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for3manJul 30, 2010
This changes...your batteries.
1platypusJul 30, 2010
Direct Link: http://www.apple.com/battery-charger/
joemanmanJul 30, 2010
I gotta say, they do make something as stupid as a battery charger look appealing on that site though.
ljseinfeldJul 30, 2010
The only way they could make a five hour battery charger look appealing to me is if it came wrapped in boobs.
richardstabonerJul 30, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
torchednoodleJul 30, 2010
Probably available for the low low cost of $99.99
disposablerobJul 30, 2010
Scroll down the page.
aviddiggeriteJul 31, 2010
@moonyou Apple sells wireless keyboards, mice, and touch pads.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ moonyou, RE: ".. I can't think of one Apple product that has a battery you can remove."
But your limited imagination doesn't reflect reality :
http://www.apple.com/battery-charger/
" .. Each Apple Battery Charger comes with six high-performance AA NiMH batteries: two for your keyboard, two for your mouse or trackpad, and two for charging. Unlike many other reusable batteries, these batteries have an incredibly long service life — up to 10 years."
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ moonyou, RE: ".. The stupid thing is $29. Walmart has the same thing for $19."
Not quite the same thing, Apple's is less stupid :
http://www.apple.com/battery-charger/
" .. After your battery charge cycle is complete, the Apple Battery Charger reduces its power intake to 30 milliwatts — that’s more than 10 times better than the industry average.
Apple Battery Charger : 30 mW
Average Battery Charger : 315 mW "
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
@moonyou
Does the Walmart one come with six batteries? $30 seems reasonable for a charger + 6 batteries if they really do last as long as Apple claims.
leftiscorruptJul 31, 2010
This is Apple's love letter to the Environmentalists. They are making rechargeable batteries as green as possible with current tech.
philbertJul 31, 2010
And it's only $200!
kamikazowJul 31, 2010
Actually the price/performance ratio is OK.
30 bucks for a recharger bundled with 6 batteries is even a little bit below average where I live (because the average recharger comes with 4 batteries here).
nimotoJul 31, 2010
At Calumet Photo I got a four battery charger, which came with 12 batteries, and charges in 30 minutes, for $30.
I'm also highly skeptical of the "ten years" claim. I have to get new rechargeable batteries every year or so. I think they must mean if you're using them in a clock radio or something where they'd get changed out every few months.
philbertJul 31, 2010
Whether it's a good deal or not , I was only making a joke.
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
@nimoto
"I'm also highly skeptical of the "ten years" claim. I have to get new rechargeable batteries every year or so. I think they must mean if you're using them in a clock radio or something where they'd get changed out every few months."
I'm guessing they are basing on their products- keyboard, mice, trackpads. Those things usually only need charging every few months. I'm sure if you used them in a gameboy or something where you were running them down every day it wouldn't last as long... but that's why it's an "estimate" and not a "guarantee".
p3ngwinJul 31, 2010
cue all the battery companies saying "hey, we didn't enter the computing business!"
oh, wait.
only Apple complain when others enter *their* market territory right?
STEVE JOBS: ""We did not enter the search business. They entered the phone business,Make no mistake, Google wants to kill the iPhone. We won't let them."
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/09/google_founder_accuses_apples_steve_jobs_of_rewriting_history.html
hollowexJul 31, 2010
STEVE JOBS: ""...Google wants to kill the iPhone. We won't let them."
Because Apple will kill the iPhone first.
p3ngwinJul 31, 2010
also, do -any- apple products use AA/AAA batteries?
i'm trying to figure out the reasoning of Apple releasing a battery charger, that charges none of the batteries in any Apple products ??Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ p3ngwin, RE: "..
also, do -any- apple products use AA/AAA batteries?
i'm trying to figure out the reasoning of Apple releasing a battery charger, that charges none of the batteries in any Apple products ?"
http://www.apple.com/battery-charger/
" .. Each Apple Battery Charger comes with six high-performance AA NiMH batteries: two for your keyboard, two for your mouse or trackpad, and two for charging. Unlike many other reusable batteries, these batteries have an incredibly long service life — up to 10 years."
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ hollowex, RE: ".. Because Apple will kill the iPhone first."
That's always how Apple rolls, the only iPod killer was the next gen Apple iPod.
The only iPhone killer is the next gen iPhone.
The next generation iPad is only a few months away, and that will be the first gen iPad killer.
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
@mrBitch
"The next generation iPad is only a few months away, and that will be the first gen iPad killer."
