Pointers on getting a replacement battery for my new T21

[Fred Brodeur]

I finally got a T21 locally. It's a 2648 ED7.
I've maxed out the RAM and replaced the HD with a 5400 rpm 100 Gig HD.

I need to replace the main battery. (02K6649)

Can anyone suggest where to make my purchase?

This is my first ThinkPad and I like it a lot, It's not the one I WANTED, (That would be a T42!) but the one I could afford for right now. My daughter will inherit this one in a few months.

This is also my first post here so "Welcome to me!!"


Fred

[mysbca]

Welcome, Fred.

I've had good success getting new T30 batteries for my T23 from Ebay.
Make sure you get new original or genuine IBM batteries, not the clones or generics. The T30 batteries has a higher capacity, 4400 mAH, than the T2x batteries, 3600 mAH, so you can go a little longer between charges.

The T30 batteries seem to be newer, too; manufactured in 2003 instead of 2000/2001. Others will warn you that Li-Ion batteries deteriorate even sitting around, so the newer the better. The batteries that I've received has been close to 99% of the design capacity.

Good price range would be $50-$55 shipped.

Good luck.

[lilserenity]

I'm not sure what your reasoning for avoiding clones or generics is? I presume a bad experience.

FWIW I have bought a generic T2x series battery from eBay for a competitive price and never suffered problems from it or poor discharge time, and it charges up to 100% still.

Of course my other advice would be to avoid battery's described as "Looks brand new" or whatever, only buy a new battery unless you are 100% satisfied that it won't be a heavy hulk of plastic in the post.

Vicky

[Fred Brodeur]

I don't have a problem getting a non IBM battery (blasphemer!!)
And I do know about the physical characteristics of Lithium Ion batteries.

I've been looking at Oncore batteries because they say they come with a "Born on" date! so I'll know what I'm dealing with.

I do have a question about using a T30 battery in a T21!
Will the increased voltage cause problems? (Electrical Engineers can jump in here!) The added capacity of 4400mAH would be nice and I'm assuming they are the same physical size/shape.

Vicky! I took a look at your web site and would love to talk to you about your wireless mods to your ThinkPad. I'm using an SMC 802.11G wireless card and would LOVE to get a mini PCI G card snuggled in this baby!!! Maybe you can PM me

Fred

[Leon]

Fred, welcome (at least as a poster), to our Forum. Please add location and other pertinent information to your profile. Not required, but appreciated.

[mysbca]

I'm not sure what your reasoning for avoiding clones or generics is? I presume a bad experience.

I might be just propagating a myth, but I read somewhere that some newer IBM bios has problems with non-IBM batteries.

I do have a question about using a T30 battery in a T21!
Will the increased voltage cause problems? (Electrical Engineers can jump in here!) The added capacity of 4400mAH would be nice and I'm assuming they are the same physical size/shape.

I have both the T2x battery and a T30 battery. They both have the same output voltage, 10.8V and are the same physical size/shape. The T3x battery just has extra capacity.