I have been using my Absolute DRO on a tailstock for close to a year without changing the batteries, they seem to last a long time and they are pretty standard and inexpensive. The Absolute DRO series has an auto shutoff, so they turn off after about 5 minutes as Terry mentioned. The cable noise problems, I believe where with the previous model, no issues with the Absolute and that is with a VFD nearby. At the price, I think they work great, only reservation is the refresh screen rate is a bit slow, might be an issue if you are moving quickly. I also have the Igaging Absolute Caliper, very reliable, and nicely made. Much better and more reliable than my more expensive Fowler. I really like the absolute reading, even when powered down.