A few months? I wouldn't expect to see it until at least January-April.
p3ngwinAug 1, 2010
@Kerrigore
the batteries are less relevant than the charger. when i mention "battery companies..." i'm referring to the charger too. seeing as a lot of the time chargers are made by battery companies.
in this case, Apple has made their own charger, and maybe re-branded the batteries. either way, using Apple's logic, battery and charger companies should be crying foul about encroaching business markets.
it's irrelevant if the batteries are re-brands, or if not all chargers are made by companies that also make batteries. my comment is simply about Apple making a new product (for them), that enters an existing market, and hence the hypocrisy of Apple's past behaviors.
you get the point i'm sure.
kerrigoreAug 2, 2010
@p3ngwin
Example that Apple wasn't "complaining" in the above quote, Steve Jobs was just clarifying that Apple did not choose to compete with Google, Google chose to compete with Apple. He's not saying anything about whether companies should or shouldn't enter markets they aren't previously in, he was responding to a direct question about the matter. He's just pointing out that they were the aggressor, not Apple, which is true. It's not necessarily that important or relevant in the broad scheme of things, he was just trying to clarify that Apple really has/had no problem with Google and was happy to cooperate with them, but then Google chose to compete with them in certain markets where they hadn't previously, so now the companies are competitors rather than allies. As he went to to say, "That doesn't mean you have to be rude".
rpgmakrJul 31, 2010
I guess Apple just reinvented the battery charger. Who knew...
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
Apple just invented a battery charger that draws less power at the wall than other battery chargers.
That's not really a bad thing is it?
sebsnJul 30, 2010
If all things said about battery life this might be the first apple product I use for longer times. (Until now iTunes always kicked me in the face)
spacem00seJul 30, 2010
Impossible that this is an Apple product, the batteries can be removed by the user.
maynardjkJul 30, 2010
If it works as well as the batteries in my ipods did, it will die in six months and need to be sent in.
bnkr0Jul 31, 2010
No no no. Apple believes in beauty.
srodolffJul 30, 2010
Finally! Removable batteries.....
Oh wait.........
hodorJul 30, 2010
๏̯͡๏﴿
knoxiouseduJul 30, 2010
You have to hold it right first.
puttsyJul 30, 2010
Too soon, too soon.
punkcatJul 30, 2010
oh man, haven't heard that one before.
readmeJul 30, 2010
That joke is funny, two weeks ago.
drumbum4bJul 31, 2010
Your charging them wrong!
doshindudeJul 30, 2010
Magical.
peanutcheesebarJul 30, 2010
It's only cost $99.99.
albel65Jul 30, 2010
$29.99 /buzzkill
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ PeanutCheeseBar, RE: ".. Omitted from the article: It'll only cost $99.99"
Are there any battery chargers that charge batteries of that capacity that actually cost $99 ?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
mabakerbrakerJul 31, 2010
The fanboiis frantic as always. Can’t handle Apple’s success and Google’s demise.
uncwidiotJul 31, 2010
*looks at comment history*
... the irony here is delicious.
alexbarnes94Aug 1, 2010
"Google's demise"? Surely you can't be serious...
tarnumJul 30, 2010
The Onion?
shazoocowJul 30, 2010
They're not even pre-charged Ni-MH. For less than Apple's price you can get a package of vastly superior Eneloops containing 4xAA and 4xAAA batteries plus a 4-battery charger with a car adapter.
tokeliJul 30, 2010
For less than Apple's price you can get a better laptop, a better desktop, and a better monitor, too!
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
Not according to Consumer Reports, or are we only listening to them when they can't recommend an Apple product?
Which is it?
Are Macbook Pros the "best" laptops, or, is the iPhone 4 not a good phone?
shazoocowJul 30, 2010
This is debatable. There are a lot of factors that could go either way and some that are matters of opinion or preference. Whether you can get a better charger, more batteries and a better battery technology is not, though.
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
"For less than Apple's price you can get a package of vastly superior Eneloops containing 4xAA and 4xAAA batteries plus a 4-battery charger with a car adapter."
Bulls**t.
bacon_skodaJul 31, 2010
the thing is Apple's charger shuts down when the batteries are full.
do other charges do this? apple says no.
blackrobeJul 31, 2010
@bacon_skoda,
pretty much ALL modern battery chargers turn off once the cells are full. It was a required feature once NiMh batteries were released.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ enantiodromia, RE: ".. The Apple version costs $2 more than the Eneloop version.
Sorry dude, but I own a lot of Eneloop batteries, and they are not any cheaper than the "Apple" batteries, whose OEM remains to be seen."
How dare you fight idiotic statements with fact!
imatt711Jul 30, 2010
But is it white with a shiny apple logo?
lightstabJul 30, 2010
Actually, Apple's battery charger uses less charge than most traditional charges, according to their web site. Not that I would ever buy one, but that's supposed to be the draw.
plncrzyJul 30, 2010
The draw.
I get it.
Clever.
superkendallJul 30, 2010
Where? At Amazon I see a "power pack" for $38.95 that does offer a number of batteries, but Apple's has 6 batteries with a charger for $29.
Also how do you know the Apple batteries are not as good at the eneloop? I'd like to see a report on that first.
If you look at the product Q&A, you find this:
"Yes, these batteries are apparently low self-discharge NiMH batteries, like the Sanyo Eneloop batteries, otherwise they wouldn't retain 80% of their charge after a year. It's not clear yet if they are just rebranded Eneloops."
superkendallJul 30, 2010
Come on, buried for asking a real question? I just want to know where I can get an eneloop charger + batteries for less than the Apple charger. I'd like to be able to charge both AA and AAA batteries. Is that too much to ask?
shazoocowJul 30, 2010
I paid $23 Canadian (plus tax) for the package I describe above at Dell.ca, although I don't see it there now. Here's an option from Amazon that is in-line with Apple's price, but offers more:
http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-277265-eneloop-Power-Pack/dp/B002NSX60I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280529633&sr=8-3
I cannot comment on whether Apple's batteries are Eneloops, but the only indication either way is Apple's claim that "they also hold a charge for an incredibly long time." Why pay more to find out for yourself when you can have a better package and a universally loved product?
y0tsuyaJul 30, 2010
Japan-made eneloops are still a tad better than Chinese-made generic hybrids. If you can find a re-branded "hybrid" NiMH that's made in Japan, consider yourself lucky because you have an eneloop.
