Actually the price is really not bad if you consider the cost of a set of 4 regular batteries vs how many you use in the car.
I have 4 standard rechargables I use, but also have used several sets of regulars while waiting for the nihms to charge up... and i know I've spent as much as a set of IC3s in batteries that are now essentially useless for the car. (I did put some of them into some of my tv remotes since they do have some power left)
Walmart has the IC3s for just under $13 for a set of 4 AAA's. And you will probably pay that for a few sessoins of regular battieries anyhoo.
To me, it's worth it, because I get use for my car, and can use elsewhere as well.