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seasurfer

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 12, 2007
756
184
Anyone knows which brand of batteries provides the longest lasting lifetime for your wireless keyboard and mouse?
 
Honestly there isn't that much of a difference. It's kind of like the razor business continually trying to be new/make you buy a new one by attaching more blades. I just go to costco and buy a large pack of duracell batteries.
 
I just use wired hardware since wireless (esp. Bluetooth) doesn't work in firmware modes.

Keyboards last about 4 months. I'd just look for some high mAh rechargeable ones.
 
But there are some many kinds of Duracells? How should I know which one has the longest life?
 
But there are some many kinds of Duracells? How should I know which one has the longest life?
Are you talking about disposable or rechargeable?

Rechargeable batteries have the mAh capacity listed on them. Lithium-ion would be the best for disposable but more expensive then standard alkaline.
 
Unfortunately the rechargeable are really bad when it comes to power. They don't last very long etc... Just don't dump the batteries in the garbage when they die.
 
Unfortunately the rechargeable are really bad when it comes to power. They don't last very long etc... Just don't dump the batteries in the garbage when they die.
Which is why I suggested to check the mAh capacity before you buy them...
 
I'd just look for some high mAh rechargeable ones.
I agree. I've found here in the UK that the highest I can get in the Argos catalogue is 2700 mAH, which should last a while.
If you don't want rechargables then maybe find a place where you can properly dispose of used batteries rather than in the trash.
 
There are rechargeable out there that are DAMN close to alkalines - and I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see them overtake alkalines completely in just a couple more years.

That said - something for AA in a NIMH can be found with about 3200 mah - that should hold for a good time. The last set I got NIMH was 2700 mah - and even those things lasted insanely long.
 
Call me skeptical but they've been saying that for a really really long time now. We were supposed to have those rechargeables that are just as good as non rechargeables back in the early 90s.
 
First, I call you skeptical.

Second - this isn't fanboy or environmentalism - they have come really far - and they're progressing by leaps and bounds, thanks to the mobile phone / consumer electronics market. We didn't quite have that same market back in the early 90s. The only thing I still use alkaline in, would be my smoke detector. And my VW keyfob.
 
Anyone knows which brand of batteries provides the longest lasting lifetime for your wireless keyboard and mouse?

Was going through a lot of batteries on my Apple wireless keyboard and mouse. Switched to rechargeables. Go the 2500mAh batteries, last for weeks!
 
I'm not calling you a fanboy or nutjob environmentalist. I prefer rechargeable camera batteries because I don't need the extra power for the flash. I still don't think they're going to get much better with the current tech, though.
 
I use rechargeables for everything. They last months in my mouse and come in packs of 4, so I can have 2 in the mouse and when they finally die I can just swap the spares straight in.

A set of good rechargeable batteries including a charger costs ~£10, a set of good normal batteries is ~£4, so it works out much cheaper just to get one set of rechargeable batteries.
 
I use rechargeables for everything. They last months in my mouse and come in packs of 4, so I can have 2 in the mouse and when they finally die I can just swap the spares straight in.

A set of good rechargeable batteries including a charger costs ~£10, a set of good normal batteries is ~£4, so it works out much cheaper just to get one set of rechargeable batteries.

Thanks for the tip. I'm still on the batteries that came with my MM, but I'll replace them now with rechargeables thanks to you.
 
I put Duracell PowerPix in my Mighty Mouse and aluminum keyboard on Dec 13. Took 7 or 8 days before the MMouse dropped to 98% from 100...now at 95%.
Keyboard still 100% according to iStat Pro.
 
I use Rayovac "Hybrids" and some Energizer cells for my camera. The Rayovacs claim to not lose their charge much while stored, which works nicely for my camera, since I might not use it much for a week or two at a time. I've never had a problem running low on power in my camera, even after taking a few hundred pictures in a day, a week or three after charging the batteries. I use the Energizers most in my flash...

I use some really old, 1600mAh rechargeables in my mouse, and they last about two weeks, then I switch in some Energizers from my flash while the mouse batteries charge, then I go ahead and charge the Energizers, put them in my camera, and charge the Rayovacs. Then, I switch around the Rayovacs and the Energizers, and life goes on for a week or two. :) I use alkalines in my keyboard, and I think in general, they last about a year, honestly. I absolutely love my old school Logitech keyboard and mouse! :)
 
I use the same 2700 mAh PowerEx rechargable batteries I use in my camera flash. They work great, lasting for weeks. When they wear out I pop in a fresh set and recharge them for reuse later. It's ultimately a lot cheaper than using disposables.
 
Five Blades

Honestly there isn't that much of a difference. It's kind of like the razor business continually trying to be new/make you buy a new one by attaching more blades. I just go to costco and buy a large pack of duracell batteries.
NAG's reply was hilarious, this has been an observation we've made at work for quite a while. Although slightly off-topic, you guys might enjoy this article from The Onion, a satire of the razor business and the uncontrolled proliferation of blades.

cheers,
Mark
 
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