Experiences with non-IBM/Lenovo batteries

[MrMaguire]

I recently bought a chinese 9-cell that was said to be compatible with my T42. Long story short, it didn't work at all and i sent it back to the seller for a refund.

I was just wondering what kind of experience people have had with these non-genuine batteries. Some seem to work, some don't.

[richk]

I have never run across any good ones

[RWDPLZ]

Same, longest I had an off-brand work was 5 months.

[ThinkRob]

I have never run across any good ones

I have.

It's rare in my experience, but I finally found some decent high-end non-OEM 9-cell T6x batteries on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001250KX4

My advice would be this:

1) Go for an OEM one if money isn't an issue.

2) Go with a reputable third party seller (like the Sonata battery series) if you can't go OEM.

3) Don't buy on eBay unless a) you have an excellent command of Chinese or b) you have an established relationship with a trusted seller.

[Amigaman]

Unfortunately it is not always possible to buy an OEM battery, even if you are willing to pay for it!

Case in point - My X41 needs a new battery.

I searched for an OEM battery, they simply do not exist for sale anymore.

So I'm forced to buy a non-OEM battery..

[MrMaguire]

Exactly.

[MnR]

Hi,

I have only bought one third party battery for my IBMs. IT was a BTC (I think). It was fine, But the only other third party one I bought lasted to charge s and then would never charge past 39 percent.

I have bought to Nine cell batteries OEM from eBay one 5 hour and one 4 hour running time at my price (CHEAP)...

MnR

[Stan]

The best make of third party batteries I’ve used has been Cameron Sino. I’ve used them for a few years in mobile ‘phones and even managed to get one for my Eee PC 701, all have performed flawlessly.

The problem with CS is one of supply, at least in the UK.

In the past hour I’ve been to the CS website and registered (the site requires registration) so as to check out availability of ThinkPad batteries, I’ll report back once the registration takes hold.

[Stan]

Ok, I haven’t dropped the ball on this. I registered and was able to log on to the CS site. The site is geared toward wholesale business and not to retail customers.

The good news is that CS does make batteries for the ThinkPad range including the T42.

I subsequently e- mailed CS asking for a retailer list in UK/Europe and the US, should I get a reply I will post the results in this thread.

[MrMaguire]

I'll be glad to hear from you.

[Stan]

I’ve had no reply from Cameron Sino thus far. I have found a web site "in the UK" selling a T4x et al battery bearing the CS part number, CS-IBT40, for the relevant battery: -

http://www.powershopuk.com/product/Batt ... BT40-74450

I can’t vouch for the above company; it may well be a drop shipper and hold no stock. But that’s the way CS prefers to sell to “retailers”.

The alternative seems to be to buy third party batteries on eBay at the lowest available price and be prepared to buy several batteries over a period of time. As one battery starts to degrade below a level you dislike, order another at the lowest price you can get one for.

Most third party batteries seem to “much of a muchness”, those that aren’t seem to be almost unobtainable in the UK. Sadly.

[uberT]

I bought one for my T30 recenlty. It's working well, so far.