Has any one tried using NiMH AA batteries in the Pronto? These batteries are 1.2v are available for about $10 for 4. The extra battery pack is listed as being 4.8v. So my guess is that they should work. As soon as I get my pronto I'm going to give it a try. I use these batteries in my digital camera, and they seem to work in most devices that require AA batteries.

I use Radio Shack NiMH AA batteries in my Pronto without a problem. I'd sure like to know where you can get them for $10 for four--Radio Shack sells them at $10 for two.

$20 for a set of four NiMH AA batteries is about right.

NiMH batteries will work fine in the Pronto. In fact, the rechargable battery pack is 4 NiMH AA cells encased with some electronics to allow it to be charged safely while installed in the Pronto (cells can get quite warm while charging). And no, you can't (and shouldn't - it's dangerous) use four standard NiMH AA batteries in the Pronto and try to charge them with the recharging cradle.

I live In Minneapolis MN. there is a chain of stores here Called Batteries plus that sells NiMH batteries at 4 for $10. The have stores all over the country check http://www.batteriesplus.com/ to see if there is a store near you (do I sound like a late night commercial or what!). The sell a charger with 4 batteries for $25. I found a place on the web that sells these for only $.92 each but you have to by $100 dollars worth (I have no use for 100 batteries.)

Has anyone used standard NiCAD rechargables in a Pronto (not with the recharge base). Can I expect to get the same life from NiCADs as Alkalines?

pjq

You can never expect the same life with NiCads as with Alkalines. The thing is, NiCads loose their power fairly quickly - you leave a fully charged NiCad alone for a few months and it'll die. Alkalines can last for years (in fact in one remote I've got some standard Duracels that have a "Best Installed Before" date of January 1997).

NiCads are great for HIGH DRAW items, such as flashlights, handheld computers, radios, remote controlled cars (where replacing every few weeks would be cost-prohibitive), but really aren't good for TRICKLE DRAW items such as generic remotes, clocks, thermostats, etc. unless you don't mind replacing them every few months.

Now since the Pronto, with backlight enabled, is somewhat of a higher draw than a generic no-frills remote, I really can't say how long NiCads will last. A month? Less than NiMH, and certainly less than Alkalines. Though the cost savings over alkaline may be worth the effort of keeping a spare set fully charged up.

Now, when is someone going to offer a Lion battery pack for the Pronto? :-)

i'm 99% sure you can buy AA lithium ion batteries at radioshack for about $7 for two.

I know Energizer sells LITHIUM batteries for a pretty penny, but Lithium Ion batteries are rechargable and significantly more expensive than $7/pair... I don't know if "standard sized" Lithium Ion batteries are even available.