Best aftermarket battery for T61p 15.4"

[ThorOfAsgard]

First question: is this the correct battery for the 15.4" widescreen T61p? https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/migr-67501

It doesn't list the T61p explicitly in the compatible models. But I can't seem to find anything else.

Second question: since all of the OEM batteries are pretty old and hard to find at this point, does anyone have a suggestion for a quality aftermarket battery? I've tried two cheap aftermarket batteries in the unit and it'll spontaneously power off after running for a couple minutes. The only battery that will keep it running is an original IBM 6 cell I have, but it will not run it for very long. I also imagine the battery is rather old as it says "IBM" on it.

From what I've read thus far, I should look for 85WH and stay away from the 73WH as those may actually be 8 cell batteries.

Any input appreciated.

[ThorOfAsgard]

P.S. Read through this one: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=127111 and one other, but have so far not found any 3rd party suggestions or links. Still researching.

[TPFanatic]

That's the correct battery, yep.

It's still better to find a used OEM (Panasonic is the best) than any Aftermarket IMO, they're just not to quality especially with longevity. If you get an Aftermarket and recell it with higher quality cells, you'll have something worthwhile.

[ajkula66]

It's still better to find a used OEM (Panasonic is the best) than any Aftermarket IMO,

This, times a zillion.

[ThorOfAsgard]

There are no OEM batteries available that have been made in the last 5 years.

So I'm still looking for aftermarket recommendations. There must be someone who makes a decent battery.

[ajkula66]

There are no OEM batteries available that have been made in the last 5 years.

True. However, there are still NOS batteries out there, and Panasonics have been known to last easily for a decade, staying in "green" even after 7-800 cycles. You won't get that with an aftermarket battery, period.

So I'm still looking for aftermarket recommendations. There must be someone who makes a decent battery.

I've always maintained that use of aftermarket batteries amounts to playing Russian Roulette with the charging circuitry of one's ThinkPad, but to each their own.

Good luck.

[wujstefan]

There are no OEM batteries available that have been made in the last 5 years.

So I'm still looking for aftermarket recommendations. There must be someone who makes a decent battery.

I've still got couple of good batteries - actually genuine batteries that are 15+ years still can hold a decent charge, with 90% charge genuine battery from A31p being the top cherry of this pie. Try getting a genuine one.

True. However, there are still NOS batteries out there, and Panasonics have been known to last easily for a decade, staying in "green" even after 7-800 cycles. You won't get that with an aftermarket battery, period.

I'm signing this one with both my hands. I have found a good supply of NOS batteries some time ago. Mybe it's not "depleted" yet.

[zod]

https://patona.eu/en/our-portfolio/

[sdfox7]

There are no OEM batteries available that have been made in the last 5 years.

True. However, there are still NOS batteries out there, and Panasonics have been known to last easily for a decade, staying in "green" even after 7-800 cycles. You won't get that with an aftermarket battery, period.

So I'm still looking for aftermarket recommendations. There must be someone who makes a decent battery.

I've always maintained that use of aftermarket batteries amounts to playing Russian Roulette with the charging circuitry of one's ThinkPad, but to each their own.

Good luck.

I can attest and certify this is accurate. I'm charging my battery right now, but even with 604 cycles, the original 2007 September battery that came with the laptop is still "Good" and in the green. See the screenshot:

http://sdfox7.com/ibm/t61p/t61pbatt.jpg

If I was going to recommend an aftermarket battery that isn't Panasonic, I have had excellent luck with Sanyo batteries on my vintage ThinkPads like the T23 and T41 in my signature.