POWEREX MH-C800S Eight Cell AA/AAA Smart Charger

Pros: So easy to use, pretty much anyone can figure it out. Does a good job of charging. Includes "pulse" charging, which improves the ability to fully charge batteries while still charging at a fast rate. Can charge up to 8 cells simultaneously.

Cons: Feedback is EXTREMELY limited. You basically have LCD pictures of the (up to) eight cells that show if they are roughly 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or fully charged. That's it. No indication of how much charge any cell has taken, no indication of the current, no nothing.

Overall Review: I got this to accompany my LaCrosse BC-900 charger, which is kind of a gold standard among chargers. That one can charge 4 batteries at once. It was the first reasonably priced charger to do a good job of charging at a user-selected rate (from 200mA to 1A), to allow a refresh cycle (discharge and recharge fully), and to provide feedback of how much charge the cells took. After several years, my LaCrosse charger is still going strong. But there are times I'd like to charge more than 4 batteries at once, and I liked the fact that this charger has the "pulse" charging mode, which helps in getting a full charge even at high amperage charge rates. I'd say after numerous tests that this charger DOES do a good job charging (it is able to push a LITTLE more current into batteries the LaCrosse thinks are fully charged after a rapid charge, but just a little). But the feedback/ergonomics are SO dumbed down as to be annoying. More info on the LCD screen would definitely improve things.

Pros: Being tired of all the cheap charged I'd finally got a good (and expensive) one. It proved to be really good. All the features worked as advertised. I recycled all the old NiMH's. The per-battery charging is great, indicators are very helpful.

Cons: It will not restore a completely dead battery (one that has a charge less than half a volt).

Overall Review: A blank indicator may show that a battery has not started charging or it is dead which is somewhat confusing. It can only charge/slowcharge/recycle all 8 channels at the time, I'e you can not have batteries charging in some slots, while it is recycling or fast-charging the others.

Pros: Can charge cells individually. Charges quickly. Provides progress indicator for each cell.

Cons: Need manual to figure out how to do slow and conditioning charging. Non-intuitive.

Overall Review: Coupled this with 2700mah AA cells for use in high power flash with outstanding results. As long as this gives a good life, I would recommend very highly.

Pros: Charged up batteries fast till it failed before reaching 10 cycles.

Cons: Unless you have a lot of batteries you wont notice it failing before the 30days return time. The manufacturer is unreachable for warranty via email and i could not find their phone number.

Pros: When it worked, it charged the batteries well.

Cons: The screen is dim and hard to read.

Overall Review: I used this sparingly (charged approx 2 AAs each month) for 11 months. During this time the charger worked well. However, after about 11 months I plugged a battery in and it wouldn't recognize it. I disconnected the power, let is sit for a while, and then plugged the charger power back in without any batteries installed and was disappointed to see "done" flashing for each battery location (despite no batteries being installed). I called Powerex's tech support and the guy told me that the charger needs to be replaced. Luckily, it has a 3 year warranty so I just had to pay for return shipping...but I'm hoping this isn't a sign of how unreliable the charger will be.

Pros: Liked it while it worked. Could charge anywhere from 1 to 8 batteries.

Cons: Only lasted about 6 months before it died.

Pros: Charges 8 individual AA/AAA in any mix Reconditions batteries Slow/Fast charge mode LCD display for charge level Relatively compact

Cons: Slow/Fast/Recondition mode applies to all, not individually Extremely poor LCD display, no back light Not the 12V DC input jack for use in car Charge slots recessed too deep Can be difficult in extracting AAA

Overall Review: Instead of the nano-scopic wording for "DONE" would have been better off with solid full charge symbol. Wish the input power jack is the 2.1mm DC jack so that I can use it in my car. Despite the shortcomings, $39 is a great bargain for me to get a total of 3.

Pros: THe best charger out there. This thing is awesome. Even old NiMHs have a new lease on life. Love this thing!

Cons: None

Overall Review: Even old NiMH batteries are reconditioned with this model. If you want to save money then this is for you.