Reviews on Li-ion and Li-po batteries

[bacteria]

There are often questions about "What batteries do I use" here; not surprising as all of our portables need them.

Different brands of cells can fare different to each other (eg generic vs original), although this isn't always the case. Some batteries claim to have a certain amperage but in reality don't. Some have a higher voltage when not "under load" than others, connecting a screen to a low draw system can therefore run at a higher voltage than the rated cell voltage and could have an impact on the system running or frying. Etc.

Some cells have built in protection circuit, like many Li-ions, some don't and certainly Li-po's don't. So again, another avenue - best protection circuits to get for what batteries or voltages.

Buying batteries and charger units are expensive, let's face it. It is a balance between weight, size, amperage, cost. Many use what they know therefore, which may or may not be the best for an application.

I thought it therefore a really good idea for people to contribute to this thread with the following information on what they use or know about:

*Battery brand and type
*Dimensions and weight
*Protection circuit built in / best one for job
*Voltage and amperage - amperage claimed, and if true
*Voltage at rest and under load - often your system runs at higher voltage than stated, so is relevant
*Solderable tabs or sealed in a protective case (eg a camcorder cell)
*Review - positive and negative points
*Internal pics of battery (if you have pics of the battery unit opened up)
*Summary of the components in your portable used with the batteries you mention, if multiple cells if they are in series or parallel, how much playtime before system needs recharge
*Reviews on protection circuits, dimensions, best ones for certain voltages, etc.
*Views on Li-ions vs Li-po cells

[bacteria]

Surprising, I thought this topic would have been popular, as batteries are important in what we do and there are many people who ask about "Will X work in this". Oh well!

[bicostp]

It's been one day... Give it time.