BETHEL, Conn., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Duracell today announced two new Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery chargers that deliver greater convenience along with industry-leading safety technology. With over 152 million Americans carrying personal entertainment devices(1), the new products are designed to meet power and lifestyle demands stemming from the constant use of high-drain devices like digital cameras and iPods.

Designed for tech-savvy consumers, the new Duracell Power Gauge Charger features a dynamic LED indicator that displays the charge status for each battery, so consumers can easily tell when each charge will be complete, ensuring top-performance with every use. The Power Gauge Charger charges up to four AA or AAA NiMH batteries, and for added flexibility, has a USB port for quick, convenient charging of compatible, USB(2)-enabled devices with built-in rechargeable batteries like iPods, MP3 players and digital cameras. This two-in-one feature makes charging a wider range of devices even easier, eliminating the need to power-up personal computers or use wall adapters for USB-enabled devices. In addition, the Power Gauge Charger contains state-of-the-art safety technology for superior protection against over-heating or over-charging.

The Duracell Mini Charger provides maximum power performance and great value in a small, sleek design that plugs directly into the wall, making it easy to take anywhere. Ideal for consumers who frequently use high-drain devices such as digital cameras or MP3 players while traveling, the Mini Charger is capable of charging up to two AA or AAA NiMH batteries from any location worldwide. The Mini Charger also includes superior safety technology that prevents over-charging and over-heating to ensure maximum safety.

According to a recent consumer survey(3), both the Duracell Mini Charger and Power Gauge Charger rank above competitors in the area of satisfying a need currently "not being fulfilled" by other rechargeable products.

"With the performance of personal digital devices like digital cameras and digital audio players becoming more important to consumers than ever before, we continue to look for new ways to make a portable lifestyle easier for consumers," said Dan McCarthy, director of marketing, Duracell. "Our rechargeable products are designed around real consumer needs to ensure that we are meeting this objective."

The Duracell Mini Charger comes with two AA NiMH batteries and has a suggested retail price of $11.99. The Duracell Power Gauge comes with four AA NiMH batteries and has a suggested retail price of $26.99. Both will arrive on mass market, office and electronic store shelves in mid-October 2006.

Duracell's rechargeable products are part of a portfolio of power solutions designed to accommodate the lifestyle of every digital device user. Duracell's new rechargeable 2650 mAh AA cells offer hundreds of photos per charge, and rechargeable 1000 mAh AAA cells provide up to nine hours of non-stop music per charge. In addition to rechargeable batteries, the new lineup also includes Duracell PowerPix(TM), a disposable digital battery that delivers twice as many shots as a standard alkaline battery, catering to the needs of moderate digital camera users.

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(1) Consumer Electronics Association, October 2005
(2) Devices must be designed to USB-spec for optimum performance.
(3) Survey conducted by TNS NFO Interactive Insights in April 2006

SOURCE Duracell