On Fri, 28 Apr 1995, Dean Cashen wrote:
> [originally from me, deanc@hpbs114.boi.hp.com (Dean Cashen):
>
> > >I read a Consumer Reports a few months ago, and they tested a
> > >variety of batteries (NiCad, Alkaline, and Lithium, among them).
> > >The found that Lithium provided more energy for devices that
> > >needed high, fast output (e.g., flash cameras), and they provided
> > >(or promised) longer shelf-life (for apps such as RAM battery back-up).
> > >But, they also found that lithium provided NO additional life in
> > >applications like walkmen and toys.
> >
> > The lithiums have a power loss curve that falls off sharply when it falls at
> > all. That is good for Zoomer users because the gradual fall in alkalines
> > quickly drops the output below what the Zoomer needs. That is also why
> > rechargable batteries perform so poorly in the Zoomer. Lithiums provide
> > longer usable power for the Zoomer. The Zoomer needs that "high, fast output."
> >
> > Example:
>
> [nice ascii graph deleted]
>
> You have a very good point regarding the power-curve. Walkmen
> and toys don't generally have a low-voltage detection circuit
> in them, so when they run down, they . . . run down. Most
> walkmen, for instance, will try to keep the motor running
> until there's just no power left (the portable CD players
> I have detect low battery and shut down; different needs).
> So, the steep curve of lithiums may well provide more
> usable life than alkalines in devices like the Zoomer
> which detect low voltage. I believe this is one of the
> reasons why nicads don't perform well in the Zoomer, they
> already start out at a lower voltage which subsequently
> drops below the Zoomer's "preference" quite early.
>
> Whether the cost-vs-life ratio of lithiums over alkalines is
> a good one. . . I suspect not, but it depends on your needs.
> Like many of the contributors to this distribution, I get
> excellent (almost *amazing*) battery life from my Zoomer,
> so I'm pretty content with alkalines.
>
> Regards,
> Dean
> --
> .... ___ \ ____/ __ \ \ . | Dean Cashen, SW Development Engineer|
> ... / / / / / \ / .. | Hewlett-Packard Company, SSD |
> .. / / __/ __ / \ / ... | 11413 Chinden Blvd. |
> . / / / / / / \ / .... | Boise, ID 83714 MS 202 |
> _____/ _____/ __/ __/ __/ __/ ..... | (208) 396-3635 Fax: (208) 396-5117 |
> | deanc@hpbs114.boi.hp.com |
>
________________________ ___
(__) / Nick Dolezal \ / \
(oo) ( SDolezal@Montana.Com ) ( Moo )
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