(Real) Intelligent NiMH Chargers?

Anti_Climax asks: "I, like many Slashdot readers, have a lot of battery powered devices. With the large number of cells that are in use at a given time, I have taken to using NiMH rechargeables (Ten 2.0Ah Cells for $10 at the local Fry's Electronics). My current charger is a timed unit that was made when 1.3Ah was the norm. I have accepted the fact that if I want my cells charged properly and quickly, I will need to invest in an intelligent charger. With the dozens of manufacturers in the market right now, the Google results are promising but far too broad. What have been your personal experiences in this area? How many of the supposed Smart Chargers are anything but? Who's offering the best deal for my dollar? While I don't need my cells to charge in 15 minutes, I would like to find an inexpensive Intelligent charger that can charge 4 or more high capacity cells (in pairs or individually) in an hour or less."

Re:Why not more popular?

[Dun Malg]

* The self-discharge rate increases with temperature. NiMHs left in a hot car in summer will drain faster than those in a cool house. Single-use lithium style batteries can hold their charge for 5-7 years.

I wonder if they can improve on this substanitially or if it is a chemistry limit.

From what I've heard, it's mostly the chemistry. Just like you can't make a hydrogen tank that the hydrogen can't leak out of. You can minimize the leakage by making better seals and such, but when you get right down to it, hydrogen always gets out somewhere 'cause it's so darn small. You can improve batteries by fractional amounts through careful manufacturing, but in the end the chemistry of it is such that a certain base amount of current will always leak through and discharge.