The fancy LaCross BC-700 charger sells for $30 on Amazon. It'll kick the Apple charger's ass to China and back.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ Y0tsuya, RE: ".. The fancy LaCross BC-700 charger sells for $30 on Amazon. It'll kick the Apple charger's ass to China and back."
As per usual, Apple makes a product that's far simpler to use.
Which charger do you think 90% of the population will buy?
1. Apple charger : when the light is green, your batteries are charged (no other setup required).
2. LaCross BC-700 :
http://www.lacrosse-psmall.com/lp-la-crosse-technology-bc-700.html
" .. Here's what the function keys on the BC-700 are used for. The BC-700 has four battery compartments, each with a numbered key. These number keys are used to select a particular battery compartment for charging and to display the operating mode. The MODE key is used to select any of the four operating modes described below. The DISPLAY key lets you scroll through the various displays. These are charging current (in mA), time elapsed (hh:mm), terminal voltage (in V), and accumulated capacity (in mAh or Ah). In conjunction with the number keys, you can select the charging mode and view the displays individually for each battery compartment. Finally, the CURRENT key lets you select the amount of charging current to be applied if you wish it to be more than the factory-default 200 mA.
The BC-700 has four user-selectable operating modes: Charge, Test, Refresh, and Discharge. Here's how they work: ... "Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
y0tsuyaJul 31, 2010
"As per usual, Apple makes a product that's far simpler to use."
You sir are full is FAIL. BC-700 is plug-and-play. It just gives you more options, something Apple fanboys don't understand. A charger with only LED indicator costs less than $5 on eBay.
darkstar3333Jul 30, 2010
Apple doesn't even bother to identify the capacity or profile of these batteries. Your buying it without knowing exactly what your getting.
Nihms are not created equal so its entirely possible that these batteries could be significantly worse then high capacity batteries offered by actual battery manufacturers at similar prices.
Not to mention that some AA's may have different profiles causing them not to fit in some devices with tight clearance.
admiralkareliaJul 31, 2010
I;ve never known of an AA battery that didn't fit the same profile as any other AA battery.
Closed AccountJul 31, 2010
Battery sizes are regulated standards by the IEC and ANSI dude.
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
Right, obviously Apple is using slightly larger AA's so that they only work in Apple products, and only Apple batteries fit in their products. I mean, that's just how they roll, right?
kingatrockJul 31, 2010
I don't care, i want the one with more wifis.
formerbabbyJul 30, 2010
Time for anti-Energizer "switcher" ads.
romantictireJul 30, 2010
"Hi I'm an Energizer"
"Hi I'm an Apple battery"
blink4ever87Jul 30, 2010
I love apple, but I'm not dropping $30 on something I can get for $5
fanclerksJul 31, 2010
Cept you can't get the same package for $5...
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ blink4ever87, RE: ".. I love apple, but I'm not dropping $30 on something I can get for $5"
Where can you get the same type of intelligent charger for $5 ?
severinggeckoAug 1, 2010
These are not normal batteries and it's actually cheaper then getting the same kit from energizer
jull1234Jul 30, 2010
I'm really glad that someone is finally innovating in this area. I've been spewing AA's into the landfill at an incredible rate for years and years. This is a game changer for sure.
bstew22Jul 30, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
maynardjkJul 30, 2010
Maybe they got it but are just butt hurt fanboys.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ jull1234, RE: ".. I'm really glad that someone is finally innovating in this area."
Kind of like the way that Apple's charger is far simpler to use than the competition :
As per usual, Apple makes a product that's far simpler to use.
Which charger do you think 90% of the population will buy?
1. Apple charger : when the light is green, your batteries are charged (no other setup required).
2. LaCross BC-700 :
http://www.lacrosse-psmall.com/lp-la-crosse-technology-bc-700.html
" .. Here's what the function keys on the BC-700 are used for. The BC-700 has four battery compartments, each with a numbered key. These number keys are used to select a particular battery compartment for charging and to display the operating mode. The MODE key is used to select any of the four operating modes described below. The DISPLAY key lets you scroll through the various displays. These are charging current (in mA), time elapsed (hh:mm), terminal voltage (in V), and accumulated capacity (in mAh or Ah). In conjunction with the number keys, you can select the charging mode and view the displays individually for each battery compartment. Finally, the CURRENT key lets you select the amount of charging current to be applied if you wish it to be more than the factory-default 200 mA.
