i have this charger. i like it. its a one time buy i.m.o. there is an update out there that upgrades the firmware to have the ability to charge the "new" 4.35 batteries. i dont think they have gotten to the hard case scene yet but some are out there for for air frame purposes. updating the charger to the latest software will i.m.o. make it a little more intuitive and easier to manage the screens (quite a pain to get storage charge without the latest firmware). but is still easy to get "lost" in all the screens and options. that is the 12 volt power supply connected to it and sometime this summer will be a 24 volt power supply that mates up just like the 12 volt. on 24-28 volt this charger can be a beast at charging hi capacity and cell count batteries.
firmware update is another animal in itself. some on other forums have never been able to update and some it was easy. its all on the windows computer and netframework etc etc.
open hobby is the distributor for graupner in the u.s.
here is the page that will explain how to firmware update
http://www.openhobby.com/front/suppo...y=3&searchstr=
mine is the silver without the compatible 12 volt power supply and got it about a month ago off of amazon so they are not current in firmware at this time.
if you dont want to mess with firmware updates id watch openhobby
for thie solo ex in orange and red. manny at open hobby told me the next shipment coming in with in the feb march time frame will be latest firmware
http://www.openhobby.com/front/produ...hp?code=011002
id like to say with out a doubt this is an awesome charger for you but i dont want the "i love my shiny new purchase and need to justify it" to effect the opinion
my thunderpower rc tp820cd (2 channel) is easier to navigate, my xtrema is simple to use if all batteries are same cell count and size and you dont mess up the pin alignment connections. my fma/revolectix cellpro 4s is so stupidly easy to use that i would call it noob proof since all you do is choose the c rating and plug in a balance tap (but only one battery at a time) all of these require you to get a separate psu.
but my polaron's function ability blows all the other chargers i have out of the water
do you have to have dual channel?
if not id look at progressive rc sidekick or neutrino combos
they even put it in a case with a charging deck and are rather compact
http://www.progressiverc.com/cases/c...age=1&top=105&
they have manuals for the various chargers in the combo's available to look at. maybe see if you, the mrs. and the son can look over the charge steps and understand it
edit
p.s. the stand on the polaron is plastic with tabs. very easy to break the tabs off and then resort to velcro and tape to hold it on. yeah i did it.....