Battery X-tender: Recharging for Alkalines
by Dominic Muren, Philadelphia, USA on 04.29.05
Alright, we know there are still some of you dragging your feet about the rechargeable battery thing. Come on, you know they reduce a huge chemical waste burden (even without mercury, the concentrated alkali compounds in standard batteries are a great way to poison streams and soil). But the cost, you say, NiMH batteries are just so expensive! Well, worry no more. The Battery X-Tender charging system finally allows you to re-charge your standard Duracell, Rayovac, and Energizer alkaline cells. Special voltage and current controlling circuitry eliminates the dangers you may have been warned about in years past. So just make the switch -- your digital camera (and wallet) will thank you.
:: Battery X-Tender [by DM]
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I purchased something like this years ago from Real Goods. Doesn't look like they sell it anymore, but it does seem to work well enough. One thing to take into consideration is that even with chargers like this, alkaline batteries can only be recharged 1-30 times or so, depending on how the battery is used (I usually average about 3-4) -- high-drain devices like electronics produce batteries that recharge better, flashlight batteries don't recharge at all. You also do occasionally get one that sputters and leaks, which is why there's a lid on the charger.
So in my life, I tend to use the old NiCads that I purchased over a decade ago, some NiMH ones that I purchased a few years ago, and keep a pile of alkalines around that were given to me dead by friends and coworkers.
They work great. I've had one for years. Different brand:
http://www.saitek.com/chess/uk/intell_batt.htm
Battle tested!