I bought a bullet vibrator (http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=18699) a few weeks ago, and while it does an excellent job, it really seems to eat the batteries up. It takes three LR44 batteries, and I put fresh ones in today but they ran out within about fifteen minutes (at a *very* frustrating moment). Put some new ones in, had the same problem. They were duracell, so I'd have thought they'd have lasted a decent while, but apparently not.
So are there any longer lasting batteries out there, or should I start buying in bulk? 
Those batteries are designed for watches and what not, not for vibrating so you will get less life out of them.
However, my cells last much longer than fiften minutes so I would suggest looking for a different brand. The ones I have are of the famous auction site and I just got cheap ones, I guess it is the luck of the draw.
Good luck.
You can get a battery tester fairly cheaply, which lets you test your batteries before you put them in to make sure you didn't get duds. I was much happier when I started investing in rechargeable vibrators though. They pay for themselves pretty quickly.
The capacity of an LR44 is 150mAh which is only 1/10 of the capacity of an alkaline AA battery. Even so, a battery life of only 15minutes suggests a current of over half an amp which sounds rather high for a small vibrator motor.
BTW regarding the rechargeables, the capacity of an alkaline AA ranges from about 1800mAh to 2700mAh and that of a NiMH rechargeable from about 1700mAh to 2800mAh so there should not be a massive difference in duration (although the bigger capacity NiMH may be very slightly bigger in diameter and length than the alkaline cells which can be an issue with battery cases).
Gyrator53 wrote:
The capacity of an LR44 is 150mAh which is only 1/10 of the capacity of an alkaline AA battery. Even so, a battery life of only 15minutes suggests a current of over half an amp which sounds rather high for a small vibrator motor.
BTW regarding the rechargeables, the capacity of an alkaline AA ranges from about 1800mAh to 2700mAh and that of a NiMH rechargeable from about 1700mAh to 2800mAh so there should not be a massive difference in duration (although the bigger capacity NiMH may be very slightly bigger in diameter and length than the alkaline cells which can be an issue with battery cases).
I'm intrigued as to how you know so much about batteries - you're definitely our resident expert!
Rechargable batteries are slighlty bigger, they can get stuck in vibrators. I have had this happen before which is why I don't use rechargable batteries.
Avrielle_Aniko wrote:
Rechargables generally don't last long in my experience, but handy that they can be recharged. A battery tester is a good idea though. I have one and is handy to have.
I think she meant trully rechargeable vibes like Lelo, Zini etc.
Lovehoney - Alice wrote:
Gyrator53 wrote:
The capacity of an LR44 is 150mAh which is only 1/10 of the capacity of an alkaline AA battery. Even so, a battery life of only 15minutes suggests a current of over half an amp which sounds rather high for a small vibrator motor.
BTW regarding the rechargeables, the capacity of an alkaline AA ranges from about 1800mAh to 2700mAh and that of a NiMH rechargeable from about 1700mAh to 2800mAh so there should not be a massive difference in duration (although the bigger capacity NiMH may be very slightly bigger in diameter and length than the alkaline cells which can be an issue with battery cases).
I'm intrigued as to how you know so much about batteries - you're definitely our resident expert!
I'm just a rather sad old geek, I'm afraid, who collects information of dubious value in normal life. A sort of train-spotting for lateral thinkers. 8-)=
Avrielle_Aniko wrote:
No, I did mean the batteries in response to silverdrops post above mine. Rechargable batteries have also been known to get stuck in some toys battery compartments, but have never had this happen to me. I've never had a rechargable sex toy, but I am tempted with the Lelo Mia, despite not being greatly fond of bullets!
Yep. but Silver was talking about rechargeable vibrators, like Lelo, Zini, etc, she has several. Rechargeable batteries can be a problem, for sure. Although some toys seem to be working just fine with them. Like the basic Lady Lustfinger.
But I guess I am confusing, and confused, had long week at work, doing mainly the hardest manual labour there was.
Yes, I was talking about my rechargeable vibrators: Lelo Mia, Lelo Lily, and JeJoue G-Ki. I think it's good to start out with the cheap and cheerful type of vibrator, until you know what sort of thing really works for you. But once you've got a little experience with sex toys, it's great to spend a little extra to get a luxury vibrator. It may seem indulgent, but how much do you spend on a night out at the pub or a new outfit? A luxury vibrator will still be giving you pleasure long after that new outfit is tired and boring.
The main downside to rechargeables (either rechargeable batteries or rechargeable vibrators) is that you get no warning before they need recharging. It goes from buzz to pfft, and if you're mid session, it can be a real mood-killer! It's always good to have a standard battery operated backup vibe nearby for those emergencies. My Lovehoney Erotic Rocket 2.0 is always on standby, just in case, even though it doesn't get the full time workout it used to get before Mia. 
