Comments on: Are Rechargeable Batteries a Frugal Choice?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:54:58 +0000

My charger was about $30 at Wal-Mart, but I have seen them priced at $40 before (which is why I don’t recommend Best Buy for rechargeable batteries). The charger I bought was compatible with the nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are the best for all around use. It charges AA, AAA, C, D, and 9v. Most of the 15 minute chargers I have seen only work with AA and AAA batteries, which doesn’t cover my needs. It takes a few hours, but the charge lasts a long time.

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:45:23 +0000

Where are you buying a charger that costs $40? I bought a 15-minute charger complete with 4 batteries for <$20.

By: FinanciallySmart

FinanciallySmart — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:05:24 +0000

I don’t use batteries much but we are in the hurricane season and one of the items on the list are batteries. It would be good to have rechargeable ones instead of always purchasing when it comes to this time of the year.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:02:21 +0000

depending on needs, of course.

I think that we will get our mileage out of it with the baby toys. Otherwise, I don’t think we would have purchased one.

By: ChristianPF

ChristianPF — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:59:28 +0000

I will say that the battery charger I own now and the one from 15 years ago are night and day difference. The newer ones are MUCH better, that said, still I think I agree, it probably often isn’t the most cost effective choice…

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:49:05 +0000

What’s frustrating is the $100 cost for Apple laptop rechargeable batteries. It comes a point after the battery holds only a 5 minute charge, that it’s better to just buy a new one.

The good/bad thing is, technology improves drastically every 5 yrs. Too bad for people like me, I just use my stuff for much longer than that i.e. my iBook!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:25:14 +0000

Thanks for the head’s up, Dan. I wasn’t aware of those.

By: Dan X. Nguyen

Dan X. Nguyen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:12:28 +0000

There are also C & D battery adapters where you can use AA batteries in C or D battery operated electronics. So if you have a bunch of AA rechargeable batteries, you don’t have to buy a whole new C or D rechargeable set, just buy the adapters.