But I digress. Being someone who owns and regularly plays/uses a couple dozen hand-held/portable electronic games (see what I'm talkin' about at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/listmania/list-browse/-/3U1GDAL5MCFA4/ref=cm_aya_av.lm_more/102-0973344-6392964), a trio of remote controls, a pair of mini-flashlights and a graphing calculator, it's pretty much a given that I go through AA batteries like a fiend. However, I do not wish to spend money on new AAs like a fiend. So when my supply is running low I'll usually buy a bulk pack (24+ cells) that gives me the best value for my scratch. Almost invariably, the brand that occupies the best-value end of the battery-purchasing spectrum is Ray-O-Vac. From what I've experienced, they work just as well and last just as long as their Energizer and Duracell counterparts. Which means I can play my fave hand-helds for a good while, and have a few shekels left over to buy a new AA-powered doohickey to add to my already-overflowing collection...

Final aside: Who the hey came up with the bright idea to saddle this product with the three-part fun/educational/durability rating that Amazon/Toys-R-Us reserves for toys and games?! Anybody out there have a clue on how I should rate this product on the 'fun' and 'educational' scales? Um... hello? A little help here...?

'Late