Lelo vibes do have warning system, but I was having long session with my partner on skype and the Siri ran flat on me after hour, but I think the previous charge was still in London 3 weeks ago. I did not notice this time lol Mia was also out of power and her warning is far shorter than the Siri, Mia goes red 2-3min before it runs out of power, Siri goes some time before that and I can have 1 or 2 sesssions with it still: Tango, been lazy with recharging lately, but it does not seem to have warning, as far as I noticed.. I think its only Gigi which is still charged 
. So it was the Pin Ups bullet which saved me. So it is good to have battery powered vibe on standby in case...
The Mia is good, as you can choose the strenght of vibrations from very mild (almost not noticable) to powerful, so it is even for those who dont like bullets because of their strenght
Oh I see. I think the Mia is more a buzz, but I never tried the one you mentioned so cannot compare. But as a bullet it is worth the money, if we consider the cost of the N and cell batteries. And you avoid the risky rechargeables.
I found out yesterday its all about the mind for me. The more I get into it, the better. And then even a toy which normally does not work for me that well compared to others gets me there sooo easily. But my partner found my secret fantasy so next time I see him I am in trouble!
Hello, interesting thread. I've got several rechargeable toys - the best for holding charge are the Xtassie (no longer sold at Lh) I have found. My Sasi comes in a close 2nd and the Lelo Lily is impressive too - and I like how it warns me when it's 'dying' on me. I didn't have much joy with the Mia tho and decided to return and replace with the Muzui Buzzlet which needs 2hrs charging, which is fine but not when it only lasts 15mins!!! Am gutted coz I was looking forward to using it in the bath (and taking it out and about) but am mega disappointed with the lack of go :( Out of interest has any1 else got 1? How long does it 'buzz' for? Am sure 15mins can't be right (I thought 40mins from the Mia was bad enough!!!!).
I find rechargeable batteries last a while, tho I am always careful about keeping them charged up and ready to go.
A somewhat mift (about the Buzzlet) D69x :-s
Laveila wrote:
Lelo vibes do have warning system, but I was having long session with my partner on skype and the Siri ran flat on me after hour, but I think the previous charge was still in London 3 weeks ago. I did not notice this time lol Mia was also out of power and her warning is far shorter than the Siri, Mia goes red 2-3min before it runs out of power, Siri goes some time before that and I can have 1 or 2 sesssions with it still: Tango, been lazy with recharging lately, but it does not seem to have warning, as far as I noticed.. I think its only Gigi which is still charged . So it was the Pin Ups bullet which saved me. So it is good to have battery powered vibe on standby in case...
The Mia is good, as you can choose the strenght of vibrations from very mild (almost not noticable) to powerful, so it is even for those who dont like bullets because of their strenght
Oh, I never noticed the warning lights because I usually have the toy under the covers, or if I'm not, am not really looking in that direction. I always have the lights on when I play too, so that makes any light less likely to show up. lol... I'll have to pay more attention.
Mia I have to recharge after every session. Lily lasts for ages - hasn't run out on me yet. G-Ki lasted for me exactly an hour on its highest setting - the only one I actually timed.
Shame about the Buzzlet. I haven't used it, so can't comment.
Divine: it seems your Mia was faulty. it should be lasting far longer than 15 minutes! I get over an hour on one charge for sure on max power
As a webcammer I get through a lot of batteries! I've even had a vube stop working mid-show but I carried on as if it was still buzzing and discreetly switched it for another.
I've tried to save money by using cheap batteries but it's a false economy. I now buy the Energizer Lithium in bulk whenever they're on offer anywhere. I wonder what Tesco think when I have a basketful of batteries...
You all know I meant "vibe", right?
Laveila - the muizu buzzlet only lasts 15mins not mia - that 1 lasted 40mins on a charge which makes it seem much better than the buzzlet!!! Am giving up on rechargeables for abit I think, just stick with using rechargeable batteries instead. For now at least. :-(
D69x
Hm, I was wondering about what the usual "run" time is for the Lelo Mia? I know I read this comment-
Laveila wrote:
Divine: it seems your Mia was faulty. it should be lasting far longer than 15 minutes! I get over an hour on one charge for sure on max power
From what I've read for the specifications:-
Up to 4 hours use between charges
Charge time 2 hours
Stand by time up to 90 days
I think I only get 30-45 minutes max out of mine... I'll try and see how long it lasts again on a full charge but I know it doesn't last as long as specified above. Also, is there a light change or something that indicates it has been fully charged?
Nymeria wrote:
Hm, I was wondering about what the usual "run" time is for the Lelo Mia? I know I read this comment-
Laveila wrote:
Divine: it seems your Mia was faulty. it should be lasting far longer than 15 minutes! I get over an hour on one charge for sure on max power
From what I've read for the specifications:-
Up to 4 hours use between charges
Charge time 2 hours
Stand by time up to 90 days
I think I only get 30-45 minutes max out of mine... I'll try and see how long it lasts again on a full charge but I know it doesn't last as long as specified above.
I think that LH did not change the description. Lelo says 1h on charge and up to 1.5h on a single charge. I think I am getting between 1hour and 1.5h on mine. But I never measured it. Generally lasts me few longer uses, between 3 to 4, and I am guessing I am on average using it for about 20 minutes. Sometimes even longer.