$ 45 is outragous for the battery pack when you can get 4 of the AA cells
and a charger for under $ 20.

That is one reason why I picked one digital camera over another brand.
It used AA cells instead of a more expensive battery pack.

Definitely a valid consideration. There's a lot to be said for
sticking with commodity power solutions, especially if you're into
emergency communications. Being able to refill your radio's power
pack with AA's from the local drugstore can be a big advantage under
adverse circumstances

On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries have a significant advantage
in terms of storage capacity per size and storage capacity per weight,
compared with NiCd cells and batteries. I believe they also win out
over NiMH - the margin is less but is still significant.

I have an Icom T2H which I won in a raffle. I also have a Yaesu VX-5,
with its pricey Li-ion battery. The T2H's battery holder, when
stocked with generic NiNH batteries, weights just about as much as the
whole VX-5 including power pack.

--
Dave Platt AE6EO
Hosting the Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior
I do _not_ wish to receive unsolicited commercial email, and I will
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