1GB express; How can you tell when recharging is complete?

[xlr8r]

Just got a 1gb express

Last night I charged the battery for 6 hours and the readout just continued to show the "charging mode" with no way to know if it was done. I finally unplugged the xpress and checked and the battery indicator showed it was fully charged...but How can you tell while charging?

And how long does it usually take to fully charge the battery when it's down to nearly empty?

Please advise. Many thanks