Energizer CHFMWB-4 Easy Charger W/4 AA Rechargable Batteries Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this charger at a Target around a year ago and have been really happy with it. After researching the various chargers available at the time, I selected this one because:
1) it has an auto shut-off so you don't have run to unplug it after x hours
2) it has a "done" light (and a charging light) so you know if it's working and when it's done
3) it has an on/off button so you can leave it in the surge protector or outlet
4) it charges AA or AAA batteries
5) it comes with four AA batteries
6) the plug folds in like some of the Apple chargers so it can lie flat when in storage
7) Didn't buy it for this but it comes with three "skins" (covers); white, black, and I think the other is silver
8) Didn't buy it for this but I like the way it looks
8.5) I *think* it also has an indicator of a problem battery, like both lights lighting up or the done light being red or something, but I don't remember for certain and can't find the instructions
The only drawbacks I know of are:
1) it is larger than a lot of Energizer chargers (but I haven't found one of the smaller ones that shuts itself off reasonably -- suggestions welcome!)
2) you cannot charge ONE or THREE batteries; it has to be TWO or FOUR (and they have to go in the two left or two right slots if it is charging two batteries)
3) two of my slots stopped working a couple of weeks ago. The other two still work fine. I do not know if there was some kind of issue with my power or batteries. The two batteries in there died at the same time, but they were older and had been in a power-hungry camera so it could be that they leaked or were dead
All the same, it is the best charger I have found (given that I frequently need to charge AAs and that it is best for me to have clear indicators of charging and done, and an auto-shutoff) so I am getting another one. If only it could charge one at a time it would be perfect!
EDIT 12/19/07: of the two I just ordered, one seems to be working; and the other started charging its batteries and then the indicator lights stopped working and it never charged anything again -- those batteries nor any others.
So, quality control on these is not what it should be (2 out of 3 dead, in my small sample size). Pity, it's a great product when it works;-)
EDIT 01/10/08 (although should have posted 12/24): They got a replacement to me for the aforementioned defective one that for a long time UPS gave a delivery date of 3 weeks, HOWEVER it got to me within a few days ON DECEMBER 24. It worked properly, out of the box!! Very happy with product and service! If they'd let me, I would change my original rating of 4 to a 5.

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Energizer Easy Charger is an attractive oval size Battery Charger with 3 interchangeable colored face plates (black, silver & pearl). It charges up to 4 AA or AAA batteries at one time.The easy to understand indicator lights tell you if batteries are charging or ready. A timed automatic shut off prevents overcharging. Fully charging 4 AA 2500 mAh NiMH (included) or AAA 850 mAh NiMH 850 batteries takes about 8/5 hours. Equipped with intelligent features such as safety timers, temperature monitors and trickle charge technologies, Energizer Chargers are the smart way to keep plenty of energy on hand.

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