Conclusion

When any test results from multiple products are tabulated, they need to be compared to some sort of reference. If you buy an AA 2900mAh rechargeable battery that has been tested on three different platforms and delivers only 2500mAh, what is the best way to represent the information.

Few have insisted that all test results should be compared to its tested capacity, 2500 mAh. That means that even if you paid a premium price, or that you bought their product because of marketing ( it looks attractive because the label says 2900 ), that we should compare it to a 2500 mAh rechargeable battery.

That makes no sense. When someone buys a Ferrari, they expect a Ferrari, not a Miami Vice fiber glass job on a chevy chassis. And you won't compare a Ferrari to a chevy.

One thing is for sure, just because a manufacturer may have followed the IEC 61951-2 standard when testing their rechargeable batteries does not mean the label; product sheets or marketing documents reflect that data or the standard. The only entity that can make any such claim is the manufacturer itself. Few have made such limited statements. Some don't have to. They just deliver the goods.

Remember that there are many manufacturers, OEM and private labels out there. Who knows where they come from or what state those rechargeable batteries are in?

Quality control has been an issue everywhere around the world. North Americans have no idea what goes on inside a North American company. What makes you think we would know more about what happens inside a company in a foreign country?

The latest wave of recalls, warnings and health hazards on products ranging from toys to food from China should be a simple example.

The quality of a rechargeable battery lies in its ability to deliver power when you need it.

Some rechargeable batteries excel at delivering power at high drain rates ( in high power devices ).

Some rechargeable batteries excel at delivering power at low drain rates ( in low power devices ).

Some rechargeable batteries can do both.

Life cycle is another factor

Remember, Buyer Beware!

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