This package (CEF14DX4N) includes four new Duracell 'Pre Charged' NiMH AA cells, plus a simple charger. The batteries are similar to the Sanyo eneloop low-self-discharge cells. In fact, based on their identical technical specifications and physical shapes of (+) and (-) terminals, I am convinced that the Duracell Pre Charged AA is actually SANYO eneloop AA underneath a different wrapper. Therefore all the good things you heard about eneloop apply to Duracell 'Pre Charged', too.
The 'value charger' (CEF14) included here, however, is not a good value because:
1. It is a timer-based dumb charger, meaning that it doesn't detect when cells are full charged. It simply charges at 360mA for 6 hours and turns off. You have to wait until your cells are fully exhausted before recharging, otherwise they will be over-charged. With a 'smart' charger, you may choose to top-off your rechargeable cells any time.
2. It can only charge either 2 or 4 AA cells in pairs. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number of cells.
3. It can only charge two AAA cells, and you cannot charge any more AA cells at the same time.
My advice is to get the CEF23DX4N package for just a few dollars more (*). It comes with four Duracell Pre Charged cells (2xAA + 2xAAA), but the included charger (CEF23) is far superior in every aspect. It even operates from your vehicle battery, and doubles as an USB charger, too.
[Update on Dec 24, 2008]
I was only half-right when I boldly proclaimed that "Duracell Pre Charged AA are rebranded Sanyo eneloop cells" in my original review. It turns out that the first batch of Duracell AA cells I bought from Amazon are made in Japan, and those are identical to eneloop (both mechanically and electrically). But lately I bought some more Duracell AA from a warehouse club. Those are made in China, and they are identical to the Rayovac Hybrid.
[Update on Feb 15, 2010]
I have confirmed that the new Duracell 'Value Charger' has several improvements over the old model:
- Works from 100-240V AC (instead of just 120V AC)
- Able to charge 4 AAA at a time (instead of just two)
- Semi-smart charge termination (stops when BOTH cells are fully charged)
The only remaining drawback is thet it charges in pairs only.
(*) [Update on Oct 7, 2010]:
Duracell has discontinued the excellent CEF23 charger (at least in the US) last year. So prices for the remaining inventory have skyrocketed. If you need an inexpensive charger that can handle individual cell, consider the Sanyo eneloop MDR02 2-cell charger. Duracell Value Charger With 4AA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, CEF14DX4
I purchased the CEF14 charger with four batteries and the charger supplied is not the same one pictured, nor is it a "dumb" charger as some have described. It can also charge four aa or aaa batteries and is not limited to two aaa's again as some have described. When I tested it, different batteries charged at different speeds and the charger switched modes to a trickle charge when a set became fully charged.
As for the batteries themselves, they do indeed seem to be comparable to Sanyo Eneloops or Rayovac Hybrids at a slightly lower price.
Not sure how Duracell did it, but they solved the one con with the Ni-mH type batteries. These pre-charged, Ni-mH batteries don't discharge when not being used, so they're perfect for digital devices. This charger with 4 batteries doesn't cost much more than just the 4 batteries alone. Here's what you do: acquire twice as many of these batteries w/ the green label as what your digital camera will take. While you're using one set in your camera keep the other set in this charger. Then, when the set in the camera go dead, just swap them out with the set that's in the charger. You've always got a set of fresh batteries and no waiting for batteries to charge, plus no buying batteries for a long time. This is more expensive initially but saves a lot of $$$ in the long run.
I needed to get rechargeable batteries because the Wii remotes were eating AAs like crazy. This charger is a great deal and it works wonderfully and is exactly what we needed. I was a little dissapointed when I saw how much more AA rechargeable batteries cost then regular batteries. But I guess it's cheaper in the long run.
These batteries and charger were purchased at the recommendation of a friend for our son's gaming system. Once charged, these batteries are fantastic for the gaming set-up. I cannot imagine what it would cost in replacement batteries to keep the boys and their friends playing and am very grateful that these batteries exist. Rechargeable batteries have come a long way in recent years. These batteries are very efficient both in terms of how quickly they charge and how long they hold a charge. While initially more expensive that a traditional cell they quickly pay for themselves in their multiple uses. GREAT PRODUCT!
EDIT: The below review is for an older version of the same model (the one in the photos from NLee the Engineer). The newer version *does* charge 4 AAA or AA batteries at once.
I don't really have any experience with other battery chargers, but this one seems OK to me so far (I've had it for 4 months now). My two cents:
- Yes, it charges 4 AA batteries at once. No, it doesn't charge 4 AAA batteries at once. Only 2 can be charged at a time, and it takes about 6 hours to do it. So, if you have something that takes 4 AAA batteries, be willing to wait at least 12 hours before a recharge.
- The light that indicates whether the battery has been charged is sometimes green after putting fully depleted batteries in there.
Other than the above two points, it's a decent charger.
I bought this recharger because I use wireless headphones for my TV. The headphones recharge their own batteries if I place them in their recharging cradle, but this requires me to get up out of a warm bed just when I'm done watching TV and ready to drift off to sleep and as a result I usually just place them on the night table. Eventually, the batteries die; this was a perfect solution: When my headphone batteries are depleted, I just swap them out with a freshly recharged set.
The charger is compact and light and can be left in the wall outlet (no wires to bother with). It recharges AA as well as the AAA required by my headphones. It even comes with a set of double AA batteries. Inexpensive as well. I highly recommend this recharger.'
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