Apple AA batteries may be rebadged Sanyo Eneloops
updated 04:45 pm EDT, Thu August 12, 2010
Apple rebadging Sanyo Eneloop AA batteries ?
Apple's rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and associated charger are just rebranded 1.2V Sanyo Eneloops, according to a teardown report. Tests included measuring performance of the Apple batteries and comparing it to the Eneloops, which matched up.
The Eneloop batteries are strong performers, capable of retaining 75 percent of their charge after long periods of non-use, even as long as three years. The AA batteries are rated at a 1,900mAh minimum.
Six of the Apple-branded batteries along with a charger cost $29, while Sanyo sells a bundle of eight with a charger for the same price. [via Engadget]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2001
Not much mark-up
So Apple sells a more compact charger, that works with peoples' existing plug adapters, but has two fewer batteries bundled? That actually sounds like a fairly good value to me.