I seem to get about 3 months with alkalines in my 900. My settings are similar to yours.

I always install new batteries after I program a remote for a client just in case they weren't fresh and the programing took its toll on the supplied batteries.

Rechargables won't last quite as long between charges since they don't charge to as high of voltage.

You can import devices from a 900 to a 950 but will have to do quite a bit of programing to the lay out on the 950 since it is more robust and offers more than 6 selections on a page.

I do love the fact that my 950 is rechargible.

It also allows you to do more customizing for a large system. They both have there place. Thats why I have both of them!

The 900 will fulfill the needs of most people. The 950 adds enough ability to cover the rest of us with room left for more.