The BC-700 has four user-selectable operating modes: Charge, Test, Refresh, and Discharge. Here's how they work: ... "
lukas1051Jul 31, 2010
Seems a bit over-complicated to me. I'll buy whatever does the job, probably the cheapest one I can find on eBay.
jull1234Jul 31, 2010
hahah well played.
bobbi21Jul 31, 2010
yeah.. find the most complicated(most versatile) battery charger to compare to the apple instead of finding the 100's of chargers any normal person would find.
aka http://www.amazon.com/110-240V-Universal-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B000UB7WD2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1280589171&sr=8-10
And the apple one looks like it only charges AA. Several of the ones out there can charge any size battery.
dikkyJul 31, 2010
my energizer charger turns green when the batteries are charged
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ bobbi21, RE: ".. yeah.. find the most complicated(most versatile) battery charger to compare to the apple instead of finding the 100's of chargers any normal person would find."
I was just trying to compare a charger with another charger that had the same level of "smart charging" built in.
The charger you linked to isn't so smart :
http://www.amazon.com/110-240V-Universal-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B000UB7WD2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1280589171&sr=8-10
" .. Too good to be true, at this price. Easy test- take the recharged batteries and put them back in-- there appears to be no overcharge protection, and the batteries will begin to heat up, especially the AAA due to the high charging current."
rightmindxJul 31, 2010
"I'm really glad that someone is finally innovating in this area. I've been spewing AA's into the landfill at an incredible rate for years and years. This is a game changer for sure."
Yes because Apple invented the rechargeable AA battery, it's not like other companies have already been making and selling them for years.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
jull1234Jul 31, 2010
;)
islander2137Jul 30, 2010
it doesn't look shiny enough...
bimtottJul 30, 2010
So that's what the "AA" in their stock ticker stands for...
dickwilhelmJul 31, 2010
I understand the joke, but is it even a joke? Is it a pun? Is it funny? No.
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
This comment is now diamonds!
waterisnotwetJul 30, 2010
I saw this the other day when I visited the Apple Store website to see the new specs of the updated iMac. I shortly began to wonder why this product even exisited and realized it was for their wireless keyboards and mice. I then noticed for $29.99 it will recharge 2 batteries at a time. I then looked at my wall and saw an Energizer battery charger that I bought 5 years ago for $14.99 (2 batteries included) that recharges 4 AA or AAA batteries at a time.
I never really accuse Apple of charging too much (even though I know they do) because I use a lot of their products. However, this one made me laugh.
bjornskiJul 30, 2010
But it has a fruit printed on it, that justifies paying triple.
/s for the RDF impaired
robereksonJul 30, 2010
The difference is this one at least cuts down the power drip when it's not working. Still pretty high priced though.
tokeliJul 30, 2010
$15 for being too f**king lazy to unplug it when you remove the batteries?
robereksonJul 30, 2010
In this scenario it would be easier to just unplug it, but the charger I use at home (from RadioShack I think) has a cord running to the wall behind my desk that I can't unplug. The power-drip control would more sense there than in Apple's version.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
adhomineeJul 30, 2010
The thing is there are so many other areas you can save energy in before you go to your battery charger. The biggest is usually any kind of AC/insulation, any big appliances. Hell, turning the lights off saves like 300 times more energy than unplugging your battery charger.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
But I would probably have to leave it plugged in for months to use $15 worth of electricity.
I would hope that I'd remember to unplug it within a few hours of it finishing charging.
adhomineeJul 30, 2010
I did the math in another post, but it saves you 2 cents a month. So yes, over a decade.
nutmacJul 30, 2010
Actually, the batteries and the charger don't even have Apple logo on them.
prodigitalsonJul 30, 2010
I have a similar one from Energizer but it can also do 2 9v at a time and came with 4 AA when purchased - $14.99 as well. Ironically, I bought it for my Magic Mouse because that things eats batteries like a muthaf**ka.
bjornskiJul 30, 2010
Get a Microsoft mouse.
I use my mouse more in a week than most people do in a month, and one battery lasts 2-3 months.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Or a *gasp* wired mouse. There is only 1 system I would ever even consider a wireless keyboard for and that would be a media center PC. And the keyboard would need a trackpad or nipple mouse on it so I don't need a separate mouse.
prodigitalsonJul 31, 2010
I generally hate wireless input devices other than headsets. But the Magic Mouse's lack of moving parts and the gestures was what made me purchase. Otherwise i would have just used the basic Apple mouse.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
I as well have an Energizer one, the batteries themselves suck for storage though. After a full charge if I package them back up, by the time I put them in an XBox controller they list at about 50% power.
bjornskiJul 31, 2010
NiCad or NiMh?
Closed AccountJul 31, 2010
2500mAh NiMh
bjornskiJul 31, 2010
Yeah, those sound like they're shot. I know rechargeables typically don't have the full charge of a comparable alkaline (fresh), but it shouldn't be THAT low after a charge.
I typically like Energizer too, though I have the same issues with mine, and I'm using the Energizer mAh type.
I'm seeing a trend here, and I think my next batch of rechargables won't be Energizer.
prodigitalsonJul 31, 2010
I have the same issue with mine... my last charge cycle they showed at 44%. Oddly though they seem to take about the same amount of time to drain from use...
milkmageJul 31, 2010
I thought the same.. but it ships with 6 batteries.. so it's not too terribly overpriced.. but still on the high side.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ waterisnotwet, RE: " .. I then looked at my wall and saw an Energizer battery charger that I bought 5 years ago for $14.99 (2 batteries included) that recharges 4 AA or AAA batteries at a time."
