opt for a rechargeable model [SEP] i have had a sonicare toothbrush for about years now and i love it on her dentists recommendation my fiance wanted to give one a try we got her the battery operated model since she was unsure she would like it she loves it though the one downside to it and it is a big one is that the battery life leaves a lot to be desired she is been using it about six months and we have replaced the batteries about six times had i known the battery life was so abysmal we would have gotten her a rechargeable model