Could anyone tell me what the difference is between the Smart Chargers and the normal cheap chargers. Is it only the charging time?? or does it also give a longer run-time and a guaranteed full charge???

the smart chargers are way better, they give the battery a deeper charge, they also can decharge a battery so all new cells are charged onto the batt. Also you dont have to guess when your battery is done. It is definently better to get a better charger

It is none of those really. The current can be higher or lower depending upon the charger so the charge time on a cheap charger CAN be a lot faster than a "smart" charger. The difference is simply an automatic shut-off on a smart charger (when full)

I guess you could call that a guaruntee.

You run a terrible risk burning out your cells on a timed charger. if you set it too long, or your battery isn't as dead as you though it was, you can jack up your pack in one charge. spend 50 bucks and get a peak charger.

Get a "peak charger" if that is what you mean by "smart charger." Peak charger automatically shut off when the battery is full. Timer chargers will merrily continue to charge your battery at high rates right past full charge into venting, cooking, bursting, and possible fire! Don't waste your time or your batteries on a timer charger. You can typically get entry level peak chargers for $10 more (around 50 bucks).

i believe, totally not sure, but i think smart chargers might be peak chargers, ill look into that and will post the definition on here

oh ye! they are 'inteligent' >>>> http://www.emarineinc.com/products/truecharge.html <<<<

i am quoting, "You no longer have to make the choice between risking battery damage due to inadequate charging performance or laying out large amounts of money for a complicated smart charger."