny, the recent 2300 to 2600mAh NiMH AA cells all get to be pretty much useless after a few charge-discharge cycles--especially using fast chargers. I have bought dozens of AA cells in the last year and it seems like I spend all my time in a vain effort to keep them charged and ready to use.
  
  The eneloop propaganda claims an amazing 35% self-discharge per year. That is probably true for brand new cells, still in the box. And it is why they can legitimately claim that they are "pre-charged". However...
  
  After one discharge/charge cycle it's more like 12% per month self-discharge. I measured this by comparing the time to top-off charge after 1 day idle with the time to top-off after 22 days. This is still very good.
  
  12% per month is vastly better than the 50% per month for the top brand when nearly new and flat-dead in 2 weeks once they had been used for a while.
  
  Also, for those concerned about the 7-8 hour charge time for the eneloop charger: You can charge eneloops in a fast charger, but it is just about guaranteed that they won't hold a charge very long afterwards. Part of the eneloop magic is the chemistry and part is the charger.
  
  All chargers that do the job in 8 hours or less need to know when to stop charging. Most chargers don't do this very well.
  
  The eneloop charger appears to use the dT/dt technique. It senses how fast the cells heat up while charging. This is by far the most gentle, reliable and most expensive method. More kudos to Sanyo.
  
  
• Great for my digital camera!
  By A285F3AUF9GIC3 on 2007-03-13
  I've had these batteries in my camera since the day they arrived, over a month ago. I know that I've shot AT LEAST 500 photos (almost all indoors with flash), and haven't had to recharge them yet. They are still going on the original charge from the factory! This is definitely the last brand of rechargeable battery that I will buy!
  
  
• Super-compact USB-powered battery charger
  By AOEAD7DPLZE53 on 2008-01-06
  The Sanyo MDU01S is a USB-powered battery charger that accepts either 1 or 2 AA / AAA cells. You can use it to charge eneloop or any other brands of NiMH cells. It monitors the status of each cell independently, so there is no danger of over-charging the cell.
  
  Unlike a stand-alone charger (which needs to be connected to an AC outlet), the MDU01S draws its power from the USB port of your laptop or PC. That's why this charger can be made so tiny, and you never have to search for yet another AC outlet.
  
  The down-side with this USB charger is: since the power available from an USB port is limited, its charging current is relatively low. If you put just one cell in it, the charging current is 850mA. That means it takes about 2.5 hours to fully recharge one 2000mAh eneloop AA cell. But if you put two cells in it, the current drops to 450mA each. So now it takes about 4.5 hours to fully recharge 2 eneloop AA cells.
  
  Another concern is that: once your laptop goes into low-power standby or 'sleep' mode, its USB ports may be turned off, which means the charger will also stop working.
  
  If, like me, you always travel with your laptop computer, then the MDU01S makes a very nice travel charger. Otherwise, you may want to consider the Sanyo MDR02NU as a stand-alone travel charger.
  
  
• New Fan of Eneloop!!!
  By A26VFN86JJWAZH on 2006-11-16
  This is such a great battery! These are the only rechargeable batteries that I know of that work right out of the package. I have had other rechargeables and they had to be charged before using. Plus, they last MUCH longer than the other ones. My MP3 Player has fallen in love with these batteries!
  
  
• Very disappointed in Sanyo customer service & product quality
  By A168UOVLSYRYF4 on 2009-04-04
  Purchased a 4 pack in late December as a backup for a holiday trip. Got used in a point-and-shoot camera for a few days then charged on my La Cross charger and transferred to the digital display on my elliptical machine. Less than 2 months later one cell is completely dead. Isn't recognized by any device, charger or voltmeter. Dead.
  Calls and emails to Sanyo customer service have been completely ignored and I've been trying for 2 solid weeks. Useless. I can't stand companies who drop emails into a black hole and don't answer the telephone. Sanyo customer service number goes to voice mail no matter what time of day you call them. Lousy service, apparently lousy quality control too!
  I'll be purchasing from other manufacturers in the future for any electronics needs. Buh bye Sanyo.
  
