When you compare the power supply and life of a lithium battery to an alkaline battery, there is no contest – the lithium battery wins hands down. The slower discharge of power allows for a lithium battery to last two-to-three times longer than an alkaline battery, even in high energy devices, such as digital cameras.

You will notice when looking at lithium batteries pricing and costs that they are much more expensive than other batteries. That is because lithium battery makers must spend more on the elements to make these batteries and recognize the significant advantages lithiums have over other battery types. Consider the following options:

1. Lithium batteries come in AAA and AA sizes.

2. Many digital cameras now only take 3-volt lithium batteries.

3. A lithium-ion battery is rechargeable and used in most large electronics.

Action Steps
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Replace your alkaline batteries with lithium batteries

Most small electronics and other battery powered devices take AAA or AA sized batteries. While lithium batteries don't match all of the available alkaline battery sizes, the most commonly used are available.

I recommend: Energizer is the most well-known among lithium battery manufacturers. You can find a four pack of their AA e2 lithium batteries through REI for just over $10 or Optics Planet for less than $7.

Power small electronics with three-volt lithium batteries

Known as size 123 or 123A, these three-volt batteries are not available in any other type besides lithium. They are typically available for use in point-and-shoot cameras, camera accessories (such as flashes), tactical flashlights and security systems.

I recommend: The Battery Station offers its own brand of lithium 123 and 123A batteries for an average of $1.50 each. Other brands they offer range from $2 to $3 each. Buy bulk packages of six, 12, 50 or 400 Duracell lithium 123 batteries at an average of $2 to $4 per battery from Medic Batteries.

Recharge electronics with lithium-ion batteries

Unlike regular lithium batteries, a lithium-ion battery is rechargeable. It also holds more energy than most other rechargeable batteries and discharges that energy over a longer period of time, giving your device more power longer than any other battery would. That is why, predominately, digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, camcorders, cell phones and laptops use lithium-ion batteries as their power source.

I recommend: Purchase lithium-ion laptop batteries from Ritz Interactive for $60 to $230. At Battery prides itself on being one of the world’s largest online suppliers of lithium batteries, in addition to alkaline and lithium-ions. Search the lithium-ion batteries they offer by electronic device. Their lithium-ions range from $9 to $300, depending on the size.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You must recycle lithium batteries. They are highly flammable and can ignite if exposed to high temperatures, so it is safest for you and the environment if you recycle them. Typically the lithium battery providers you purchase from can take the dead battery back and recycle it for you.

Lithium batteries are a staple in the office and lithium battery manufacturers produce a variety of sizes to choose from. Lithium batteries, also known as lithium ion batteries, are usually lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries and more powerful, saving businesses both money and time.

How powerful? A nickel-based battery stores 60-100 watt hours of electricity per kilogram. A lead-acid battery stores only 25. The lithium ion battery stores 150. This means the number of batteries you need to buy for equipment can drop significantly.

Another benefit is that lithium batteries hold their charge, losing 75% less per month compared to nickel batteries, and can handle hundreds of charges/recharges without wearing out. Less time recharging means less equipment downtime. Some important points to note:

1. Lithium-ion batteries start to degrade as soon as they leave the factory. Whether you use them or not, they will only last up to 3 years from the manufacturing date.

2. Lithium ion batteries must be recycled. Never incinerate them since they might explode. Most places that sell them will accept them back for recycling.

3. Lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Heat will significantly accelerate the degradation of lithium-ion battery packs.

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Purchase lithium batteries through online sources

Competitive shopping is easy. There are lithium batteries providers and lithium battery manufacturers worldwide.

I recommend: Momentum Technologies, LLC has one of the most extensive lists of lithium battery manufacturers and suppliers of lithium batteries available online. Register for free with GlobalSpec, a database of suppliers for lithium batteries. Their website includes catalogs, technical information and contact information for lithium battery providers.

Comparison shop for lithium batteries

With a variety of lithium batteries available, many sites offer you choices by size or product.

I recommend: Thomas Distributing, a lithium battery supplier, provides a full spectrum of choices by size and manufacturer. BFM, another lithium battery provider, likewise offers an excellent selection ranging across all sizes to support just about every lithium battery hungry electronic gadget.

Buy a lithium battery brand you trust

If you're replacing the lithium battery on an electronic device, it's always wise to go with a brand you trust and choose from reputable suppliers of lithium batteries.

