Unless you are using them on a daily basis, I suggest replacing all the alkaline AAA or AA batteries in your retro computers (i.e. say a TRS-80 Model 100) with a Lithium (non-rechargeable) battery. For example, Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA Series.
Why:
- Much lower leak risk. Lithium almost never leak.
- Long shelf life. Claims up to 20-25 years.
- They tend to maintain usable voltage longer, so you get more “it just works” time and fewer surprise “why is the LCD faint?” moments.
- Lower self-discharge than NiMH rechargeables. NiMH rechargebles are preferable to alkaline due to the also lower leak risk. But the self-discharge is the highest.
Of course removing the batteries when not in use is still preferred.
