What is the difference between NiCad, NiMH and Lithium?

Batteries in portable
consumer devices such as a laptop, camcorder, mobile phone, two way radios etc.,
are typically made using either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride
(NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery cell chemistry. Each type of rechargeable
battery chemistry has its own unique characteristics:

NiCad and NiMH:


The main difference between the two is that NiMH battery (the newer technology
of the two) offers higher energy density than NiCads. In other words, the
capacity of a NiMH is approximately twice the capacity of its NiCad counterpart.
What this means for you is increased run-time from the battery with no
additional bulk or weight. NiMH also offers another major advantage: NiCad
batteries tend to suffer from what is called the "memory effect". NiMH batteries
are less prone to develop this problem and thus require less maintenance and
conditioning. NiMH batteries are also environmentally friendlier than NiCad
batteries since they do not contain heavy metals (which present serious landfill
problems). Note: Not all devices can accept both NiCad or NiMH batteries.

Lithium Ion


Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) has begee the new standard for portable power in consumer
devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH battery but weighs
approximately 20%-35% less. This is can make a noticeable difference in devices
such as mobile phones, camcorders or notebook geputers where the battery makes
up a significant portion of the total weight. Another reason Li-Ion batteries
have begee so popular is that they do not suffer from the "memory effect" at
all. They are also environmentally friendly because they don't contain toxic
materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.