Thinkpads Forum

Hi guys,

Unfortunately being down in New Zealand the Lenovo outlet won't ship to me, and local sources for authentic batteries seem to be very very expensive ($200+ USD), so I've been trawling through so many different threads reading about OEM vs aftermarket batteries. (Put a vote down for a sticky right about now - I'm still none the wiser about which eBay sellers have actually sold working products!)

However, I've noticed that a lot of aftermarket 6-cell replacements are listing compatibility with both the Z61M and T60 4:3 part numbers, yet Lenovo sells these as two separate batteries?

Specifically, on kahlon.com (who seem to be reasonably recommended), they have two models: BHEL-6799 for $34 - comes up in a search for 40Y6799 but only in a product search for the Z6x models, and -6789 for $64 which also comes up in the search for 40Y6799, but only in a product search for the R and T6x series.

I also notice that the 9-cell battery is the same for both models. Is there actually a difference in the 6 cell? Battery software or something? What a mission!

Finally, I might as well ask whether anyone has bought an aftermarket battery with Japanese or Korean cells that's still going strong, and where they got it from?

To help answer this, machines will be divided into two categories, based on the batteries they will accept. (Note, all p, e, i variants of the machines listed below are included, so a 15.4" WS R61e falls into Type A.)

Machine Class/Battery Slot Type A
14.1" 4:3 LCD R60, T60 or T61
15.1" 4:3 LCD R60, T60
15.4" WS LCD R60, T60, R61, T61, R500, T500, W500

Machine Class/Battery Slot Type B
15.4" WS LCD Z60m, Z61m, Z61p, Z61e

Six cell batteries for Type A models are all interchangeable, however, the Type A six cell battery design is unique and will not fit in the Type B models.

Six cell batteriers for Type B models are all interchangeable, however, the Type B six cell battery design is unique and will not fit in the Type A models.

In addition to being rounded at the back to match the shape of the machine (as opposed to squared off), the Type B six cell battery is notched on the side so that it won't fit in the Type A machines. The reverse is also true, the Type A six cell battery won't slide into the Type B machines.

All that being said, the nine cell batteries are completely interchangeable among all the models Type A and Type B. They are keyed to fit in all models listed. And, since they extend an inch past the back of each machine, matching the shape of the machine is not an issue.

Technically, the batteries are probably interchangeable, however, as I wrote, they are definitely keyed for specific machines, Z-series or otherwise. Of course, a Dremel could fix that.

Regarding generic, non-Lenovo parts, it is possible that the six cell units are keyed or notched to be used in any model, as are the Lenovo nine cell units. However, caveat emptor.

Thanks underclocker, exactly what I was after

Thought it might be something like this. It's about time we had a few 'standard' form factor laptop batteries, isn't it!?

The outlets prices aren't much better than eBay these days.