Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

[bigbeark]

I have IBM T41 and Dell D830 Laptops. The IBM has no battery, the Dell is not recognizing the battery.

I suspect the wise idea is to buy a genuine replacement if you can find one, but it may be more than the T41 is worth.

What are the pros and cons of replacement batteries? I see a price range of $25 to $75 or higher on Ebay.

For now, I just use these occasionally, with the power adapter. If I gift them to someone, they should probably have a battery.

All suggestions welcome.

[twbranch]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

The dell batteries are rebuildable (<spelling). I am not so sure that is the problem. It maybe internal circuitry to the laptop that allows the battery to be recongnized. Someone on here will probably know that answer.

[budm]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

I know that some of the IBM and Dell use ID chip in the batteries (just like Dell has ID chip in the AC adapter), I have customers that brought in laptop with new batteries (non-oem) that will not charge or computers go into shutdown. I put in OEM batt and everything works again.

[ratdude747]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

I'd personally find worn out OEM batteries and have them rebuilt. That way you get brand new cells (not NOS, NOS isn't a good thing for LiON cells) AND an OEM ID chip.

[twbranch]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

yea the rebuilt battery will have better cells that last a lot longer. may cost a bit but well worth it in the long run.

[jetadm123]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

I know that some of the IBM and Dell use ID chip in the batteries (just like Dell has ID chip in the AC adapter), I have customers that brought in laptop with new batteries (non-oem) that will not charge or computers go into shutdown. I put in OEM batt and everything works again.

I guess that forces you to purchase OEM batteries from them at their outrageous prices. At least until the third-party manufacturers figure out a way to copy their ID chip.

[delaware74b]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

For the IBM, I would recommend the following battery for $55USD + shipping. New battery pack with Sanyo cells. Good company, no problems.

http://www.level8technology.com/ibm-...41-battery-610

They also have one for the Dell, but it's on backorder with estimated arrival in 1-2 weeks. $85.50USD + shipping. they also have a high-capacity one for $99USD in stock.

http://www.level8technology.com/dell...0-battery-2595

[twbranch]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

I guess that forces you to purchase OEM batteries from them at their outrageous prices. At least until the third-party manufacturers figure out a way to copy their ID chip.

Not necessarily. I have rebuilt many of those packs. As long as you don't damage the chip and connect it back the way it was connected before you will be fine. I have never had a problem with that. I am sure the aftermarket dudes that are refurbishing batteries are doing this, but some may be building them without the chip. Just make sure the company you buy from is reputable and you will be fine. Batteries Plus have them but are kind of high if you ask me and I am not sure what kind of cells are them. Just do some shoping. Level 8 seems to have good prices.

[bigbeark]

Re: Replacement Laptop Battery Suggestions?

Thanks for all the suggestions.

This Dell D830 is not detecting the battery. I used smartmontools, it shows the battery temperature, but not it's charge status. When I disconnect the power cord, the machine stops instantly.

My wife's Dell failed similarly. Dell service told her it WASN'T the battery, the motherboard would need replacement, only $350.

I guess the obvious thing is to find someone with a good battery and try it before buying a replacement.

Any experiences to share?