While we're on the whole "Li-Ion??? Ni-Mh???? Both?? Or one over the other..." kind of thing here... and since Michael (X-Wing) mentioned the whole size constraints issue--which can be VERY relevant + problematic...
...it may be of some help to remind people that--YES--Li-Ion technology is still evolving, and YES other sized cells ARE out there. It's not even really a "secret", it's just not "widely known", neither. But anyway, 14500s (basically "standard AA size") and 18650s (pretty large!) are NOT the only choices out there in Li-Ion!
Heck... LiFePO4 might actually "overtake" Li-Ion in some years to come. You never know. Difficult to see the future it is... :D
Um... btw--DELMU, it's good to see you again!! Maybe you've been around, but I hadn't seen ya lately... :) Great to see your sig, hahahah it always makes me smile. :D
Oh, and you know what Del... I *HAVE* experienced that little PCB "circuit trip" you mentioned. But yup--"older" is the key word... I only had that issue "back in the day" (2005/2006)--basically meaning the "early" PCBs for Li-Ions. Chances are, you won't have that issue (as much?) in the future. I haven't had the issue with any of the newer cells (2008/2009) that I've bought.
You know what else...? We're also talking about something important:
* You change AA Alkaline "often"... so turnaround into better stuff is always there, generally
* When you use Li-Ion... ... your cells might be useful/good for like THREE OR FOUR YEARS!! So you don't change them (maybe)... and yet, technology is improving
* Li-Ion... although not "new" per se... is still pretty much in its "baby stages"
In fact, when you get down to it... some of the most "major" innovations on Li-Ions... happened in 2004. Have a look, folks--get educated if ya wish! :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery...versus Ni-Mh, which--although it has its uses--is not "as ideal" OVERALL for the crazy usages/application WE are attempting. Bloody saber geeks we are...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-metal_hydride_batterySo there ya go. Go clicky and read... and maybe Erv's "wild suggestions" will make more sense (if you're someone perplexed by the idea of saber makers "aiming more toward" Li-Ion)...