Just look around your house, most of the small and portable gadgets are powered by batteries due to this kind of power supply is small in size and portable enough to make the gadget also portable, no more relay on the wall plug.

If you are still buying the cheap but consumable alkaline batteries, then in a long run, it would be burning a hole in your wallet.

As modern batteries are going to be environmental friendly which suits the concept of 3R, reuse to reduce the production of chemical pollution to the environment.

Looking at the various brands, sizes and types of rechargeable batteries made of at the stores, one may become confused.

Here's some tips on the selecting a rechargeable battery:

• NiCad: Nickel Cadmium, cost $2.50 each

An old timer of the rechargeable batteries series, known as not-so-environmental friendly due to it requires special disposal handling. Durability is a question due to it may eventually fail to charge completely.

• NiMH: Nickel Metal Hydride, cost $3 each

This is a 2nd generation which replacing the NiCads, always known as long lasting and get charges fully. Strongly recommended for digital devices, e.g. digital camera, video camcorder, DVD, etc. A short fall may on its automatic self-discharge when it is not in used, so do not use in flashlights, smoke detectors and other emergency devices.

• Alkaline: Do not store power longer than NiMH, cost $1.50 each, rechargeables about $2.50 each

General usage for non-digital device, such as clock, toys, etc. They are non-toxic (may be thrown out in household trash). More voltage than NiMH but should not be used in high-drain devices.

• Oxyride: 2nd generation of Alkaline, costs $2 each

Oxyride batteries are more powerful and can lasts longer but they are non-rechargeable, good in high-drain gear including digital, toys,toothbrushes, personal digital assistants. Might be hard to find in stores.

• Lithium: Costs $2.50 each

Do not mix Lithium battery with other battery types due to they cannot be recharged. High performance especially in extreme temperatures. Lasts seven times longer than alkaline with a good amount of power, Good for digital gear, especially media players and cameras.

• Heavy duty: Zinc chloride and carbon zinc, costs 50 cents each

It is an old standard of battery, wear out quicker than any other battery and will leak acid.

For more information on choosing a good quality AA battery charger, kindly visit here.

Another article for making your own battery powered DS charger can be found here.