The thing is, the Apple charger works better.
If you look at some of the comments (above), you will see people complaining that their charger only charges batteries to 50% capacity (see above, sleeplesson and bjornski).
bjornskiJul 31, 2010
Yup. Let's just hope they don't have another of these incidents.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/24/apple-to-recall-1-8-million-sony-made-batteries/
jamesdean59Jul 31, 2010
Its quite possible the rechargeable batteries themselves need replacing. The battery will only charge so many times and with each charge, I'm fairly certain, the overall capacity of the battery reduces.
Closed AccountJul 31, 2010
Except that mine did that from day 1. It's not that they won't charge to 100% capacity. It's that if you store them for any reasonable amount of time before using them by the time you have a device that needs batteries swapped out they are down to 50% or so from sitting around in storage.
rightmindxJul 31, 2010
mrBitch:
"The thing is, the Apple charger includes better batteries, and the charger works better."
And your proof of this is what? Apple's marketing copy?
Closed AccountJul 31, 2010
To be honest if it did 4 at a time and the batteries stored as well as they say I'd probably buy one. As it stands I'll probably pickup an Eneloop set from Sanyo.
heroleonJul 30, 2010
Omigosh, it's REVOLUTIONARY!
diggcensorsJul 30, 2010
As a life long mac user. Apple has put out some horrendous batteries. This title is almost Onion worthy.
LoseirdoJul 30, 2010
No way, rechargeable batteries? Another breakthrough for Apple! Why doesn't anyone else think of this stuff first?
And the charger cuts off when they're done recharging! Brilliant! It's so perfect you'd think they were just copying what scores of other companies are already doing. But it's Apple, so we know that Jobs slaved all night over a filthy iPad to come up with this gem.
Oh, and let's not forget that if you buy this you're helping the environment! I never get tired of seeing that card played.
Come on. Really?
soopaflyJul 30, 2010
Dude, calm down.
korvan504521Jul 31, 2010
You're welcome.
Steve.
Sent from my iPhone
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ Loseirdo, RE: ".. And the charger cuts off when they're done recharging! Brilliant! It's so perfect you'd think they were just copying what scores of other companies are already doing."
Except the competitor chargers (that are in the same class as the Apple charger) are not as simple to use :
1. Apple charger : when the light is green, your batteries are charged (no other setup required).
2. LaCross BC-700 :
http://www.lacrosse-psmall.com/lp-la-crosse-technology-bc-700.html
" .. Here's what the function keys on the BC-700 are used for. The BC-700 has four battery compartments, each with a numbered key. These number keys are used to select a particular battery compartment for charging and to display the operating mode. The MODE key is used to select any of the four operating modes described below. The DISPLAY key lets you scroll through the various displays. These are charging current (in mA), time elapsed (hh:mm), terminal voltage (in V), and accumulated capacity (in mAh or Ah). In conjunction with the number keys, you can select the charging mode and view the displays individually for each battery compartment. Finally, the CURRENT key lets you select the amount of charging current to be applied if you wish it to be more than the factory-default 200 mA.
The BC-700 has four user-selectable operating modes: Charge, Test, Refresh, and Discharge. Here's how they work: ... "Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
jamesdean59Jul 31, 2010
I dont think I'd consider that BC-700 and the Apple charger in the same class. The BC-700 provides you with a large amount of information about whats going on with the charging of the batteries, not to mention a list of other features. So I'd consider the BC-700 a class above the Apple unit.
balancedJul 31, 2010
Did you need to post this three times?
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
@ JamesDean, RE: ".. The BC-700 provides you with a large amount of information about whats going on with the charging of the batteries, not to mention a list of other features. So I'd consider the BC-700 a class above the Apple unit."
I guess you're the perfect target market for "let's make something like a house-hold battery charger as technically complicated as we can make it."
kerrigoreJul 31, 2010
Why does every Apple product have to be revolutionary or innovative? Obviously they improved this as much as they could, but it's a friggin battery charger, what can you really do?
I don't get why anyone cares. If you can get a battery charger cheaper elsewhere, then do it, but as far as I can tell this isn't out of line with what you'd find in most retail stores.
It's not like Apple claimed it was magical or revolutionary. The only thing it does better than a lot of other chargers is power management when it's not in use.
Mostly, I think this is just Apple trying to encourage people to use rechargeable batteries in their mice/keyboards instead of disposable ones.
mrbitchAug 4, 2010
RE: ".. I don't get why anyone cares. If you can get a battery charger cheaper elsewhere, then do it, but as far as I can tell this isn't out of line with what you'd find in most retail stores.
It's not like Apple claimed it was magical or revolutionary. The only thing it does better than a lot of other chargers is power management when it's not in use.
Mostly, I think this is just Apple trying to encourage people to use rechargeable batteries in their mice/keyboards instead of disposable ones."
All good points.
joemanmanJul 30, 2010
Boom.
Magical, elegant, charges your devices. This is revolutionary.
