I mentioned in another thread that rechargeable batteries cost less in the long run, compared to alkaline batts. I sharpened my pencil and tried to figure out the difference. Result.s are startling.

I recently bought eneloop rechargs for a dollar apiece. looking on Amazon, alkies can be had for 65 cents apiece. Rechargs are rated for 1000 cycles, but lets be conservative and say they will give 500 cycles, allowing for loss, etc. Buy a good charged for $40.

For 500 cycles you will pay $41 dollars, plus tax and shipping.

The equivalent in alkys will cost you $325 (500x0.65), a significant difference.

There are a few other costs not considered - the coast of the electricity put into the batteries, the somewhat shorter useful cycle of rechargs, and the cost of replacing equipment probably (hell, certainly) damaged by leaking alkies.

Comments?? Questions??