Choose the correct rechargeable battery for your application!

Confused about which rechargeable battery is best suited for your device? You need not be. Here we will explain the differences between Standard, Supreme and Active Charge. As you would expect the three different types depict different levels of performance: 'Standard' are suitable for most applications, 'Supreme' batteries offer enhanced performance in high drain applications, and 'Active Charge' are the best you can buy.

We have produced a graphical guide to help you select which rechargeable battery will give you the best performance and hence value for money. Your choice revolves around whether the device that you intend on powering is high or low drain. A high drain device is anything that requires a large amount of power or is in constant use; digital devices such as mp3 players, wireless mice and cameras are are considered to be high drain. Devices such as solid state games consoles, torches and two way radios are considered to be low drain devices. If you have a high drain application you should choose the Supreme or Active Charge range, the Standard range is suitable for all low drain applications. It is worth noting that the Active Charge range is supplied pre-charged, ready to be used straight out of the packet. Other differences between Standard, Supreme and Active Charge can be seen below:

Standard	Supreme	Active Charge
Ideal for everyday use Available in all battery sizes Up to 1000 charge cycles Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)	Higher capacity - lasts longer Ideal for high drain devices 100's of charge cycles Capture 1000's of photos Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)	Stays charged Longer Supplied pre-charged for immediate use 100's of charge cycles Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Available in the following sizes:	Available in the following sizes:	Available in the following sizes:

Rapid improvements in electronic technology have expanded the number of battery-powered portable devices in recent years, stimulating consumer demand for higher energy rechargeable batteries capable of longer service between charges or replacement. This trend is expected to continue well into the future. Conventional rechargeable batteries often fail to meet the needs of consumers and designers in terms of their weight, size, capacity, useability and environmental impact. Duracell are developing new battery systems to meet this growing list of demands.

The sealed nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) is one rechargeable battery system that is responding well to these demands. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are at a very early stage of maturity and manufacturers such has Duracell have identified many opportunities to improve performance.

Duracell rechargeable batteries offer the following advantages over standard Nickel Cadmium batteries (standard non-rechargeable batteries):

• Higher Capacity - Last up to 40% longer than ordinary nickel-cadmium batteries
• Fast Charging - Can be charged in approximately 1 hour
• Long life cycle - Up to 500 charge / discharge cycles
• Safe - Designed to safely withstand abusive conditions in cunsumer devices
• More Environmentally Friendly - Zero percent Cadmium, Mercury or Lead.