New improved eneloop kit in colors

eneloop - ready to use rechargeable battery. Since its launch in November 2005 eneloop has become well-known around the world as it has revolutionized the consumer-use rechargeable battery segment with its unique features:

* rechargeable approximately 1000 times
* coming pre-charged making it usable immediately after purchase
* its unique design departing from the look of traditional batteries

What is the difference between the "old" and the "new" improved eneloop?

* An extra of 500 charging cycles - instead of being rechargeable 1000 times the new eneloop is even rechargeable up to 1500 times.
* Improved self-dischcharge. Even though the self discharge of the old eneloop was already very impressive you can store the new eneloop for 3 years and still it will retain 75% of its capacity.
* You need a battery which is reliable even when having cold temperatures? Before eneloop was suitable for temperatures as low as -10°C - now even until -20°C.
* The new eneloop is even more environment-friendly as it is pre-charged with solar energy in Japan.

• Holds charge up to 3 years. Each eneloop will maintain 75% capacity after 3 years of non-use.


• Recharge 1500x. New and Improved! Each eneloop can be recharged 1500 times.


• Pre-charged and ready to use in your favorite devices


• Less than 4 cents per recharge. Save money. Over thier lifetime each eneloop costs less then 4 cents per recharge.


• INCLUDES: (8) AA eneloop (4) AAA eneloop and (1) 4 battery charger

More detail ...

Ideal for digital and high drain devices pre-charged and ready to use straight out of pack. Retains power for up to 365 days while not in use unlike regular rechargeagles. Can be recharged 100 of times. Longer lasting in high drain devices than ordinary alkaline batteries.

• Includes: 4 AA and 4 AAA total 8 batteries one Charger


• Duracell Pre-Charged batteries are charged and ready for use right out of the package


• Duracell Pre-Charged batteries retain power for up to 365 days while not in use


• Can be recharged and reused hundreds of times


• Stays charged longer than RCR and have to be recharged less often

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Duracell Value Charger with 4AA Pre-Charged Rechargeable NiMH Batteries - CEF14DX4

• Charges 4 AA or AAA batteries


• LED to indicate charge status


• Compact size is great for travel


• Plugs directly into the wall - no cords


• Comes with 4AA Pre Charged rechargeable batteries

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Good Batteries Bad Charger

This package (CEF14DX4N) includes four new Duracell 'Pre Charged' NiMH AA cells plus a simple 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 AA is actually SANYO eneloop AA underneath a different wrapper. Therefore all the good things you heard about eneloop apply to Duracell 'Pre Charged' too.



The 'value charger' (CEF14) included here however is not a good value because:



1. It is a timer-based dumb charger meaning that it doesn't detect when cells are full charged. It simply charges at 360mA for 6 hours and turns off. You have to wait until your cells are fully exhausted before recharging otherwise they will be over-charged. With a 'smart' charger you may choose to top-off your rechargeable cells any time.



2. It can only charge either 2 or 4 AA cells in pairs. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number of cells.



3. It can only charge two AAA cells and you cannot charge any more AA cells at the same time.



My advice is to get the CEF23DX4N package for just a few dollars more. It comes with four Duracell Pre Charged cells (2xAA + 2xAAA) but the included charger (CEF23) is far superior in every aspect. It even operates from your vehicle battery and doubles as an USB charger too.



[Update on Dec 24 2008]

I was only half-right when I boldly proclaimed that "Duracell Pre Charged AA are rebranded Sanyo eneloop cells" in my original review. It turns out that the first batch of Duracell AA cells I bought from Amazon are made in Japan and those are identical to eneloop (both mechanically and electrically). But lately I bought some more Duracell AA from a warehouse club. Those are made in China and they are identical to the Rayovac Hybrid.



[Update on Feb 15 2010]

I have confirmed that the new Duracell 'Value Charger' has several improvements over the old model:

- Works from 100-240V AC (instead of just 120V AC)

- Able to charge 4 AAA at a time (instead of just two)

- Semi-smart charge termination (stops when BOTH cells are fully charged)

The only remaining drawback is thet it charges in pairs only.More detail ...