I've had eneloops for over a year and have been buying those $7.99 for 4 packs. I've paid more than that for traditional NiMH batteries in the past.

While you don't need an eneloop charger, i still try to steer people towards a good charger, i.e. none of the 15 minite ones, none of the ones from walmart or radio shack which shorten the lifespan of the batteries by non properly following all the charging specs.