I get Hanes hipster boyshort panties from Target. The leg openings are cut up toward the outer thigh so the opening is wider and not tight around the leg/thigh that way. I think Hanes is well built and comfortable for an inexpensive undergarment.
Batteries I just get the Radio Shack aa and aaa for around the house and they seem to work fine. For my camera, I get the Energizer 8x that are really expensive, but work for at least 6 months where the plan ones might last 30 days if I’m lucky.
I recall that CU article, too, and I think it is correct.
I just bought a package of 48 store-brand alkaline AAs – I use a lot of those – and they seem to be just as good as the expensive ones in every way (lack of leak, shelf life, longevity in powering the device), yet half the price.
Why don’t I use rechargeables?[ul][li]Rechargables cost a lot more per unit to start[]You have to buy an expensive charger[]They have a short shelf life once charged (measured in weeks compared to years)[]They hold only half the capacity of the same size alkaline[]They cannot be recharged forever, but decrease in capacity each charge[*]Unless you keep a record of the charge amount, date and number of times, you are never quite sure what the capacity is when you start using them.[/ul]Since I use them for video shoots, I cannot take a chance that the batteries run down in the middle of something even if I might save a buck or two. Obviously if your needs are different, your decision about rechargables may be different, too.[/li]
Anal-retentive much? 
Do you label and date all your food cans and packages when you put them in the pantry, too?
I know someone who does that, so you aren’t all that unusual.
Don’t get me started on panties. Can they be recharged?
[QUOTE=Musicat]
Don’t get me started on panties. Can they be recharged?
[/QUOTE]
Only a certain number of times…
My understanding in the case of high drain alkaline is something is added to lower the internal resistance, so more instantaneous power is available but less reaction material is present due to the addition of whatever they used to lower the resistance.
I will second the Hanes from Target recommendation and add that the bikini and high cut briefs are also quiet comfortable and non-binding. I like the cotton ones for everyday and the nylon ones for working out or being outdoors in the heat. Neither have any elastic at the legs or tags. Even still, they don’t ride up.
I’m convinced cheap batteries die more quickly, but that’s not a scientifically based conclusion.
This is good… I can do almost as much damage at Tar-zhay Boutique as at Costco. Win-win.
Hanes are also sold now at Dollar General, if you want to resist the temptation of spending a lot more money on other things.
Buzzkill.
Not nearly as big a buzzkill as running out of batteries for your panties.
I have yet to find panties that don’t irritate me. I just go without. I am much happier that way and don’t miss them at all.
Natori is where it’s at, but they’re expensive - about $18 a pair. DKNY has cute boyshorts…but really, I’d invite anyone to touch the amazingness of my Natori underwear. I also have a couple of Honeydew chemises.
I get mine at Nordstrom.
It doesn’t get much better than seeing this thread title right below “Straight Dope Men - What’s Your Idea of a Perfect Date?”.
I’ve had good luck with Hanes as well. Also, Joe Boxer.
Thread title is the best Jeopardy answer ever.
What are two things that Paris Hilton does not use, Alex?
Also, lithium has a really really long shelf life. If you’ve got an emergency flashlight (and it’s not one of the inductive-charging types), use a lithium battery. Shelf life of those things is around ten years.
I got D-cells in my boxers.
Way, way too much talk about batteries, and not nearly enough talk about panties. See post #15 for proper discussion ideas.
Okay. Back from Costco.
Got enough shrimp salad and broccoli salad for a family of six (did I mention I live alone?). Got two loaves of beautiful artisan bread, berry-nut-snackie-cube things, box of frozen Greek yogurt pops, a dress, and oh yeah… panties. 
Had loads of fun. By design, I didn’t get a shopping cart. My shopping method is to carry a shopping bag, and when it’s full or I can’t lift it anymore (whichever comes first), I quit. People were buying mattresses like they were going out of style. One guy had a trailer and he was packing it with what looked like about a dozen twin mattresses.
Coulda bought 5 pairs of Natori undies for what I spent.
P.S. I’ll soon be checking out Target and the Dollar Store, too. 
P.P.S. Am I the only person who ever heard of the Ruby LaRue panties?
Ditto, point for point, with Fruit of the Loom.
Almost along the lines of the thread title, I don’t notice any difference in longevity of cheap vs expensive batteries, but I definitely notice a difference in the vibration strength of my vibrator when I use cheap batteries.
As for the panties, is there really a reason you have to wear them if you don’t like them, outside of perhaps seeing the doctor? It sounds like you want boyshort style, or you might like men’s undies, or boxers. My cousin always wears men’s briefs for sports because she says they are more comfortable.