you always have to manage a million different cables for each one, and they all suck. why can’t we just use AAA batteries instead of these shitty lithium ones? it’s so fucking frustrating. where can I find gadgets that work while plugged in, or at least don’t need to be recharged every two fucking days?
Well, Lithum has way better energy density than the other rechargeables hence tends to be chosen for devices that draw more energy such as stuff with microprocessors and/or large screens.
However that battery tech puts out a much higher voltage (at around 3.8V instead of 1.5V) than they typical rechargeable or discardable batteries, plus it needs extra circuitry to avoid excessive discharge (which kills the battery), which is probably why you don’t see devices using AA and AAA rechargeable LiPo or Li-ion rechargeables.
What we need is some kind of proper and legally enforced standard for Lithium battery form factors like we have with the AA, AAA (and D and others).
Ultimatelly it’s a political problem derived from living in an age were the dominant political discourse is all about less regulation - there is simply no will to “interfere with the Free Market” and regulate this to reduce waste, so in the end the Environmenf suffers so ultimatelly we all suffer.
I use lithium rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, and they are way better than NiMh or Alkaline. You can even charge them directly (literally plug a USB-C cable into the battery itself!
If those aren’t an option, 18650 or 21700 cells are perfectly fine many devices.
Manufacturers don’t go that route because of planned obsolescence. That’s it. That’s the only reason why.
The advantage liion has with the AA size is that it maintains its voltage better than nimh as nimh can only supply 1.2V and some applications that use AA batteries start to not work when nimh have a lower charge because of the voltage drop being smaller than the required voltage.
The main con with liion is its a fire hazard and is fairly toxic
Yes, and yes.
I do see that LiFePO4 AA batteries seem to be available, which could mitigate the safety concerns, but I still don’t think it would be as safe as alkaline or NiMh.
You also need to consider that lithium batteries have a significantly longer shelf life vs Alkaline and can be safely operated well below freezing. They also weigh less, if that’s a concern.
Pros and cons to both, but at least standard battery form factors have options! When a company decides to use some proprietary, hardwired battery pack in their device, they’ve basically given you a big FU!