Portable devices have benefited from advances in battery technology more than any other product category. This has made different battery chemistries available with different charging profiles tailored for Li-Ion, LiFePO4 and NiMH. Each design requires a different charging solution and IC, which complicates inventory management. The different configuration of cells, 1S, 2S or NiMH 2S to 6S, adds another challenge. In this presentation we will explore the common chemistries used in portable applications, the pros and cons of each, charging profiles they use and charging solutions. Also, super-capacitors have increased in capability and have become a part of the power solution mix. Concepts from a typical battery charger IC can be applied to build a supercapacitor charger.