Battery Concerns


Tutorial Home >Music and Video >Digital Music >Digital Music Players >How do I learn more about batteries for portable digital music players?
Tutorial Home >Music and Video >MP3s >Digital Music Players >How do I learn more about batteries for portable digital music players?
Tutorial Home >Music and Video >Digital Music >Digital Music Players >How to Buy a Portable Player >Battery Concerns
Tutorial Home >Music and Video >MP3s >Digital Music Players >How to Buy a Portable Player >Battery Concerns

  Step 1:  Size Does Matter for Cost

One of the downsides of the miniaturization revolution is that the batteries, which power these items, become smaller too. This means they don't hold a charge for as long and are replaced more often. This is why you should be concerned with the batteries your player will take.
  Step 2:  AA Is the Standard

Open a Report
Most of the players you will see use 1 or 2 AA batteries. Since there are no moving parts, this should last for over 12 hours. This size is becoming the de-facto standard for personal electronics, and you can buy alkaline types for a very low price in bulk at wholesale clubs.
  Step 3:  The Rechargeable Option

Open a Report
Some of the players are designed to run on rechargeable batteries. These batteries will be more expensive at first, but when you factor in the savings from buying alkaline batteries, the savings is substantial. You can even recharge them by simply plugging your player into a power source.
  Step 4:  Special Ni-Cad Concerns

Open a Report
One of the problems with rechargeable nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries is their quick power loss. When you begin to run out of power, there is little warning before the player goes dead. If you are not near a power outlet, you will be in trouble. I always carry a spare set of alkaline batteries to be safe.