Sick of leaking alkaline batteries. I gave up on Duracell several years ago. Have mostly used top of line Ray-o-Vac or AC Delco. Still some leaks, but mostly not as bad. Don't recommend I get rechargeable as for several reasons they don't work for me. But just purchased 32 lithium metal AA. I had a choice, $1.21 a battery for 3000 MaH or $1.44 each for 3500. Went with the 3500. Bevigor brand, or something like that. Meh, not a lifechanging question, just curious was the 3500 the better choice. Seemed I might get an extra hour or few out of them and since we lose power frequently, seemed like they might mean somewhat less hassle. Guess I am looking for a break even point, if you know what I mean. In other words were the 3000 and the 3500 basically the same price considering the 3500 is a little more, but will last a little longer so less swapping out depleted batteries. Yes, I did scan the web, but lots of conflicting info. Wow, Reddit forums are fun -- not. kris
Lithium metal cells are known for holding a steady voltage and current right up to exhaustion. They are often used in portable electronics which might malfunction given the steady voltage drop of alkaline cells. If you know the operating current of the particular appliance you can estimate about how long the battery or batteries will last. The higher mAh cell will usually last longer. And you're right, they won't leak
3000 mAh ÷ 1.21 dollar = 2479 mAh per dollar. 3500 mAh ÷ 1.44 dollar = 2431 mAh per dollar. The 3000 mAh are priced better if all you care about is how much energy you get per dollar you spend. If it would please you to get the 17% longer life before having to replace them, or to contribute slightly fewer old cells into the waste stream, that might make the 3500 mAh the better deal for your purposes.
