Rechargeable batteries for GPSes

Actually you started a good thread. I meant to ask some time ago too, but never got to it.

I'm using 2 x AA 2200mah Chamelleon in my gps & they last like 2 days. I've actually got a set of Energisers, but they're only 2000mah. Will give these a run, since I'm not going to use my headlamp with them installed on this comig trip.

A friend of mine is working at an electrical shop & he said he want to try & find out which batteries is best for torches, cameras & gps's. Once he's given me some info I'll post here, but do post if you've found the 'right' ones.

PS: That same frien told me that you get a rechargable battery that hold it's charge for longer than 6 months, which is like a 'better' NIMH battery I guess. Not too sure what they're called. Will post...

I use the GP 2000 range and so far they last 2 days if I switch the GPS of after the day's hike. My GPS will finish a set of batteries in 24 hrs ony way - tested by me. Value for money is the lithium batteries the last and last, but they are pricy. The energizer's I have build up a memory very quickly and will not even last long in a head lamp any more. The new Ross batteries is suposse to keep there charge for a wile - I have tried them only recently and can not yet say if they are going to be better or not. I always carry extra batteries, important to protect them from the cold, as the cold seems to drain them quickly.

This is related to rechargeable batteries, but not for gps. I have just purchased an Energizer XP8000, which charges up mobile phones from a usb connection, the smaller laptop type machines, camcorders and other various things. It comes with a selection of tips for mobiles and also laptops.

With a fully drained battery on my iphone 4, it takes 3 hours to recharge from the portable battery which then uses about 1/4 or 1/8th of the juice in the battery. They say you should be able to get 16 hours for a mobile. I am going to drain my phone and recharge it and will then see how many times it recharges it and will report back.

It is 110mm x 75mm x 24mm and weighs 200g without additional tips etc. Obviously on a trip you will only carry the tips you need, and will the leave the wall charger part at home. Energizer has a number of different models, the top being the XP18000 which can give 4 hours of charge to a laptop and 42 hours to a mobile phone, although this weighs in at 500g.

Well it appears that it charges the phone three times. I also had it in flight mode, so that there was almost no drain on the charge. I suppose three times is not bad though, it will last you plenty in the mountains. I am not sure if this equates to 16 hours extra, sounds about right.