Review (5/5): Don't listen to the naysayers!
I've had my battery sonicare model for around 5 years now! It works like a champ with 2 Duracell rechargeable batteries. I think I charge them about once per month.
Here's the thing: it's not made to have water on the handle. Just don't get it wet. Ever. Just wet the brush head with toothpaste on it, brush your teeth, then rinse the brushhead and immediately unscrew it from the base and put it somewhere to dry.
If you keep the base dry all the time...it will last forever!!! Love this thing! Got it at Kohls for under $20!