Re: Hand Held VHF - batteries
"What features are important? Would lithium battery operated units be advantageous to Nickel Metal Hydride. (I won't consider a NiCad due to the inability to top off the battery) "
IMHO biggest reason for Li-ion over NiMh is storage time. NiMh batteries will lose their charge when just sitting there, not in use. Li-ions don't lose anywhere near as much. Important thing to know if your use is infrequent (or as safety gear) and back-up batts are "lost" or of the same type (NiMh). Of course you pay probably 2x the $$ for Li-ion and I think (not sure) that all Li-ion batts are specialized form factors. That's to say you can't have Li with normal AA alkalines for back-ups. The latter won't mechanically fit.
If you're going to use it a lot (or want a really small radio) then Li-ion is the way to go. If your use is infrequent (or if the unit has an optional 12v/cigarette power cord) then I see no reason to pay the extra $$, go with alkalines.
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