Proprietary batteries

[Stonent]

My Jeep has a rechargable flashlight that snaps into the ceiling. I've only had a need for it about 3 or 4 times but it stopped working about a year ago. Today I finally popped it out and opened it up and it has this.

http://www.siambattery.co.th/images/Varta%20V500HT.jpg

The specs say 500MaH 1.2V NiMhwhich is basically a rechargable AAA battery.

The Varta battery sells for about $15 on ebay. What was the point of using this battery? A AAA battery would have been perfectly fine. Grrr.

[nukie]

Varta advertise this button cell designed for trickle charging, overcharging capabilities and special seals for extreme outdoor operations. I don't think it look like an AAA battery. Many electronic auto mains timer uses this for clock battery, and it gets pretty hot when plugged in, its pretty good battery as far as I know.

[Stonent]

Well since it was covered in crusty green crystals... I'd probably have preferred the AAA battery. I might try to hack one in there if I can.

[Bored@Work]

The Varta battery sells for about $15 on ebay.

2 Euro at this shop in the Belgium. Price is almost too good if it is normally $15 http://www.microbatteryshop.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=11707521