Matt wrote:

>I've recently been playing with rechargable alkaline.  Apparently they
>have a low self-discharge (they're already charged off-the-shelf), have
>no memory problems, can be recharged up to 150 times.  I don't know
>their energy density, but it's at least as good as NiCad.  Need their
>own type of charger, though.

I did some experiments with these batteries when they first came out.  I
used a set of four penlights to power a pocket LCD TV.  I'd turn the TV on
and let it run until it turned itself off and note the time.

After 25 discharge/charge cycles, their capacity was down to that of a set
of NiCads.  This seems to be consistent with what the manufacturer claims
for their lifetime.

They'll do better if they're recharged before they's run completely down.
NiCads are the only batteries that thrive on deep discharge cycles.

Dave