( 16 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 26 2009
I purchased this compact Energizer AA/AAA charger about 4 years ago to replace my unwieldy Energizer universal charger, which worked with AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V. (Turns out I only use AA and AAA batteries.) This charger is compact and has a sleek design, but the technology now lags far behind the competition. In fact, I am surprised to see that the exact same product I bought in 2005 is still available! Charger pros: -Compact -Sleek design Charger cons: -Only charges in pairs -Charges based on time, not battery charge (a.k.a. "dumb" charger) -Does not work internationally (120V rather than 100-240V) -Full charge takes 8.5 hours (must leave in wall overnight) -Only one light to indicate full charge for all 4 batteries -Light goes from green to off, not from red to green (confusing) Battery pros: -AA 2500mAh rating lasts a long time during a single use (e.g., a full day of photography) -Included batteries have lasted 4 years without excessive memory loss Battery cons: -AA 2500mAh rating cannot be paired with AA 2450mAh, which is the rating for Energizer's standalone battery packs -Batteries have high drain when not in use, unlike newer low self-discharge designs If you are going to go with an inexpensive battery charger, consider a 100-240V Duracell, Kodak, or Sanyo charger with better charge time instead. You can purchase these chargers alone or in combination with low self-discharge rechargeable batteries, which are better than those included here. A value pack from Sanyo, for example, costs less than this Energizer pack and includes a "smart" (charge-based, not time-based) charger! Ultimately, this item is obsolete. Buyer beware.
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Posted: Jun 7 2009
ENERGIZER CHD-CA: I am not sure if it is something that is wrong with the charger, or the batteries, or if it is just normal. But the batteries get super HOT. The light stays on, so I assume it is still charging, but this is probably not the smarter unit that knows how to turn itself off. Still, it serves as a simple backup when others have failed. It is still working after 3 years, unlike my Sanyo NC-MQH01U Super Quick Charger that died on us after 3 years. Oh, and I like how it closes up and makes it compact to pack. Note: This Energizer unit only charges AA batteries, so I will be in the market for a new one that can charge multiple sizes, as well as not overheating.
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Posted: Jun 7 2009
ENERGIZER CHD-CA: I am not sure if it is something that is wrong with the charger, or the batteries, or if it is just normal. But the batteries get super HOT. The light stays on, so I assume it is still charging, but this is probably not the smarter unit that knows how to turn itself off. Still, it serves as a simple backup when others have failed. It is still working after 3 years, unlike my Sanyo NC-MQH01U Super Quick Charger that died on us after 3 years. Oh, and I like how it closes up and makes it compact to pack. Update: I found a secret flip-out that allows me to charge AAA batteries. So, I would like to change the star-rating to a 4.5. Not a 5, because it does overheat if left in the outlet for too long.
