[Soekris] New model net6501

[RB]

2011/2/1 Lev Serebryakov <lev at serebryakov.spb.ru>:
>> * onboard NiMH batteri charger/controller.
>  After some thoughts, however, I wonder why NiMH?! How it could be
> usable in modern world?!

NiMH is very usable, and certainly more current than lead-acid.
Although not used in high-capacity cells (mostly due to patent
issues), it works very well in small applications - it's trivial and
cheap to get set up with 4xAA NiMH cells @ 2200MaH each and be able to
run for long periods with no heavy battery.  LiPo is definitely more
interesting, but can be somewhat finicky with its specialized charge
curves.

An added bonus to the NiMH chemistry is simplicity of management.
They're better off staying fully-charged than doing any discharge
cycles like some chemistries want (don't recall LiPo's requirements
off the top of my head).

For on-the-cheap battery backup, NiMH is definitely more attractive
than LiPo.  At least in my understanding.