Rechargeable batteries go USB: a new type of rechargeable batteries, which look like standard AA sized ones, provides a new unique advantage by allowing you to recharge these batteries by simply inserting them in one of the USB ports of your computer.

The new USBCELL batteries are characterized by a special form design that allows them to open up their top to releval a perfectly sized USB connector. Thanks to it, each and every battery can be plugged directly into a USB port instantly.

Recharging times, capacity and life-time are on a par with traditional NiCd and NiMH batteries found today on the market. Plus recharging USBCELLs may be decisively better than single use alkaline batteries which are ready for the trash bin after only one use.

Here is more detailed information:

The capacity of the new USBCELL rechargeable batteries is 1300mAH – quite a bit more than typical ordinary NiCd and NiMH batteries (though yes, some new high-capacity NiMH batteries can go up to 2500mAH).

But again the great unique benefit of the new USBCELL batteries is that you can simply recharge or top-up your existing charge by simply plugging your USBCELL batteries into any USB port rather than having to find a wall charger and adaptor.

For those of you wondering whether any type of USB port supports the recharging benefits claimed by these new batteries, you should know that most USB ports are ‘powered’ and capable of providing up to 500mA current at 5 volts of which USBCELL should draw about half. USBCELLs can be also charged in most USB hubs. Such powered USB hubs should always be connected to an external power supply during recharge, even without a connection to a PC. If you do need to use an unpowered hub, the company recommends that only one USBCELL is charged at a time, with no other high-power peripherals connected.

Keep also in mind that some laptops may reduce the power supplied to the USB ports to conserve power and battery life. If this happens and if your computer restricts too much the power sent out via the USB port to the USBCELL batteries, these will not get enough power to get a full charge. In this case the company suggest charging your USBCELLS batteries with the laptop power plugged or changing the laptop power management settings as many laptops disconnect power to their USB ports when they are in sleep mode, or when they have their lid closed.

USBCELLs can also be charged in any good quality overnight or quick (5-7 hour) battery chargers designed for Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. The recommended charge is 250mA for 7 hours. What the company recommends is not to use fast chargers which claim to take less than 1 to 2 hours. A full USBCELL charge may take up to 5 hours.

USBCELL is a product of Moixa Energy Ltd. in the UK. Moixa Energy mission is "to invent and deliver technologies that provide consumers with better solutions for their mobile or home power requirements that are more usable, economic and environmentally friendly."

More info:

Future upcoming rechargeable battery products from Moixa Energy (these upcomign products AAA batteries, 9V and mobile phone batteries.

Fore now USBCELLS are available for purchase only in the UK, but very soon they will be distributed to most any country worldwide. The cost of a 2-call pack is presently of just about $ 25 (£ 12.99).

Find more pricing and purchasing info on the offical site.

Note: USBCELL is a Ni-MH chemistry battery that can and should be recycled.

Warning: Because of the AA size of USBCELL, it may be difficult to insert into some inaccessible or recessed USB ports. So look first and in case your port may be an issue use a USB port extender or a mini-USB-hub.