This changes everything, again.
lordskywalkerJul 30, 2010
What can I say, it's revolutionary. Magical even.
woollymittensJul 30, 2010
Why is this even news? Easy troll-bait?
rickcarsonJul 31, 2010
Yes, just troll fodder. Apple isn't making a big deal out of this, but the haters certainly are wetting their pants to vent their spleens.
lordskywalkerJul 30, 2010
Wait, it can charge not one but TWO batteries at the SAME time? Put me down for a pre-order!
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
RE: "And on par for Apple, it costs twice what it should."
Twice what it should? Not for battery chargers in the same class as Apple's charger :
http://www.lacrosse-psmall.com/lp-la-crosse-technology-bc-700.html
" .. Regular price: $44.95. Sale price: $29.95"Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
mrbitchAug 4, 2010
RE: " .. Regular price: $44.95. Sale price: $29.95"
Buried for fact?
iignotusJul 30, 2010
NiMH means Nickel-metal Hydride, not Nickel-metal Hybrid. I know I can't expect much from blogspam, but can't they at least get the f**king terminology right?
cavimikeJul 30, 2010
People will buy it.
krazygamerheadJul 30, 2010
Yay rechargeable batteries from a brand that won't allow you to remove batteries on your own.
mrbitchJul 31, 2010
RE: ".. Yay rechargeable batteries from a brand that won't allow you to remove batteries on your own."
http://www.apple.com/battery-charger/
" .. Each Apple Battery Charger comes with six high-performance AA NiMH batteries: two for your keyboard, two for your mouse or trackpad, and two for charging. Unlike many other reusable batteries, these batteries have an incredibly long service life — up to 10 years."
bencanfieldJul 30, 2010
We call it... the iCharge.
libertarianslolJul 30, 2010
too much for crap that already exists
clyde2801Aug 4, 2010
But it has SO many features, it should be called the iCharge Extra.
dpcdominoJul 30, 2010
Finally it has come to this....Geeks hating on a battery charger.
punkcatJul 30, 2010
i hope this doesn't create battery brand fanboys.
sputnikvJul 30, 2010
duracell > energizer
megarobotguyJul 31, 2010
sonyo ftw
dephextwinJul 31, 2010
Word! You can't top the copper top, son!
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
they aren't geeks. geeks appreciate companies who started in a garages.
i see Apple haters more as fratboys and jocks.
phpfreakJul 31, 2010
I agree 100%.
diggdugg35Jul 31, 2010
it's kinda like Obama, regardless of what this company goes (good or bad), people are gonna hate it. Apple could develop (on its own) a battery that lasts for a millenia on 3 charges, someone will find some reason to trash it.
miquonranger031Jul 30, 2010
The alkaline battery is officially dead.
/s
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Anyone who has bought and used rechargable batteries in the past knows how incredibly inconvenient they are. I doubt Apple's are any different.
andyroo316Jul 30, 2010
Given the choice between plugging a couple into a charger quick or going to the store for new ones, which is more convenient? Exactly.
milkmageJul 31, 2010
they're OK for some things.. remotes are ok.. but anything with a high draw (flashlight).. not so much.
bbschaeferJul 31, 2010
You've got it exactly backwards. High-drain devices are where rechargeables shine. In low-drain, intermittent use devices like remotes or smoke detectors you're losing more to the power dissipating than you're actually using.
I use rechargeables in my very high-drain external camera flashes. They definitely work better than alkalines.
4degreesJul 30, 2010
recharges batteries that no apple device takes...
treatsthebearJul 30, 2010
Except the new device they just released along side the charger.
http://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/
chochazelJul 30, 2010
And the wireless keyboard, and the wireless mouse...
andyroo316Jul 30, 2010
Don't their wireless keyboards/trackpads take AA batteries? And didn't someone else above say the Magic Mouse does too?
I'm guessing that's why there's 6 batteries, too - 2 each for the keyboard and mouse (or keyboard and trackpad) and then 2 spare for whichever runs out first.
Think. Then type.
diggdugg35Jul 31, 2010
except for the magic mouse, wireless keyboard and that weird touch thingy they released the other day. More comments based on emotion rather than fact.
andyroo316Aug 1, 2010
Weird touch thingy? If it works with Windows 7 on a non-Mac device, I'm in.
adhomineeJul 30, 2010
Oh damn, I can save...
300 mW * 24 hrs * 30 = 0.216 kW h
10 cents per kWh
2 cents a month? LOL
blackjackjesterJul 30, 2010
invested aggressively over your entire life, you might be able to rake in $10 by the time you die
digg2point0Jul 30, 2010
Too bad you spend about two to three times that amount more on buying the Apple branded charger/batteries.
So you're out $20 in the long run.
imsabbelJul 30, 2010
And thats only if you NEVER unplug it, even if you arent charging anything for days/weeks
punkcatJul 30, 2010
yeah, i'd hate for the everybody to lower the need for electricity.
conserving power is bad obviously and we should only think individually on the issue, not like there are millions of people in world or anything using gadgets.
adhomineeJul 30, 2010
There are 1 million better cheaper ways to save power. Saving power is great. Automatic lighting (Turning off the lights when you aren't using them) saves 300 times more energy than unplugging your battery charger. Buying a more efficient AC unit, getting more insulation in your house. Better insulated windows and doors. If you really care about saving energy, there are much better steps.
