Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)[Updated Dec 21, 2008]
I was only half-right when I boldly proclaimed that "Duracell Pre Charged is rebranded Sanyo eneloop" in my original review. It turns out that the first batch of Duracell AA and AAA cells I bought from Amazon are made in Japan, and those are identical to eneloop (both mechanically and electrically). But those Duracell AA and AAA cells in this package are made in China, and they are identical to the Rayovac Hybrid (see my scan in the Customer Images section).
Note that the Rayovac Hybrid AAA has an average capacity of about 780mAh (compared to about 830mAh for eneloop AAA), so is not as good a value. The Hybrid AA, on the other hand, have slightly higher capacity than the eneloop AA.
[Original review follows]
This package (Duracell Mini Charger & 4 AA & 4 AAA Pre-Charged cells) includes eight of the new Duracell 'Pre Charged' NiMH cells, plus a compact 2-cell 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 is actually SANYO eneloop underneath a different wrapper. Therefore all the good things you heard about eneloop apply to Duracell 'Pre Charged', too.
The 'mini charger' (CEF20) included here is shaped like a computer mouse, and about the same size. It is 'smart' in the sense that it charges 1 to 2 AA/AAA cells independently, and stops charging when each cell is full. The indicator light turns red during charging, and turns green when both cells are done. It will even blink if you insert an alkaline cell. So far so good...
The real problem with this mini charger is that it is too slow. The charging current is only 280mA for AA cell, and 110mA for AAA cell. That means it takes about 8 hours just to fully recharge two 2000mAh AA cells! In comparison, the Sanyo Eneloop 2-cell Charger (MDR02) is even smaller, but its current is twice as high at 550mA, so the required charging time is reduced by half.
This package can still be a good deal, provided that you don't pay too much for the mini charger (in addition to the fair market price for eight pre-charged cells). If you are looking for Duracell Pre-Charged cells with a much better and faster charger, I recommend the Duracell Mobile Charger CEF23DX4N package instead.
Finally, remember that you don't have to stick with the same brand for NiMH charger and batteries. Any 'smart' charger can be used to recharge any NiMH AA/AAA cells.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Duracell 4 AA + 4 AAA Pre Charged Rechargeable Batteries Value Pack with mini Charger
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