Paleblue Batteries: USB-C
Summary
Lighter than standard batteries, Paleblue Lithium-Ion batteries handle over 1,000 charges, charge quickly, replacing over 4K of traditional alkaline batteries. The only downside is the rapid power drop-off. Most devices won’t be calibrated for Lithium-Ion discharge profiles. Not a big deal in most applications. Keep spares handy where it matters.
Paleblue Batteries: USB-C Review
We reviewed Paleblue batteries a couple of years ago when they were a Kickstarter campaign. Not much has changed in the basic battery, but the company has updated the charging technology from micro-USB to USB-C, making the advanced rechargeable batteries feel even more modern. It also solves one of my annoyances, which was trying to figure out how to insert the micro-USB cable.
I have used the original set for years. Some of them are doing duty right now in LED holiday light battery boxes around the house. Others are in a mouse.
Here’s a refresher for those new to the batteries. A little light reading as you fix your drinks and float your cranberries.
The fast-charging Lithium-Ion batteries take only one and a half hours to charge. With over 1,000+ charges, they’ll keep devices running for even the busiest editor-at-large.
A green LED on the top communicates a battery’s state, letting tired electronics know they no longer need to wait.
At twenty to fifty percent lighter than their alkaline kin, they swap out for up to 4,000 batteries not tossed in a bin.
I was taken up by the ghost of Christmas past for a moment.
The batteries still run at a premium over standard NiMH batteries. Amazon Basics NiMH batteries run about $15 for eight. The AA or AAA versions of Paleblue run $25-$30. The number of recharges, however, offset the upfront cost.
The other caution for using Paleblue in electronics comes from the electronics not being turned to Lithium-Ion’s more precipitous power drop-off. Lithium batteries last longer, but when they run out of juice, they do so quickly. Owners will just need to keep that in mind and have backups charged and ready to go.
Paleblue batteries are available in all standard battery types. I evaluated the AA and AAA batteries. And I use them in everything from computer mice to LED spotlights. The fast charge cycle compensates for the quick power dropoff, as I usually can recharge the batteries before I need the thing they died in again.
Note: We had one AA battery that suffered from a charging issue. Remember, unlike traditional rechargeables, the recharging circuitry is in the battery, not external. The battery, which displayed what I called a fast flicker (as opposed to the normal charging pulse of light), was quickly replaced by Paleblue. I did not see this issue in the previous micro-USB batteries or any of the other new USB-C versions.
Paleblue provided the Paleblue Batteries: USB-C for review. Images courtesy of Paleblue unless otherwise noted.
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