Well, the Radio Shack prices don't surprise me at all. : Having worked there for 3+ years, I guess. They have always tacked on an extra "middle man" price to compensate for other costs.
LOL. Actually, that's part of their job. They are required to be with the customer until they are done shopping. Some stores relax this policy and just ask if you need help finding what you need. Been there, done that; I just wasn't as creepy as that guy must've been. I knew to respect people's personal space. I just checked on them every so often to make sure they weren't discouraged or confused.
I was just expressing surprise at how a small battery could cost so much, and also why anyone would buy one for an old Mac (presumably someone does? I don't know - do these batteries have any other common uses?).
The 128/512K/Plus battery was also used in some high end SLR cameras in the 1980s. The original battery design is now banned in the EU (environmental concerns) and the format was unavailable for several years. Thanks to the camera enthusiasts, a redesigned version is now available. I've not seen it anywhere in the UK but it is available online from Germany and Holland.
The 1/2 AA battery is pretty common. I've seen it used in lab equipment and in magnetic card readers.
How common are the Plus batteries in the states? Anyone ever gotten one at Batteries Plus and if so, what is the price?
I like my Radio Shack. I've got a friend from high school who works there and he knows me well so he doesn't breathe down my back like some of the guys you speak of. Very knowledgable too (especially about computers and video) unlike some of the guys at other Radio Shacks I've visited.