Is it really worth it? Meaning for basic household usagae and to simply charge and use batteries is a charger like this worth the money?
2032068
Yes, definitely. The initial cost might be excessive but this device tests, discharges, charges, and refreshes the batteries. It allows maximum usage of rechargeable batteries and you will know when it's time to get new ones. I use rechargeable batteries in tv remotes, cordless mice and keyboards, clocks, and basically anything else that takes AA or AAA batteries. They even work well with flashlights (just buy the batteries that hold a charge for at least a year)!! Other chargers don't charge individually (the charger will shut off when one of the batteries is full while the other battery might be half full or even charge up to 80% thus giving less charge usage). It's really worth the money. Yes, definitely. The initial cost might be excessive but this device tests, discharges, charges, and refreshes the batteries. It allows maximum usage of rechargeable batteries and you will know when it's time to get new ones. I use rechargeable batteries in tv remotes, cordless mice and keyboards, clocks, and basically anything else that takes AA or AAA batteries. They even work well with flashlights (just buy the batteries that hold a charge for at least a year)!! Other chargers don't charge individually (the charger will shut off when one of the batteries is full while the other battery... » Read More Yes, definitely. The initial cost might be excessive but this device tests, discharges, charges, and refreshes the batteries. It allows maximum usage of rechargeable batteries and you will know when it's time to get new ones. I use rechargeable batteries in tv remotes, cordless mice and keyboards, clocks, and basically anything else that takes AA or AAA batteries. They even work well with flashlights (just buy the batteries that hold a charge for at least a year)!! Other chargers don't charge individually (the charger will shut off when one of the batteries is full while the other battery might be half full or even charge up to 80% thus giving less charge usage). It's really worth the money. « Show Less
2032069
If you use a lot of AA and AAA batteries it is better then always buying and throwing away batteries.
2032070
I think so. You can charge single batteries, mix an match. I've got two young sons and plenty of electronic toys so it's always in use. The refresh feature has been good too. I recommend it.
2032071
I can give you my limited experience with chargers. My previous charger destroyed my batteries because I didn't take them out when they were through charging. Maybe my mistake, but who wants to be stuck waiting for the charger to finish? I have used this charger quite a bit lately and love it!! I have AA and AAA batteries in many many devices around the house. I charge Eneloop batteries in this La Crosse and it has functioned perfectly. Yes, I spent a lot of money on batteries and this charger. Has it been worth it to me? YES.
2032072
For me, yes. I use it to charge Eneloop batteries for my DSLR flash. But I've also used it to recondition and refresh other, older NiMh batteries, and it can identify which are no longer worth recharging. Other chargers tell you nothing. It's like the difference between a check engine light and a OBD reader. If you're comfortable with idiot lights, don't bother.
2032073
It is worth it if you have to charge one cell at a time. i.e. Wireless Computer mice battery, etc..
2032074
yes the charger is worth the money!!!. the batteries that i bought with the charger lasts longer than the other rechargeable batteries that i have. so yes i think it's worth the price for the charger
2032075
Most of our batteries are rechargeables, with the exception of the battery backups for our smoke alarms. So for us it is worth it since we have probably a hundred rechargeables in various devices. Since we've had our rechargeables for years, many are reaching the end of their life. This charger allows us to determine which batteries are no longer any good and not worth the time trying to recharge (without realizing we had been trying to charge the same battery over and over). It has also allowed us to recover a few batteries we thought might be bad but just needed to be discharged. If you have less than a couple dozen rechargeable batteries, then you should look at a more basic charger.
2032076
Most of our batteries are rechargeables, with the exception of the battery backups for our smoke alarms. So for us it is worth it since we have probably a hundred rechargeables in various devices. Since we've had our rechargeables for years, many are reaching the end of their life. This charger allows us to determine which batteries are no longer any good and not worth the time trying to recharge (without realizing we had been trying to charge the same battery over and over). It has also allowed us to recover a few batteries we thought might be bad but just needed to be discharged. If you have less than a couple dozen rechargeable batteries, then you should look at a more basic charger. Most of our batteries are rechargeables, with the exception of the battery backups for our smoke alarms. So for us it is worth it since we have probably a hundred rechargeables in various devices. Since we've had our rechargeables for years, many are reaching the end of their life. This charger allows us to determine which batteries are no longer any good and not worth the time trying to recharge (without realizing we had been trying to charge the same battery over and over). It has also allowed us to recover a few batteries we thought might be bad but just needed to be discharged. If you... » Read More Most of our batteries are rechargeables, with the exception of the battery backups for our smoke alarms. So for us it is worth it since we have probably a hundred rechargeables in various devices. Since we've had our rechargeables for years, many are reaching the end of their life. This charger allows us to determine which batteries are no longer any good and not worth the time trying to recharge (without realizing we had been trying to charge the same battery over and over). It has also allowed us to recover a few batteries we thought might be bad but just needed to be discharged. If you have less than a couple dozen rechargeable batteries, then you should look at a more basic charger. « Show Less
1679223
Yes, that is what I purchased it for and it was a *great* investment. Instead of buying batteries every 2-3 days we are re-charging! Worth every penny of the purchase price.
