You have convinced me, Jake. My stupid battery-powered toothbrush goes through at least 2 AAs each month (and my wife has one too). This alone justifies the cost of a charger and a couple of packs of the batteries. Thanks for the suggestion, whether it was your intention or not!

Is there a brand that you've found to be more reliable, faster charging, and/or easy-to-use?

Just get a good Rechargeable NiMH AA charger and batteries. I have an Energizer charger and Rayovac batteries but just make sure that it is NiMH.

I tried rechargeables back in the dark ages when nickel cadmium was the "great breakthrough". Although I have no experience with the new rechargeables, I have a few recommendations.
1. My first choice is to buy things that plug in initially as opposed to using batteries. This is not always an option though and even when it is the unit is often more expensive.

2. more often than not a device like this will have a dc input that will work with most UPS’s (universal power supply; can be obtained at local electronics store)

3. If the device does not have a dc input you can rig up a “fake battery”; In the battery box there will be two connectors that are actually connected to the electronics of the device (if you do not know how to do this you can either contact me on IM and I will try to help you with it [the_person0 on yahoo instant messenger]or ask someone else) multiply the number of batteries by 1.5, this will give you the correct voltage, connect a power supply of that voltage to the two connectors previously discussed. Note: make sure the polarity is correct, under the connectors the direction of the battery is listed, the polarity on the side of the battery that touches the contact is the correct one. Note#2: there are many ways to hold the wires in place, it is up to you how, IF YOU USE A DISCHARGED DESPOSABLE MAKE SURE YOU BLOCK OFF BOTH ENDS, FAILURE TO DO THIS MAY RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION.

4. Since we do not always have a wall outlet in the immediate area, there are 3 options: Number 1: if in a car you can use a dc power adaptor (12v to whatever voltage) just refer to above choices. Number 2: although it is not recommended it is possible to recharge disposable batteries, this is not exactly recommended though since about 1 in 10 explodes. The explosion is not a terrible one though, the battery just pops open and drips out some acid, to take care of this poor about 1 teaspoon of baking soda on it and wipe it up as soon as it stops fizzing if you wipe it up before then you will have a nasty hole in your rag next time you run it through the wash and possibly chemical burns on your hands. I would recommend an old charger like the ones used for nickel cadmium batteries for best results. Also make sure they are covered by something that you cannot put a hole in with a pencil easily (just for precautionary reasons) how long it takes to charge depends on your charger and brand of batteries so just experiment there. Number3: this is if you do not want to deal with the mess of the occasional explosion of a disposable they get more juice per charging but they are also substantially more expensive.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT WORK DIRECTLY WITH 110 VOLTS, IT IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN A LIGHTNING STRIKE! IF YOU SCREW UP WITH 110 VOLTS YOU WILL AT THE MINIMUM LOOSE AN APENDAGE. ALSO DO NOT TRY THIS WITH DEVICES THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH WATER IT CAN LEAD TO A NASTY SHOCK.

(I take no responsibility for any damage to persons or property resulting from this article.) and yes I am finally done!

New NiMH batteries are pretty easy to use and very safe. They are no where near as troublesome as the old NiCad batteries

The old NiCad's were not terrible, they just had the problem that they only lasted about 70% as long as a desposable, and i have found that you can get about 80 to 90% out of a desposable aa that has been recharged(caution they do blow up ocasionally as described in my previous comment).

Thanks for the help, Jake. I thought I'd give this link, as it seems timely and fitting:

http://dealmac.com/articles/57979.html

Batteries.com is offering 15% off with no minimum purchase required. They sell all kinds of batteries, including rechargeables. This might be a good time to stock up, especially with the holidays coming.

Great site...just got a panasonic charger and some AA and AAAs...I need to buy some more batteries but am a bit confused....the ones that came with the charger were 2100 and 750 respectively.....will 2000s and 700s do just as well? Batteryspace.com has a 24 pack of AA and AAAs for only 19.95 (2000/700mah)....anyone have any experience with them? Seems a lot of sites have those mahs but not the 2100 or 750...any advice is greatly appreciated...

What type of charger do you have what model? I would research the information on your specific charger.

Thank you Jake....it is the BQ-390 quick charge

I got it from costco for 20 bucks with 6 AAs and 2 AAAs...

It looks like any AA/AAA NiMH Batteries would work with that charger.

Thanks again Jake, I ordered the batteries and feel better already about mother earth....Dave

even if there were no enviromental benifits it makes good sense in cost and ease of use.