- Includes Ready-2-Go, Four AA 2150mAh Rechargeable Cells
- 2-Hour Charger with Built-in USB PowerPort, Charges 1-4 AA/AAA NiMH cells
- Charger also includes Travel Alarm Clock, Day/Date and Temperature functions
- International compatible voltage - can charge from 100-240VAC, 12VDC, or standard USB power source
- 2 Year Warranty
The Lenmar R2G802U is a nice product. Although not clearly stated, it comes with four pre-charged AA NiMH batteries. The charger itself comes with three power sources: a small wall wart, a cigarette lighter adapter for the car, and a cable to operate it from a USB port. (When operating from the USB port, charge times are increased, as there is a limit of how much current can be drawn from the USB port on a computer.)
Another neat feature about this unit, is that is features a USB charging outlet. Perfect for charging a bluetooth handset or other device that has a USB charging cable. One thing to note is that the USB charging outlet cannot work at the same time as the unit is charging batteries. But, if you plug a device in while you're charging batteries, they charger shuts off power to the batteries when they are complete and then switches on the USB charging outlet. That's a neat design in my opinion.
As for the included AA batteries, I haven't done much testing on them, but they work. I searched the web for some opinion on the Lenmar pre-charged batteries, but didn't find any info. I found less than stellar reviews on the non-pre-charged Lenmar batteries. I'd like to switch all of my NiMH batteries to pre-charged, and would like to find an option besides the much more expensive Sanyo Eneloop batteries.
The charger seems to be pretty smart and partially recharged cells were noted, as their charge level showed on the LCD. Charge times for four dead AAs seems to be less than four hours, but I never really timed it. It accomodates both AA and AAA batteries, but I didn't try any AAAs in it yet.
The charger also has a clock and travel alarm, but I'm not really sure of the usefulness of this feature. To close the unit, you have to flip
the AAA adapter blocks in. Not a big deal, but you have to flip them back out to charge AA batteries.
UPDATE: 11/5/2009 : I still really like this charger. I've used to to charge AAA and AA batteries of all types and it works well. It actually "brought back" some older cells that my other chargers would no longer charge. Also, the R2G AA batteries included with the kit are of good quality. I've used them for quite some time now in my digital camera and have had no problems. They hold a charge when not used for a while, and when used a lot, they last a long time. I'm quite happy with this purchase and may by some separate R2G batteries.This name of this product is a mouthful: "Lenmar R2G802U R2G 2 Hour Charger Includes USB Output and Alarm Clock with 4 R2G 2150mAh NI-MH for AA/AAA Batteries". Here is a breakdown of the components in the package:
The base unit is a 4-cell AA/AAA charger that also functions as an alarm clock _and_ a USB power port. It has a very impressive-looking LCD panel (see the Customer Image I uploaded). In addition to four battery-status indicators, the panel also shows the present Time, Date, and temperature. The alarm clock function even has selectable ring tones.
An AC adapter (input: 100-240V AC, output: 12V DC) to power the charger.
A CLA (cigarette lighter adapter) cable to power the charger form 12V car battery.
An USB cable to power the charger from your computer's USB port.
Four Lenmar R2G (Ready-to-Go) AA NiMH cells, rated at '2150mAh'
So far, this package sounds like a great deal. But there are several issues you have to be aware of:
1. The USB output port only works when the charger is connected to AC adapter or 12V CLA. It cannot be powered by internal rechargeable batteries. (If this function is important to you, consider the Duracell Mobile Charger CEF23 instead)
2. You cannot use the USB port while charging any batteries.
3. The advertised '2-hour' charge time is only applicable when charging 1-2 cells _and_ when the charger is powered by AC adapter or 12V CLA. The charging current is 1200mA per cell in this case, so it takes about 2 hours to fully recharge two 2000-2400mAh cells. When charging 3-4 cells, the charging current drops to 800mA, and so charge time becomes 3 hours. If the charger is powered from an USB port, the charging current is further reduced (560mA each for 1-2 AA cells, 280mA for 3-4 cells).
4. The LCD panel has very poor contrast, so it is difficult to read without the help of its backlight. But the backlight is not available when the base unit is operating in standalone mode, powered by its internal lithium button cell.
