Regarding Battery life I am using the supplied 1500mah NiMH battery for all of my flying. I have not seen a need to use a LiPo in this radio, though I know the glider guys do for their extended flying time. I do recommend charging the battery a few times with a more robust charger than the included wallwart. After you condition the battery a little though, the wall wart works perfectly. I have used nothing BUT the wall wart since May and it's been great.

-Mark