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Thanks everybody for this useful thread. I have been wondering since
the rechargeables dies on my VHF handheld which route to take for the
long run. Since I don't really use the radio very much, I think that
buying regular batteries and keeping them on there, with a spare set on
board, will be more cost-effective.


Bingo. rechargeable are great for hi-use applications - my wife used them
for years in her portable CD players (now replaced with an ipod). Just
carry a spare set, with a 3rd on the charger. But in occasional-use,
high-priority applications, go for good disposables. The economics depend
on your frequency of use - if you change them more than every month or two,
disposables are far cheaper, and you are already in the habit of swapping
them out.

I haven't yet got into the habit of using rechargeable in my LED
flashlights - AAA's last about 40 hours there, so it would probably make
sense.

And ditto to the comments on Costco brand AA's, as well as Costco
battery/charger packages.

Sal's Dad