I recommend: Try to stay with the same lithium battery makers as the ones that came with your device. If you're shopping around, most lithium battery manufacturers offer specifics so you can compare. Two of the most common lithium battery manufacturers are Motorola and Sony. Two online resources that carry these brands include NexTag, with an extensive selection of Motorola batteries and BizRate, which offers a broad range of Sony batteries, both with detailed specs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There have recently been some problems with lithium-ion battery packs bursting into flame. Many lithium battery makers are replacing/exchanging the packs at no charge. Check the lithium battery manufacturers' websites before buying.
• •  Don't completely discharge a lithium-ion battery; this can ruin it. Check out the lithium battery providers' proper usage instructions to ensure you give your lithium battery a long life.

Lithium batteries first became available in the 1970s, and originally they were not rechargeable. Today's lithium-ion batteries are used in such items as notebook computers, cell phones, digital cameras, and iPods. Someday soon, they may power our cars as well. When used properly, these powerhouses provide safe and relatively clean energy for an extended amount of time.

Like any technology, lithium-ion batteries are not perfect. They are more expensive than other types of batteries and do not yet come in standard sizes, such as AA. Recalls due to overheating and possible fire hazards cause concerns over safety. Lithium battery manufacturers are working to overcome these problems. Despite any disadvantages, lithium-ion batteries are a positive step toward greener, more sustainable technology. Here are a few of the major advantages of lithium-ion batteries over other batteries, such as nickel or lead metal batteries:

1. You can recharge lithium batteries hundreds of times, if you take proper care of them.

2. A lithium-ion battery has no memory, meaning you can recharge it at any time.

3. Lithium-ion batteries hold a charge longer, even when you store them for an extended amount of time.

4. A lithium-ion battery is lightweight, because it can hold more energy in a smaller space.

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Get more information on lithium batteries

As this is a relatively new technology, there is much to learn. To understand the basics of the technology, look for websites on lithium batteries for beginners.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks has basic information, as well as pictures, to describe the inner workings of lithium-ion batteries. Responsible Energy provides the answers to common questions about lithium-ion batteries.

Learn more from suppliers of lithium batteries

Lithium battery providers are a good source of information on lithium battery technology and how you can use it.

I recommend: Apple has information about lithium-ion battery technology. Panasonic describes the features and applications of its lithium-ion batteries.

Discover how to prolong the life of your lithium-ion batteries

Lithium battery makers tell you that you can ruin lithium-ion batteries by letting them completely run down before recharging. Users often make the mistake of using lithium-ion batteries like other rechargeable batteries that require full discharge for maximum efficiency. The single most important factor in prolonging the life of a lithium-ion battery is prevention of overheating. Use a cooling fan for laptops and avoid exposing lithium-ion battery-powered devices to extreme heat.

I recommend: Cadix Electronics recommends that you avoid full discharges and that you store spare batteries in the refrigerator. GoingCellular.com offers tips on prolonging the life of your cellphone battery.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The future of lithium-ion batteries is in electric or hybrid electric cars. As battery technology improves, large lithium-ion batteries will replace nickel-based batteries for greater efficiency. Automatic shut off and other safety features will prevent overheating in these new batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are growing in popularity. You see them in laptops, PDAs, cell phones and MP3 players. For being extremely lightweight, they are very powerful and are rechargeable, which adds to their appeal. If you are an electronics dealer or work with electronics on a daily basis, chances are lithium-ion batteries have come across your path. If you want to find out more about them, all you have to do is read up on a few key terms.

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Capacity

When someone mentions lithium battery capacity, they are talking about the amount of energy the battery can deliver in a single discharge.

I recommend: You can head over to the Responsible Energy Corporation to find more information on capacity and other battery key terms.

Cycle life

The cycle life of a lithium battery is how many cycles the battery can perform before its charge holding capacity falls to low levels.

I recommend: Visit Electus Distribution for an alternate definition on cycle life. While there, check out some other battery key terms.

Positive terminal

The positive terminal of a lithium battery is the terminal through which electrons flow when a battery cell discharges.

I recommend: At New Wisdom Investment Limited, you can find more information on positive terminals and other key terms associated with lithium batteries.

Fast charge

A fast charge for a lithium battery is anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. A fast charge is a quick charge that switches to a trickle charge when the battery is close to being fully charged.

I recommend: At High-Tech Productions, you can read more about fast charges for a lithium battery. They also have a few more terms in their battery term list for you to check out.

Conditioning

When a lithium battery is being conditioned, it means the battery is being charged and then discharged in order to get the most power from the battery.

I recommend: At Garden State Battery, you can find more on battery conditioning. While there, check out their sections on battery charging, battery care and handling and also battery types.

Cycle

The cycle of a lithium battery is when the battery is charged and then discharged. The cycle directly relates to the cycle life of the battery.

I recommend: Head over to BatteryMart.com to read more on cycles. They also have an extensive list of other battery terms.