I hate to be the party pooper, but this will not reduce your energy dependence in any significant way.
somerandomguyJul 30, 2010
Forgetting to turn off your monitor for one day is basically going to offset all theoretical benefit this charger would EVER provide.
justinnolandJul 31, 2010
Assuming you're replacing an existing battery charger with this thing, the energy it takes to engineer, market, manufacture, package, ship and sell it to your ass will far outweigh the energy you save by just using your old one. Unless, of course, your old one is broken and you just need a replacement.
mojomofo2Jul 31, 2010
That's the first thing I noticed. It's absurd and most people will not get this.
As a rule of thumb, if you continuously leave on a appliance that consumes 1 Watt for a year it will cost you $1.
unluckybastardJul 31, 2010
so you guys are flaming apple for being efficient? wow. and people hate on "fanboys"
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Charge Different.
alienmushroomJul 31, 2010
Charge $29.
sark666Jul 30, 2010
Apple. f**k off
gilbesJul 30, 2010
FTA: "but it also cuts off power after the batteries come to a full charge. Clever."
Are you f**king kidding me? That isn't clever. That is how battery chargers work.
My energizer battery charger does that, charges multiple sizes of batters and probably cost half as much. That isn't clever.
Although it is not shiny and white. That is well worth the Apple tax.
digg2point0Jul 30, 2010
Energizer NiMH Charger + 4x AAA + 8x AA and it cost me $24.99.
valkyriesJul 30, 2010
that Energizer charger that "charges" 4 AAs at a time sucks. Two of the batteries are charged to 80% and the other two AAs are not even charged.
digg2point0Jul 30, 2010
Sounds like you got a broken unit.
Mine charges just fine and I use them constantly on my keyboard/mouse.
I did however notice a 'break in' period during the first few months, I had to change the batteries every other week it seemed for the first two months, then it was every 3rd week for two more months, and it just kept getting longer between charges til about a year after buying them, when they lasted almost 2 months/charge.
theabsinthehareJul 31, 2010
How would you like them to market the features of their product?
"Hey, it does things that other similar products do. Buy it"
Of course they're going to play up the features, whether they're all that special or not.
gilbesJul 31, 2010
You mean how do I want techvert.com to advertise Apples products disguised as "news"?
I don't.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Make sure you plug it in at an angle. If not it won't charge.
romantictireJul 30, 2010
Your xbox controller throws a grenade and you team kill your best player.
skinturtleJul 30, 2010
Now what happens if you hold them wrong?
rufunkiJul 30, 2010
Apple is going downhill FAST.... First magical revolutionary products, now big mouse pads & battery chargers, and phones that need a bumper to make a call.
Sounds like Polaroid, what's next apple branded sdcards?
Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
milkmageJul 31, 2010
correction magical revolutionary productions that are making a TON of f**king money. you cannot deny the stock price.. apple lover or hater. $19 to $250+ in 10 years is impressive. I don't care how you look at it.
penclnckJul 31, 2010
Your negative diggs are proof that you speak the truth... so I dugg you down as well.
phpfreakJul 31, 2010
Apple's making accessories for their existing products?! What a concept?!
hallo2uJul 30, 2010
and again i clicked the link and expected a onion article
but all i got was fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
nullcodesJul 30, 2010
Now the Apple fanboys will try to tell us Apple invented the idea of recharging batteries. Just like we're told they invented smartphones.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
or invented MP3 players
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
or invented the Straw Man...
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Or made video calling a reality.
penclnckJul 31, 2010
or pinch zoom.
questarianJul 30, 2010
... as they camp inline for two days to be the first ones to have get an iCharger and iBatteries
chrysaliiJul 30, 2010
or the dock concept
lodcrappoJul 31, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
asus3000Jul 30, 2010
I thought lithium ion made NiMH obsolete... Weird.
jsutherJul 30, 2010
lithium ain't cheap
asus3000Jul 31, 2010
Neither are Apple products.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Does it run on ac, dc, or magic?
lodcrappoJul 31, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
FPSmotoJul 30, 2010
Only 'useful feature' is that after it charges the batteries it shuts off to save electricity. Hasn't this technology been around already for YEARS?
bobbi21Jul 31, 2010
so has the technology to not have a cd rom or webcam in a computer. worked for the ipad.
balancedJul 31, 2010
A lot of chargers don't do it, apparently.
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
"The new battery charger not only keeps you from buying and throwing away tons of toxin spewing batteries, but it also cuts off power after the batteries come to a full charge. Clever."
Isn't that kind of damn obvious? Why is it that the littlest logical design considerations are considered amazing if it's by Apple...
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
Look at how a simple statement "Apple now sells battery chargers" sends the haters into a tizzy. You guys have turned into an even bigger joke than the Apple idiots who wait in like all night to buy a phone they don't need.
phpfreakJul 31, 2010
Wahhh it's so outrageously priced!! ...Crap it's priced at market value...
schrutefanJul 30, 2010
Magical, elegant, ironic.
