Originally posted by fcpga
if its true, the 4798N deal seems a lousy deal.
It depends on whether the GP 1hr charger is timer based or not. Timer based chargers are mostly built to support a fix capacity. i.e. if battery = 1300mah, X amount of current will be able to charge it in 1hr. Auto cut-off is designed to activate at 1hr.
So, if your batteries is more than 1300mah, then you're never going to fully charge the battery. Worse if your battery is under 1300mah, you're definitely going to spoil them in record time. Even worse, if the under capacity battery leaks in your equipment.
With intelligent charger (-ve delta V detection) being fast and so affordable nowadays, there isn't much value in getting a timer-based one. Its a case of getting what you pay for, aka GIGO.
I've seen the Sony charger and that too is timer-based with an additional clause of only charging up to 80% in 1hr. It will take longer to charger to 100% and is only capable of charging 2 batteries at a time. $40 odd dollars.
So far intelligent chargers that is true to their performance are the Rayovac and the compact intelli-charger available from purplemoo.
Pros of Rayovac,
- fast 1hr intelligent charger
Cons of Rayovac,
- expensive at $70 odd
- very heavy to be travel friendly
- charging current may be to high, reducing battery charge cycles (stress)
- batteries very hot to touch after charging
Pros of Compact Intelli-Charger
- very affordable (at $35 to $45)
- very light (travel friendly)
Cons of Compact Intelli-Charger
- 4pcs 1600mah in 2.5hrs.
There are some who bought from the warehouse sales and have written their findings,
http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190981&perpage=15&pagenumber=10