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HomeX-10 ProductsAccessories & SuppliesBatteriesAA SIzeDuracell Mobile Charger With 2AA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, CEF23DX2 |
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|  | | | Customer Reviews: | | | Average Customer Review: ( 26 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
139 of 141 found the following review helpful:
 Versatile battery-charger with dual-personality Apr 01, 2008
By NLee the Engineer
The Duracell Mobile Charger (CEF23) is an extremely versatile charger. It actually has two operating modes, as selected by the MODE button:
1. As an AA/AAA NiMH battery charger, or
2. As an USB charger for USB-powered devices.
In battery-charger mode, the unit is a smart charger that accepts 1-4 AA/AAA cells in any combinations. The charger can be powered by either 100-240V universal AC input, or 12V DC input. This means you can also operate it from your vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter. Note that the car adapter is included in the CEF23DX4N, but not in the CEF23DX2.
The charging current is 550mA for each AA/AAA cell. So it takes about 4 hours to full charge up the included 2000mAh low-self-discharge cells (which are the Duracell-equivalent of Sanyo eneloop). I consider this a good compromise between shorter charging time and longer battery lifespan. Once charging is done, the current is reduced to 25mA (actually 0-50mA pulsed at 50% duty cycle) in trickle charge mode.
One really nice feature of this charger is that it has four individual battery status indicator lights. The status light for each cell turns RED when charging, GREEN when the cell is fully charged. It will even blink if you accidentally inserted an alkaline cell.
In USB charger mode, the unit generates a regulated 5-volt supply at its USB socket. You can then connect an USB-powered device (such as IPOD charger) to this unit. Input power for this USB charger can be from one of the following sources:
1. From 100-240V universal AC input,
2. From 12V DC input (car adapter), or
3. From four AA/AAA NiMH cells in the battery compartment.
The third way is the most interesting, because in case of emergency, you can even use 4 alkaline cells to power this USB charger, in order to charge up your cell phone's battery.
I must say that this charger is really well designed. It is a great bargain even if all you need is a simple battery charger. The USB charger mode is just an extra bonus.
[Update on Oct 7, 2010]:
Duracell has discontinued the excellent CEF23 charger (at least in the US) last year. So prices for the remaining inventory have skyrocketed. The replacement product (Duracell Go Mobile Charger) only charges in pairs, and does not contain an USB charger.
- If you just need an inexpensive 2-cell charger that can handle individual cell, consider the Sanyo eneloop MDR02.
- If you need a good 4-cell charger that can operate from 12V cigarette lighter adapter, consider the Targus LCD2700 with LCD Display
- If you need an advanced charger that can operate from 12V CLA, consider the La Crosse Technology BC500
- If you need a good 4-cell charger that can operate from 12V CLA _and_ can power an USB port using internal batteries... Sorry! Your best hope is to look for an international version of CEF23, such as the CEF23AU (AU=Australia).
[Update on Dec 1, 2010]
Just in case anyone is still interested in this charger: I recently found out that its USB port is capable of supplying 1000mA output current - even though the spec says 500mA only. I discovered this by accident when using it as a portable recharger for my Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet.
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Most Versitile Hybrid Charger Jul 21, 2008
By Robert Salita
"Software Developer"
Thanks to NLee's excellent review, I was turned on to Duracell's Mobile Chargers. Yes, the included batteries are hybrids similar Sanyo's Eneloop. I own both and can't perceive much difference. The recharger is an excellent value, as versatile as described.
Definitely go with Duracell Mobile Chargers if versatility is important.
Unfortunately Amazon's description doesn't do this product justice. This is a common problem and I'm sure sales suffer. I think Amazon and the product's Product Manager share blame.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Much Better than Eneloop Charger ! Oct 14, 2008
By Sridhar LAGADAPATI
This charger is working like a champ.Before buying this product I read all the customer reviews from Amazon web site and also from other sites then decided to go with this charger.
It comes with four individual battery status indicator lights. The status light for each cell turns RED when charging and GREEN when the cell is fully charged.
I bought Eneloop charger almost 5 months back but it worked only once after that it died.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
It works with my 3G IPhone! Jun 03, 2009
By Francis Arellano
"nitecrwlr"
I am off to Peru for a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu. My needs were very specific:
1. Need a device to power my IPHONE 3G for 4 days with no access to an outlet.
2. Need a device that supports 110-240v for international compatibility once i'm back in the hotel.
This unit fits the bill perfectly, and for much less than proprietary IPHONE chargers.
Added bonus:
1. Supports readily availble AA batteries as power.
2. Will serve double duty as a charger for my Digital Camera batteries.
3. AA and AAA support so it will power my headlamp.
4. Utilizes battery or outlet to power USB charging.
5. Will charge/power almost any usb compatible device.
This all-in-one device has all the features I need.
To be fair, the downsides are:
1. It's bigger than dedicated battery extenders.
2. It comes with 2 batteries but they only sell 4packs in the store so I have a total of 6 batteries and would have preferred 8.(1 full replacement set)
3. USB charger required all charging slots contain batteries to function.
4. Chemical smell.
5. Slower charge time vs. quick charger.
I highly recommend this unit to anyone who has the need to power/recharge USB gadgets on the go.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Great Charger for the Price Jan 22, 2009
By APB
"Runch Maximus"
I wanted a smart charger that could charge less than a full batch of batteries and wouldn't overcharge batteries that were at different charge levels. This one fits the bill, and it's small enough that you can take it with you on trips (if that's important to you).
I use it with Sanyo Eneloop batteries, which I highly recommend.
See all 26 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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