NiMH is the better option, but nothing wrong with NiCd other than that they run down much quicker when not in use. As a user of various aernautical and amateur radios over the years, I think Jetboy is saying that the A20 is a sound and simple radio, whereas later versions have added bells and whistles which are really just unnecessary complications for the basic use that you describe. If the radio is otherwise OK I'd shell out for the new battery rather than spend the $300 on a new one.