Data Hacking

42 Part I — Hardware Hacks
FIGURE 3-1: AA alkaline batteries
Use poorer quality alkaline batteries and you will see a drop of a few hours in these times. If
you try using cheaper zinc-carbon batteries, you will see a huge decline in battery lifespan. A
set of AAs might last only a few hours.
In high-drain devices (which a GPS receiver most certainly is) cheap zinc-carbon batteries are a
false economy and offer very poor performance.
Compared to other types of batteries, alkaline batteries have greater availability, are reasonably
priced, and have a consistent lifespan (when using good brands). They often have a warranty
against leakage and damage, and are packaged with expiration dates (again, when using good
brands). However, they are costly, have a short lifespan, and are wasteful (not to mention environmentally
unsound).
Lithium Batteries
If you are willing to spend more and get a set of lithium AA batteries (not to be confused with
rechargeable ones), as shown in Figure 3-2, you will see a huge increase in battery life (two or
four times what you get from alkaline AA batteries). However, these batteries can cost two to
four times as much as good quality alkaline batteries.