Everything does not need a rechargeable battery

 I'm becoming more and more annoyed by the way that rechargeable batteries are being included in everything.

Rechargeable batteries are not the ideal solution when:

a) the device is used infrequently, largely unpredictable intervals.  It may be a year or two down the road that you need that tire inflator with a rechargeable battery.  And when was the last time you recharged it?  If you have rechargeable batteries, you'd better have a calendar marked with recharging intervals so you don't forget.  Furthermore, without regular use (not to mention charging) rechargeable batteries will go bad long before they would otherwise.  Rechargeable batteries are like a pet, they need a custodian, it's an awesome responsibility.

b) you have something that you'd like to leave on the whole time, or have it come on when external power is provided.  Nowadays, with rechargeable batteries, you often can't even operate the device when it is connected to external power.  You have to wait to charge up the batteries first, then disconnect power, then you can use the device.  And go through that same ritual next time the batteries need charging.  In this case, it would be better if the device in question had a "time-out" feature, to time out after 3 or 6 hours or so, in case you left it turned on, you wouldn't want the frequent rude experience of learning you can't get started again the very next day without recharging again.

For things used infrequently, disposable batteries are the better solution, they can last for a decade (best stored outside of any device with trickle usage) or more.  So you just keep the batteries there next to the device, ready whenever you need it again (and not discharged again, dammit).

For things you'd just as soon keep running all day or a good part of it, they should be designed to run on widely available power (USB 5V, AC 120V) and only have optional batteries.