I still use them for resistors and small electronic parts. That's what they were originally for........
Yes...the hard to find stuff. Where else can you buy those types of items? On the cordless phone batteries, I know they probably get a 400% or better mark up, but what choice is there? I needed an AC power inverter while on the road one time....stopped at Radio Shack and it was $149. No thanks. I then got an idea and stopped at a boating supply type store, and bought a higher wattage inverter for $64. Like many here, I can't believe it has taken this long for problems to surface.