  Edit: additional information - I was finally able to contact customer service (after a month of trying) who very nicely asked for a copy of the purchase receipt which I provided. They determined that the battery needed replacement and asked me to return the one dead cell to them at my expense which I did. No further communication and no replacement battery has ever been received. I give up as the cost of all of the time and effort following up on one lousy dead battery far exceeds the original purchase price. Customer service shouldn't be so hard to reach and you shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get satisfaction under the warranty.
  
  Edit: additional information - months later I stumbled across the email from customer service and decided to give them one more chance. They asked for proof of mailing which I told them I couldn't be bothered to locate and told them I didn't think the service was that great. A few days later they asked for a shipping address and mailed me 1 AA battery. Hats off to the Sanyo rep for sending the battery but, really, I think it should have been sent after the initial complaint and proof of purchase.
  
  
• high performers indeed
  By A90OQJA69UYK1 on 2007-10-08
  In my Fuji Finepix S9000, these batteries have outlasted and outshot any other rechargeables I've tried. I do a lot of landscapes, waiting out in the cold for that elusive shaft of sunlight, and the Eneloops don't seem to react to low temperatures by fading quickly the way most others have. After using them for a few months and multiple recharge cycles, I'm very happy with their performance.
  
  
• GE/Sanyo Eneloop Battery Charging Kit with 2,000 mAh AA Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack)
  By A2DK8VPNFPXDPG on 2007-05-25
  These batteries solve the DOA problem of Sony AA NMH batteries.
  
  Of the 5 sets of sony batteries only two will hold a charge the
  camera will operate with....but will light a flashlight for hours.
  
  It is almost like the sony camera does a self-test drawing max current at
  startup.
  
  Whatever the problem the Eneloop batteries cure it.
  
  I already had 4...these 4 give me enough for the battery grip of the new
  canon rebel XT i bought.
  
  GREAT BATTERIES
  
  
• Great Batteries!
  By A1EWQ5OGNMFSNL on 2007-04-15
  I Own several different brands of AA, AAA NIMH rechargeables which I use for my photographic equiptments. I always have to charge them before I use them to make sure that they are ready. I accidentally bump into the Eneloop batteries while browsing on Amazon. After reading the specs of the battery, I got so excited as I've been waiting for a product like these. I first ordered a four pack and when it arrived I immediately check the charge of the batteries with my battery tester, and sure enough it still had a full charge. I bought another four with the charger
  
  I also noticed that the charger indicator light would go off when the batteries are fully charge. My only regret is, I wish the charger can be used in countries using to 220V. I will load them on my Nikon SB-600 electronic flash on my next photo shoot and see how they compare with my other NIMH batteries. As of now I have the feeling that this will be my primary batteries. I will put in another review after I use them.
  
  
• Sanyo's Eneloop batteries are Awesome!
  By A2PZAV3S6UBW10 on 2007-04-13
  I have a Sony digital camera that uses 2 AA batteries. I was always upset that I had to recharge my standard Ni-MH batteries the night before I shot pictures. Many times, I would go to use it and the batteries were dead or near dead. With Eneloop, I can leave the batteries in the camera, like alkaline, and take a lot of pictures, like Ni-MH batteries. They are turly the best of both worlds. The charger that comes with this set is also useful. It is a "smart" charger that monitors batteries unlike timer based ones that can undercharge and overcharge batteries. I also wouldn't use the Energizer or Duracell 15 minute charger on these since it could damage the cells. Eneloop is the next generation rechargeable battery!
  
  
• perfect
  By A11EIL1JZSQQY8 on 2007-03-23
  long battery life!! the long lasting battery life makes it's capacity worth a while. Unlike all other AA rechargeable, although some of them marked 2700mah, but you are actually getting less than what you are using because charges often fade out by time. For example, I have a set of Panasonic 2600mah AA, they often allow me more than 700+ of shots on my digital camera. However, if I fully charged them, and use them 2 days after I've charged, I often only getting around 500+ shots.
  
  On the other hand, eneloop allows me constant 700+ shoots every charge. Very well done technology. Now! What if we have eneloop batteries on our electric cars? that would be awesome!!!
  
  

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