5. The top cover housing the LCD panel is very flimsy. Just by pressing the top lightly, I can see the LCD display fading in and out.
6. The four Lenmar R2G AA cells are of decent quality, but not quite as good as Sanyo Eneloop AA. They arrived with only 33% of rated capacity. After several refresh cycles using my La Crosse BC-900, their average capacity improved to 2090mAh, which is about the same as that for Sanyo eneloop AA cells (rated as '2000mAh' but measured close to 2100mAh).
I really wish I could recommend this charger, simply because it is one of very few models left that can recharge each cell individually. Unfortunately, after just one week of light use, the time and date portion of the LCD panel already failed. Finally I have to return the unit for a refund.When the batteries are inserted into the charger the cover cannot be closed, so it's a pain to carry with the batteries inside.
The USB output for charging phones, etc., is not powered by the NiMH batteries, though this would have been a simple feature to include, since 4 NiMH batteries provide 4.8V to 5V. The packaging does not state that the USB port is only operational when the unit is plugged in, with the batteries fully charged. If you're looking for a combination AA/AAA charger and power bank then this is not the product you want, look at products from Tenergy like the Zap CP4-AA Power Bank, which is less expensive and more functional, though it lacks the alarm clock and temperature functions.
The manual is poorly written, referring to "charging plates" that are not related to AA/AAA chargers, only to Lenmar's chargers that can charge proprietary Li-Ion packs.
The packaging states that the batteries are charged and ready to use (like Sanyo eneloop batteries), but this was not the case. The manual does state that the batteries must be charged prior to use.
The temperature feature on the alarm clock really ends up telling you the temperature of the batteries that are being charged, not the surrounding air temperature.
A poorly designed, poorly documented product. I returned it.I hesitated to review this item because the "not so positive" reviews ARE correct.
The LCD is nearly impossible to read.
The alarm is NOT loud.
It MIGHT function as a really LOUSY power back up for your laptop.
You CAN'T charge 4 batteries in 2 hours.
(Does ANYBODY really believe the manufacturer's hype?)
Then why did I give it FIVE STARS?
Because I bought it as a R2G NiMH battery charger.
Not an alarm clock.
Not an LCD clock or temperature gauge.
and
Not as a back up power source for my laptop.
Just a battery charger.
As a battery charger, this compact little unit deserves 5 stars.
Why?
Recharges 4 2+AmpHour batteries in 3-4 hours....
from multiple power sources, 220VAC, 110VAC, 12VDC, and USB....
and.. includes ALL adapters to use these sources.
It's sad that Lenmar had to go overboard on the extras because they really DON'T function as well as the stand alone units designed to fulfill those functions.
However... as a NiMH R2G battery charger for AA and AAA cells... it's hard to beat for the price.
If you need an LCD clock or temperature gauge, buy one.
If you need an alarm clock, buy one.
If you need additional power for your mobile device, buy one.
If you need a great little battery charger, buy this one. :)
Note to my fellow reviewers: I DO understand your frustration and complaints. It's frustrating when a manufacturer makes claims that the product does not live up to... or does so poorly. But, I just believe that something billed as a battery charger should be rated on how well it performs it's major function. Anything beyond that should be considered icing on the cake unless you paid a premium for the additional functions. That is not the case with this charger.
Last note: the R2G batteries are nothing short of awesome. The money you will save over alkaline will amaze you. The reserve power puts alkaline to shame. I love these batteries and have been adding more as my remaining alkalines fail. Try them, you won't regret it.
Best Wishes :)
To address some issues that other reviewers mentioned:
1) I feel the variable power rates provided are a nice feature, not a detriment.
2) Someone said it is flimsy. I disagree, it feels very solid and I've been hauling it all over the country for years without a problem.
3) Someone said the cover won't close when batteries are inserted. Of course not, when charging the cover needs to be open to keep the batteries as cool as possible. When not charging, the manual clearly states that the batteries should NOT be left in the charger.
Summary: a versatile charger that evaluates and charges each cell individually, includes wall plug, car cable & USB cable. I don't use any of my other chargers anymore (including my MAHA Powerex 204). BTW, all of of the included R2G batteries are still going strong.
