Best way to power controller
 

I currently use normal disposable batteries to play, but I'm finding that the cost of replacing these is too much. I have thought about getting a play and charge kit but then lots of reviews I have read say that the charge does not last that long and the controllers are constantly plugged in. What route should I go down to get the best value and most charge time out of the controller?

The official quick charge kit is probably the best out there, no leads to restrict you, quick charge time and long play time but the only downside is that it only comes with one battery pack, you need 2 to make life sweet (1 in use while the other charges - separate packs are easily available).
The other way is to buy rechargeable batteries (the rapid charge battery is just 2 rechargeable AA batteries inside).

Or get the play and charge kit which will power the controller without batteries, saves buying a wired controller.

Go to Tesco and buy yourself a pack of 4 Energizer 2500mAh's.

Get some Low Self Discharge (LSD) rechargable AA's (such as Sanyo Eneloop, Unicross Hybrio etc)...then you can use them in your Xbox or anything else that might need AA batteries.

+1 to either the Eneloops or Hybrios. I own both and they are perfect.

How long do they last approx when charged? Has anyone tried the quickcharge kit?

2 official rechargeable battery packs and the quick charge kit or 4 rechargeable aa batteries.