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
The Apple battery charger comes with six batteries and the wall charger, for $29 (Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XIJ566?ie=UTF8&tag=whats-good-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XIJ566
The Eneloop bundle is four batteries and a wall charger, for $22 (Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QAVPRA?ie=UTF8&tag=whats-good-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001QAVPRA
Two additional Eneloop AA's are $5 (Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00188AD9G?ie=UTF8&tag=whats-good-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00188AD9G
The Apple version costs $2 more than the Eneloop version. Are you guys really whining over $2?
nothlitJul 30, 2010
Of course, the charger included in the Eneloop bundle can charge four batteries at once, while the Apple charger can only charge two.
enantiodromiaJul 30, 2010
Even though I have the Eneloop 4 battery charger, I only carry the 2 battery charger, because it's very small and easy to travel with.
In fact I never use the 4 battery charger, because I also have a 16 battery charger.
somerandomguyJul 30, 2010
It's not the difference in cost. It's why Apple decided they needed their own version of a product that already exists on the market, that does half of what existing products already do. Then they go and pretend that it has new features.
The Eneloop batteries and chargers are fantastic. It shuts itself off when it's done charging batteries. It charges *4* batteries at once.
The Xbox 360 doesn't have a Microsoft branded battery charger. Neither does the Wii. Logitech doesn't make one for its cordless mice. Because it would be stupid to. That product ALREADY EXISTS.
phpfreakJul 31, 2010
Oh lord, you've got to be kidding me. So Apple had evil intentions by putting out this product because they already exist? It's called competition. PCs exist, so they shouldn't make Macs?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
bobbi21Jul 31, 2010
uh. its the "that does half of what existing products already do." which is important. It's like putting out a computer that doesn't have a cd rom, doesn't have a web cam doesn't have flash.. wait a minute...
well this product doesn't have a gimmick helping it anyway. It's a battery charger. Can't even try to call it something else.
penclnckJul 31, 2010
I can go to Wal Mart and get a charger with 4 batteries for $12-ish bucks. Then 4 more batteries for another $5. Oh no, Wal Mart is evil.
theabsinthehareJul 31, 2010
Hey. Wal-Mart IS evil. Not for this reason... but come on.
superherofiveJul 30, 2010
Awesome! I bet this is made just like any other battery charger, but it's white and has an Apple logo on it so it'll be $599. Or you could get a non-Apple one for $10.99, but we all know you're going to pay the $599 Apple premium, right?
Right.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
nutmacJul 31, 2010
Well, there's no Apple logo on the product, so your argument is half wrong.
hasahugedigJul 30, 2010
IMO this is the best charger you can get for AA/AAA batteries, period
http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technology-BC-9009-AlphaPower-Battery/dp/B00077AA5Q/ref=pd_sbs_k_1
it might cost a pretty penny but it is absolutely amazing, and comes with 4 AA and 4 AAA batteries to get you started. It even comes with adapters so you can use C or D batteries with your AA.
tghdJul 30, 2010
Thanks Hasa, didn't know that existed.
theabsinthehareJul 31, 2010
Man, that charger is like Windows.
"First, insert your battery into one of the four battery receptacles then press the corresponding numbered key together with the mode button to choose the charging or discharging mode you'd like to utilize for charging your battery. The LCD display will update you with the charging status via current (in mA), time elapsed (hh:mm), terminal voltage (in V), and accumulated capacity (in mAh or Ah). The CURRENT key lets you select the amount of charging current to be applied if you wish it to be more than the factory-default 200 mA blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah"
Vs Apple Charger:
"Insert Batteries. When the light is green, your battery is charged"
This is why Apple wins. I just want to charge my batteries without needing to be a damned engineer.
acqua206Jul 31, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
bobbi21Jul 31, 2010
Absinthehare's argument is similar to most mac users. They take the most complicated version of anything as the reason they like apple better.
Using MS-DOS is SOOO complicated so no way i'm gonna use windows. That's basically the same argument here.
99% of battery chargers you just plug in but the batteries in then take the batteries out. I have one from 20 years ago that works the same way. This is nothing new. Anyone who thinks it is is delusional
broccoliJul 30, 2010
if droid has a sense of humor they will make the droid battery charger just for the hell of it
ljseinfeldJul 31, 2010
Who's this 'droid' you speak of... and what do they make exactly?
Closed AccountJul 30, 2010
Anyone else wonder if this product is about ten years too late? I can't think of anything (including flashlights) I use on a regular basis that needs AA batteries. That's not to say the AA is dead - I realize there are still a lot of devices that use AAs, but they're getting less and less prevalent.
ljseinfeldJul 31, 2010
Dude.. it's to support their keyboards, mice, and the new trackpad.
Closed AccountJul 31, 2010
Seriously? they run on AAs? That's kind of backwards thinking. Why aren't they USB charged?
acqua206Jul 31, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
bobbi21Jul 31, 2010
xbox controllers, keyboards, and mice all come with their own adapters/usb's for charging.
I'll give you remotes. they're still typically AA battery operated. Flashlights can use anything. The shaking ones are fun :P
kirky29Aug 1, 2010
Then you're not thinking hard enough?
All my remotes at home for my TV, DVD, FreeSat, Sky etc
And also my Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad.