Great post, IMO: In a world of ‘planned obsolescence’ where devices are frequently bricked by non-replaceable, unmanaged Li-ion pouches that over-discharge and die, the universal AA(A) standard is bliss.
One problem is many devices don’t have a proper BMS integrated into the charging circuit, that will cut power before the battery is below a critical threshold. Li-ion cells start to have problems below 3V, and often suffer permanent damage below 2.5V.
This is a problem with rechargeable AAs too, though less common maybe? Many kids toys and cheap decorative lights will drain a AA to dead in my experience. I’ve had to reintroduce disposable batteries with the rule “no microcontroller, no rechargeable”
I prefer not buying cheap electronic trash over using non-rechargeable batteries. I urge everyone not to buy every single device that has an LED and every gadget out there, we got a planet to save.
true, but as the author states: at least you can remove them, when the device is not in use


