USBCELL: I am not an Alkaline
by EcoGeek.org on 04.27.07
The USBCELL, a AA battery that charges via USB port, has kinda taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. The batteries are sturdy, powerful, and take the annoying clutter of a charger completely out of the equation.
This new advertising campaign isn't just touting the virtues of the USBCELL, it's also shining some negative light on the alkaline industry. And, frankly, that negative light is justified. The "I Am Not An Alkaline" campaign is good for the the world, and for consumers. These certainly are the most convenient rechargeable battery around, lets hope they put help a dent in alkaline sales.
Are there any purveyors of this kind of product in North America? I would buy some now, but with the dollar to pound exchange, and shipping over the Atlantic it becomes too cost prohibitive for me.
Sorry you want to have on a PC to charge ONE battery? WTF? Why not just use a normal rechargeable battery and do several at once?
I think the idea is that many people use their computers throughout the day and when you have your computer on and are using it then simply plugin this USB bat and recharge it. I don't think the main idea is to turn you computer on solely for the purpose of recharging these batteries. Further, rechargeable batteries are not at all as popular in the United States as they are in Europe. Actually, there is almost no market for them in the United States. This USB battery looks like a great alternative to rechargeable batteries, especially for those individuals, like me, who work on their computers all day long.
Except that these can be plugged into any USB port and charge. You could charge these batteries with your PS2.
'Sorry you want to have....' a powered hub works, with or without the computer on.
At over 20$ for two AA batteries, rated at a low 1300ma, and a charging time of 5 hours, it's far more economical to get the quick international charger from Fry's electronics (15 USD) and a multipack of 2000+ AA NiMH batteries (~25 USD).
Seems pretty gimmicky to me. I think a battery charger that I can have set aside out of the way is a way more practical solution.
neat for if you are always on the go i suppose and go through a lot of batteries. but seems to me that most of all your 'on the go' electronics all have rechargeable batteries in them anyhow.
Gimmick alert!
Yeah, but it's a useful gimmick.
My wireless mouse uses a AA and I don't need to buy disposables when I travel.
looks like Amazon are selling them a bit cheaper than from their website.
http://www.amazon.com/USBCELL-AA-Rechargable-Battery-MXAA02/dp/B000LV8YKQ
you can buy them on thinkgeek.com as well I think they were about $20 US the last time I looked (well $19.99ish)
Can you still charge them in a conventional charger? You'd think you could, and that would rid you of NEEDING to have access to a powered usb port. I'm willing to pay a premium for a few of them to have the convenience.
I would be able to charge 2 at once on my mac. And I would love it for my camera and... wait, nowadays I don't have anything else with batteries in them...
The less rubbish is definitely a plus and probably outweighs any of the other concerns if they waste power or not. has anyone used one yet? Do they last more than a few charges? How much charge do they hold compared to normal batteries?
cool.