Stcredzero's listed amazon AA batteries: $12.95 for four.
Another amazon listing for Duracell 4-pack Alkaline: 4.95 for four.
Rechargeable: $3.24 per battery
Alkaline: $1.24 per battery
3.24 divided by 1.24 = 2.61.
After 3 recharges, the rechargeable has now become cheaper than the alkaline battery. It seems difficult to believe the performance would degrade sufficiently after only 3 recharges to justify sticking with alkalines.
As for the lengthy recharge, the solution there is buy a second set. Keep one in the charger (a good one that goes to trickle when done), when you run down, swap. Result, no effective wait time for fresh power.
Another amazon listing for Duracell 4-pack Alkaline: 4.95 for four.
Rechargeable: $3.24 per battery
Alkaline: $1.24 per battery
3.24 divided by 1.24 = 2.61.
After 3 recharges, the rechargeable has now become cheaper than the alkaline battery. It seems difficult to believe the performance would degrade sufficiently after only 3 recharges to justify sticking with alkalines.
As for the lengthy recharge, the solution there is buy a second set. Keep one in the charger (a good one that goes to trickle when done), when you run down, swap. Result, no effective wait time for fresh power.