Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries and chargers.
Two weeks ago, while helping Li Xiang find eneloop batteries for her office, I was surprised to find none at any major electronics store in Funan or VivoCity. I wondered whether eneloop had left the Singapore market or sold out.
On 12th December 2012, eneloop announced two new limited-edition 'eneloop tones' rechargeable battery packs: eneloop uomo for men in purple, grey, black, and white, and eneloop rouge for women in pink. Each glittering pack holds eight AA batteries.
On 1st November 2012, Sanyo announced new and improved eneloop Rechargeable Batteries, model HR-3UTGB, replacing the older HR-3UTGA. They boast a 20% longer lifespan, around 1,800 recharge cycles, and improved storage, retaining 70% of their capacity even after five years.
Few realise, myself included, that Panasonic acquired Sanyo about three years ago. On 21st December 2009, Panasonic completed a ¥400 billion, US$4.5 billion, purchase of a 50.2% stake in Sanyo, making it a subsidiary, then bought the remaining shares.
The Sanyo Eneloop Black Charger Set BC-MQR06 is the latest eneloop product. Each set pairs four AA eneloop XX rechargeable batteries with a Black Charger in a sleek black-and-silver design. It retails for S$65.90 at Best Denki, Meidi-Ya, Selffix D.I.Y.
Alongside the Sanyo Eneloop Glitter batteries, they sent me the Sanyo Eneloop Quick Charger NC-MQR06W. The package includes four AA batteries and retails for S$55.90. The batteries are Made in Japan and the charger in China.
I'd long wanted the Sanyo Eneloop Glitter AA batteries because they look so good. As a big Eneloop fan, with a dedicated section on my blog, the PR agency kindly sent some over to feature. Each AA cell holds 1,900mAh.
I got the Sanyo Eneloop Standard Charger NC-MQN09 from Challenger at Funan for S$29.90, or S$26.91 with member's price. I weighed it against the cheaper Basic Charger at S$22.90, but the extra S$7 buys US-plug compatibility and a microprocessor.
The Sanyo Eneloop Stick Booster KBC-D1BS was announced in Japan in August 2010 but never came to Singapore. My mom's business friend brought one back for 2,980 yen, about S$46.30. I love its design, and it outputs 5.0V.
The Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2B upgrades the earlier KBC-L2A, though the model number, merely bumping A to B, is confusing. Sanyo really should pick clearer names so buyers can tell new from old. Design-wise the two are basically identical.
Got the Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2S after my old KBC-E1S, running on just two AA batteries, couldn't give my iPhone enough juice. The KBC-L2S lists at S$69.90, but I picked it up for S$57 on eBay.
Bought the Sanyo Eneloop KBC-E1S for S$34.90 at member price from Challenger, for extra iPhone juice on trips. I weighed it against the KBC-L3S; the E1S uses two AA batteries while the L3S has a built-in lithium-ion cell.
My mom just bought a new Samsung RT58EAMT refrigerator for the house, costing about S$915. Its 580-litre gross capacity dwarfs our previous Sanyo SR-37ZB. Still, no single fridge is ever big enough for all of my mom's baking supplies.