The’re right, another thing you notice in a dry house (like Swiss homes in winter pounding crazy heating) is that you can get even painful (to the hand) mini electric shocks just walking around with slippers/crocs and then touching the metal kitchen vent, chargers…unless you ground yourself once in a while. Never happens in a humid climate/house.
I agree 100%, NiMH cells (the standard for rechargeable AA, AAA, I even have some AAAA for certain tablet styli) have gotten so cheap, they’re sometimes cheaper than alkaline at first use! It’s insane.
If you don’t have a charger I’ve heard good things about the Ikea Stenkol one, cheap (5-12€ depending on country) but should be reliable. Ikea also sells the cells.