Having for years used batteries, I am strayed in recent years this as most other a long time to load and faster discharge times were available, which was unprofitable in the long run. The batteries from Varta are preloaded, ie they can be used immediately. In the first tests, I could not detect any differences to brand batteries. Were charged the batteries with the VARTA LCD desktop charger for 8 AA / AAA battery, which has charged the battery again within four hours. After several recharges no difference to brand batteries could still be found. Conclusion: Meaningful batteries that replace perfectly with the matching charger in four hours alkai batteries.