Recently, capacity ratings for 'AA' size Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries topped 1800mAh. Similarly, 'AA' Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries with ratings of 1000mAh or more have become commonplace. These new super-capacity rechargeables are ideal for use in a whole range of high-drain devices, including camcorders, digital cameras and portable music players. In fact, they can last 2-3 times longer on a single charge than alkaline batteries in some applications.

However, their attractiveness begins to fade somewhat if you find you have to wait for half a day or more every time you want a recharge.

Despite what the marketing hype might say, most off-the-shelf 'fast' chargers can't fast charge these new small, high-capacity cells. In fact, the majority of so-called 'fast' chargers require at least three hours to recharge even the lower-capacity varieties.

By contrast, the Silicon Chip SuperCharger allows you to safely fast-charge small, high-capacity cells as well as all the usual lower-capacity varieties. You don't have to wait around for half a day with this charger.