Don't forget the importance of a good charger. That seems to be the important, and expensive, part.
Good point. Probably my use of the highly regarded LaCrosse BC-900 charger has more than a little to do with how well my eneloops have performed.
I've got the same charger. I love the enerloops too, but it is fun for "geeks like us" to have a cool charger too.
Richard
^
I'm using the Sanyo rechargeables with the Maha charger below.
MAHA MH-C801D AA - AAA BATTERY CHARGER
DELUXE 8 CELL PROFESSIONAL BATTERY CHARGER W/ FULL LCD DISPLAY
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/shop/maha-mhc801d-aa-aaa-battery-chargerbrdeluxe-8-cell-professional-battery-charger-w-full-lcd-displaybrbrfree-accessory-bag-2-free-eight-cell-battery-holdersbrspecial-price-6897-p-437.html?SP_id=&osCsid=c5u4raer5dscg60lksb51re4r0Eight Independent Charging Circuits
Charges any combination of 1 to 8 rechargeable batteries. Mix and charge AA / AAA rechargeable batteries all at the same time
The MHC801D will also charge the new Low Discharge rechargeable batteries from all manufacturers with absolute precision and safety.
Normal Charge time of about 1 hr regardless of the number of AA or AAA batteries with the Maha MH-C801D charger.
Soft charge mode recharges in about 2hrs regardless of the number of AA or AAA batteries.
LCD Display
Displays charging and conditioning status of each battery independently. English Display showing “CONDITION”, “CHARGE”, and “DONE”.
Built-In Deep Battery Conditioning System
Cycle charges, discharges, and then recharges rechargeable batteries without requiring several repeat cycles.
Restores rechargeable batteries to their optimal performance level. Reduces any memory effect.
Selectable Soft and Rapid Charge Modes
Soft charge option for highest battery life, or choose the Rapid charge option for the shortest charge time.
Ultra Precision Microprocessor Controlled
0.001V voltage detection.
Recharges your batteries correctly each and every time. No over charge, no under charge. Just the right charge each and every time.
Maximum Battery Life
Heavy Duty International AC Adapter
Universal auto-ranging switching adapter assures Worldwide voltage compatibility.
Made to last in rough environments, and uses a rugged DIN style connector.
Great for home or travel.
Integrated Safety Protection Device
Battery Polarity Reversal Protection - Prevents Charger damage and operation in case a battery is inserted into the MH-C801D backwards.
Alkaline battery Protection - Automatically recognizes an Alkaline battery and Prevents Charger operation and damage.
Short circuited Battery Protection
Globally certified for safety.