412932
No idea of the scope of your question but ... the charger is top quality for both AA and AAA. It knows the difference between them. Probably the best charger of this type you can buy. And also stick with their batteries; order some extras if you require them, but not too many. Batteries have an "age" to them, same as products in grocery stores. Follow the directions.
989585
I have these in all my devices from flashlights to remote controls. You can get their charger with 4 AA for $16. I never throw away btteries when they are dead, just recharge them. http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-NiMH-Precharged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B007B9NXAC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377828306&sr=8-2&keywords=rechargeable+batteries
420060
Tool Only, Bare Tool. Both mean just the tool. Meant for people that already have batteries and chargers. If you need a battery and charger you're better off dropping the $100 on the combo kit with the drill from Home Depot. What you do is buy the combo kit of the tools you need most. Pick up the two pack of the standard batteries for $99, and now you're set to just buy bare tools as you need them.
1508813
The charger is designed for charging NiMH and NiCd batteries only. For anything else, do it at your own risk.
1552604
The charger is a pretty common charger. You probably have one at home that goes to something else. If you go to a thrift store, they have piles of chargers you can pick from really cheap.
2228083
I think it comes sufficiently charged. I do not recall having to do anything special. I have regular battery charger only, which should work for the battery.
550241
No, it is not. But I found, after reading other comments, that this battery charger 'does' overload if you run it continually--charging four more batteries right after the first four have completed a charge. I had some of the same problems as the others, but after I tested an idea, I found that it's best to give the unit a few hours break after I've charged four batteries. Then you can start the unit again and it will charge perfectly.
2136896
It seems not. It is not that kind of device. One can "charge up the charger only". This is similar to the 'plug into the wall' charger for cell phones or transformer for home telephone answer systems. Once that goes it must be replaced. The good side is that this device is so inexpensive and any kind of replacement battery would cost a lot more. I use this device to power my mini portable speakers to my 3rd generation iPod and charge my simple 'Go Phone'. Lasts an hour or more. Great!
883716
The price is so reasonable, you can't expect a warranty. Just like the dollar stores, they give a lot for so little. I love mine, one did't light up, but so what...the price is right,and I priced a solar battery,which is the problem,but they sell the whole light for 4 bucks at HD and even have dollar store ones. Why buy a battery charger, they cost more than all the lights,so just buy the solar lights when needed. I didn't complain about the solar battery that was sent with my set that didn't work, I feel that's too petty.
506779
Its absolutely perfect for this. I use mine for these things exactly. I dont know how many charges you will get, but it will be many as long as you keep the unit charged.
307492
sThe charger works as it should. It will work on its own or it has a electric hookup.. I leave it hooked up all the time.No batteries come with it. They do not last long..While watching a movie at times that is it for the batteries..I use it just for that as it saves on the regular batteries a bit
1914091
I have a great charger which only costs about $10-15 or so. You can search online for an SLB-10A battery charger. Also, I purchased 2 rechargeable batteries to have as backup.
2139236
Nope !! I've tried that ! Lol. It only charges the battery and the USB whole plug in . If you want that capability you might as well buy a portable charger. I've boughten 2x 12$ from Amazon already. Great stuff.
2262376
It is very hard to answer such a broad based question. Is it worth it? That would depend if you could find something better at the same price or less, and it would depend on whether having some kind of back up was better than not having anything at all. You can find better backup battery packs with higher capacity that charge from plug into a usb outlet or wall, but then you can't charge from a panel. What this kit gives you is versatility. You can charge the pack from a car cigarette outlet or the solar panel. You can remove the batteries and charge more while using the charged batteries in something else. You could even charge your car battery with the panel (although it would take many weeks). You can supply 12V to any cig plug device (within the current output) with just the panel and you can charge a USB device from the pack, without needing the panel. So, in my opinion, yes, it's worth it. It gives you options, which are very important if you're suddenly without any power outlets. And if you get a "bad one" try reseating the batteries and if it doesn't work right return it, that's the beauty of Amazon.
1971551
Have you tried this new generic battery and charger yet? I have read reviews from some people about generic batteries that don't really work or charge well. What do you think? I need to buy several batteries for traveling without electricity for charging.