Can I use regular alkaline AA batteries in the HyperDrive HD80? Last Updated 2/13/2009
Although it is possible to use alkaline AA batteries in the HyperDrive HD80, we do not recommended doing so as they are non-rechargeable and do not last as long as rechargeable NiMH AA batteries or non-rechargeable lithium AA batteries. They have the lowest charge-to-cost ratio and are, economically, the least worthwhile of the three types of batteries.
The chemistry of alkaline batteries is such that they are not able to sustain prolonged high voltages in high drain devices like: digital cameras, flash guns, handheld computers and hard-disk-based devices like the HyperDrive HD80. Nevertheless, alkaline batteries are readily available and can be used in emergencies to power a few GB worth of data transfers to the HD80. We recommend using rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (you can recharge them in the HD80) and spare non-rechargeable lithium AA batteries for emergencies or very long periods of time when you will have no access to electricity.
