Picking the right battery.

The dreaded words "Batteries not included" could add to your decision dilemmas this holiday season. Choices for disposable batteries include two kinds of alkaline cells as well as lithium models. Opt for rechargeable batteries, and the list includes nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cells and rechargeable alkalines--both of which have supplanted nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries in the consumer market. While cordless drills and other handheld tools are among the gear that still use NiCads, these cells are made in product-specific sizes and are available only from product manufacturers or specialty stores.

We've focused on the most common battery size, AA, which powers everything from cameras to motorized-toy dogs. Even within that size, however, prices for the typical four-pack vary significantly by type.

Is a $12 pack of lithium batteries better than a $2.50 pack of alkalines, or are $12.25 rechargeable NiMH batteries roughly twice as good as $6.50 rechargeable alkalines? Much of the answer depends on what you plan on powering. Here's what we found.

DISPOSABLE BATTERIES

Small quantities can safely be thrown away with other trash. The major types:

Alkaline: high drain at a price. Conventional alkalines sell best by far. Duracell and Energizer now offer high-drain Duracell Ultra and [e.sup.2] versions for motorized toys, flash cameras, and other high-drain devices that draw short but intense bursts of energy.

In past tests, high-drain alkaline cells outlasted conventional alkaline batteries in high-drain devices. But the price of a single high-drain alkaline battery will buy you two conventional alkalines, which, together, last longer than one high-drain cell. With conventional alkalines, you'll also save by buying the lowest-priced brand. Those from Duracell and Energizer cost about 90 cents each, while store brands cost about 60 cents and should do as well in most applications.