Since we are discussing batteries, and now that automobiles have been
mentioned, I thought I would share this interesting bit about battery
technology.  You can see this in the Wikipedia article regarding the Toyota
Prius.

"A main problem was the longevity of the battery, which needed to last
between 7 and 10 years. The solution the engineers came up with was to keep
the battery pack between 60% and 40% charged, proving to be the "sweet spot"
for extending the battery life to roughly that of the other car components"


Incidentally, I have one of those "counterfeit flashlights".  I disassembled
it and did a little photo essay showing unconnected wires, non-magnetic
"magnet", etc.  But having found the truth early, I carry it around and use
it only for brief periods of time.  I figure between the coin cells and the
one LED, it will last several years.
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