Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)In Amazon's labyrinth of Duracell products, at least half a dozen versions of this Duracell "mini" charger exist. Unfortunately, the descriptions do not provide sufficient detail to tell if there are any differences. This review applies to the CEF20 charger that comes with 2 AA 2400mAh rechargeable batteries that have not been pre-charged. These value packs can be found easily in stores, which is where I picked mine up.
Charger pros:
-Works internationally (100-240V)
-Charge light turns from red to green when complete
Charge cons:
-Despite its name, bulky design only holds 2 batteries in nearly the same space other chargers hold 4
-Flip lid seems unnecessary and is prone to scratching
-Full charge takes about 8 hours (must leave in wall overnight)
Battery pro:
-AA 2400mAh rating lasts a long time during a single use (e.g., a full day of photography)
Battery con:
-Batteries have high drain when not in use, unlike newer low self-discharge designs
Note: Since purchasing this value pack in April 2009, I now see a newer version on the shelf that contains pre-charged batteries. I have bought the pre-charged Duracell batteries separately and have been very satisfied with them.
If you are going to use an inexpensive battery charger, this is a better choice than Energizer simply because it can be used internationally and automatically shuts off when the batteries are fully charged. However, if you have the flexibility, I recommend a 4-position Duracell, Kodak, or Sanyo charger with better charge time instead. A value pack from Sanyo, for example, costs a bit more than this Duracell pack but includes a faster charger with 4 positions plus 4 (not 2) AA batteries!
I would have purchased a better charger online rather than pick this up at my local drugstore had I had more time prior to an international trip. This set me back only about 12 bucks, but I would rather have used the money to replace rather than supplement my old Energizer charger. However, this charger/battery value pack may be a good deal for some people.
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Duracell NIMH Rechargeable Mini Charger with 2AA CEF20NC Charges 2 AA/AAA Cells
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