[Robotgroup] Two questions

[Vern Graner]

Def Egge wrote:
> Rechargeable batteries:

I've used a lot of AA rechargeables, mostly NiMH in the 1600-2500ma hour 
range. Haven't seen much difference in the performance of the "name 
brand" (i.e. "Duracell") or the "house brand" (i.e. Whatever is on the 
shelf at Frys) rechargeable. Most of the difference seems to be in the 
Mah ratings as to how long they last in a given setting (my Canon A560 
is a battery eater, as is Kym's Sony camera). I also use them in robotic 
projects as the BOEBOT and other systems like that use 4xAA for a power 
source. Lots of the kids toys (game boys and robotic dolls) use AA as well.

I tried getting some AAA NiMH batteries for use with some handy talkies, 
but I noticed an unsettling tendency of *someone* in my household 
putting non-rechargeable AAA into the NiMH charger on occasion (hmm 
whats that smell..?) :) I think this may be because the text is so small 
on the batteries. I ended up just using regular AAA's most of the time. 
I don't have many items that require D cells 'cept for flashlights and 
those are not good candidates for rechargeables if you don't plan to run 
them empty and recharge them regularly. NiMH will "self discharge" in my 
experience:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_metal_hydride_battery#Self-discharge

Things that use 9v around my house are usually things like clock backups 
and smoke detectors. Again not good candidates for rechargeables.

> Stereo computer speakers with subwoofer:

I've used a set of Altec Lansing ATP3's for about 4-5 years now:

http://www.smartbuy.ro/cs-photos/products/original/13796.jpg

Bought them at Compuseless for about $80.00 IIRC. They don't make that 
model anymore, but the successor seems to be the VS4121:

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=VS4121

Seems for about that same price point. Mine get plenty loud and have 
what I consider to be good frequency response and low end. Some of you 
may also have seen the Creative Labs speakers I have brought to some of 
the TRG functions. Those also work fine and sound good.

I guess the best thing to do is go to one of the stores where you can 
demo the speakers and bring a iPod full of the music you expect to 
listen to. Connect up each set and see what you think. :)

Vern
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