No longer an option to get an 8-cell battery with X61/X61s?

[henrikb]

Hi.

Arghh... I finally decided to get a Thinkpad X61, but now lenovo.com no longer give me the option to choose between a 4-cell or 8-cell battery; there is only the option to get the 4-cell battery. The 8-cell is only available as an additional battery pack. (Same for X61s).

Has anyone seen this before? Do they have too many 4-cell batteries they can't get rid of?!? Is it worth waiting and see if the option comes back?

Cheers

Henrik

[RS_003]

I don't know about the website, updating or not.

But what i can say: that it is mighty handy to have both the 4Cell and 8Cell, you really do notice the difference (in weight) while using.

For short trips where I have to do a lot of note taking I use the 4Cell, and for long trips where I also need to use my X61T as an laptop i take the 8Cell with me.

So, every disadvantage has it advantage. Have Both

[snots]

I've spoken to reps before; they are having an 8-cell shortage. Ordering an 8-cell a few days ago delayed your order by 1 week.

They have it available as a separate option because then, most likely, they will ship your computer to your first and then ship you the battery a few weeks later. That is the option I was presented with (although I chose to delay by 1 week).

So if you want your computer ASAP at the current price, best bet is to order now and just get the 8-cell separately.


btw. go bears

[tallshorty]

If you want the 8 cell, call Lenovo yourself and order it over the phone. The sales reps can order it. It is only $40 extra.

[henrikb]

Thanks. Is it still possible to apply the eCoupons discounts if you order the system online by phone?

/H

[gunston]

8 cells battery can be easily obtained from ebay.

[tallshorty]

8 cells battery can be easily obtained from ebay.

I'm pretty sure the OS has thought about that but why pay $80-100 more when you can just upgrade it for $30?

[tallshorty]

Thanks. Is it still possible to apply the eCoupons discounts if you order the system online by phone?

/H

Yes you can. Just tell them the coupon code. Only thing is, they won't let you buy through EPP/CPP if you don't qualify.

[VietNinjaXTC]

8 cells battery can be easily obtained from ebay.

I'm pretty sure the OS has thought about that but why pay $80-100 more when you can just upgrade it for $30?

You'd have 2 batteries if you bought the 8-cell separate. That's what I did...but I bought my 8-cell from buydig.com for $140 shipped.

[henrikb]

FYI,

got the X61 with the 4-cell battery in less than 5 days (to Berkeley, CA). Ordered the 8-cell battery listed as "Shipping withing 2-3 days" on May 21, 2008. The product still haven't been shipped as of May 26, 2008, and is listed with an estimated shipping date on August 13, 2008(!):

Quantity, Part No., Description, Est. Ship Date, Item Price, Line Total
1, 40Y7003, THINKPAD X60 SERIES 8 CELL HIGH CAPACITY BATTERY, 08/13/08, $179.00, $179.00

Maybe they have a huge back log of the 8-cell battery and this is why it does not show up as an option when you buy the notebook?!

/H

[adrianaitken]

There was a major fire in the far east where most batteries are made. Perhaps Lenovo have decided to use their remaining cells to only make the 4-cell batteries so they have twice as many batteries if they had made the 8-cell batteries.
You can't sell laptops without batteries easily !!!

[minc3d]

There's someone on the Marketplace here at least 2-3 times per month looking to trade 8 cells for 4 cells.... I would get the 4 cell and do a trade with a worthy forum member. Saves both sides hassle.

[henrikb]

FYI, I just called Lenovo and canceled my May 21 8-cell battery order that was scheduled for shipment on Aug 13(!). After asking why I wanted to cancel(!), the guy said they have a big back log on those batteries. I asked why, but he quickly moved on without answering.

H

[ryengineer]

FYI, I just called Lenovo and canceled my May 21 8-cell battery order that was scheduled for shipment on Aug 13(!). After asking why I wanted to cancel(!), the guy said they have a big back log on those batteries. I asked why, but he quickly moved on without answering.

H

There was a fire at a major notebook battery manufacturer in South Korea, it's the reason behind the shortage of batteries.