Thinkpads Forum

I have two X61s * each with an ultrabase ** and each with a dead high capacity battery (which hangs out from the back but fits the ultrabase just fine).

Now I need to buy new high capacity (8-cell?) batteries. I want them to be recognized by Thinkvantage Power controls, etc. and want good cells (Sanyo?), but don't want to pay twice the price for Lenovo branded batteries. You guys really helped me out before ***, so

What is the Best High Capacity Battery for X61s?

* FYI, I am really happy with these computers. I have upgraded each to: W7 64-bit; 8GB ram DDR2 PC2-5300; Seagate STAN500100 Momentus XT Solid State Hybrid Hard Drive 500GB and although I have not had any heating problems, I have just received and will be installing a second small fan; also have ordered but not yet rec'd wireless-n IBM Lenovo 4965 4965AGN WLAN Card 42T0865 42T0947 (supposedly no bios hacking req'd).

** To provide additional chassis stiffness and DVD multiburner and so my audio, USB and other plug ports can wear out on the ultrabase and not on the motherboard.

*** Based on your help, I bought a Logitech 9000 ($30.88+$6.95 shipping) and a C510 ($17.03+$6.95 shipping) on ebay. Thanks!

You have two very nice lenovo notebooks - they are really nice. Panasonic cells are the best. There was a battery for a luxury x60 series from lenovo, the reserved edition. This battery also fits to the x60. I am not sure if this battery is with panasonic. The reserved edition battery does not stand out that much as the standard 8 cell battery, so I'd take a look at this model.

I have an aftermarket (non-genuine Lenovo) high capacity battery that does not fit when used with an Ultrabase. It works fine and appears to charge correctly, but the case of the battery pack is not shaped exactly like the original batteries provided by Lenovo. It does not match the depression along the back edge of the Ultrabase. You should be careful if you decide to buy something other than a factory battery. For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/250481109296 (says "Guaranteed Compatible" and "100% Compatible" but also says "This extended battery will not fit all docking stations.")
http://cgi.ebay.com/130315681439 (says "works as genuine parts, 100% OEM Compatible!!" but then states "Attention: It does not fit in docking station.")

The best advice I can give is to stick with genuine batteries. Look for the Lenovo logo on the battery. If it says "Replacement for..." then it's probably a knock-off. You can get good deals at the Lenovo Outlet Store ( http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/batteries.html ) from time to time, or place a wanted ad here in the Marketplace forum.

edit: You might also want to be aware of a past recall that was done on some X60 batteries:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... att-lenovo

In the UK i didn't want to pay £127 for a new Lenova battery, but managed to find a seller dealing in "returns". I got a genuine Lenova battery, 2010, for £49.

As mentioned, try the outlet if in the USA, otherwise try and find someone who sells seconds, or returns.

Extra high capacity 12-cell battery http://cgi.ebay.com/12Cell-Battery-IBM- ... 45f6f9c602
but it is not compatible with Ultrabase

I have not found the best battery yet, thanks for the help. I will report back with what I find.

I can report back on the wireless-n IBM Lenovo 4965 4965AGN WLAN Card 42T0865 42T0947 (ebay for $15). I've installed these and they were recognized and drivers were installed automatically by W7 64-bit, no white list bios-hacking required. The range and speed are noticably improved.

BTW, the Seagate Hybrid 500 GB drives make these machines fast. Does not show in Windows Experience rating likely because Windows Experience uses a random read/write to test access speed while the Seagate Hybrid hard drive uses "most accessed" software algorithm to store those programs in the flash memory. Startup and shutdown and loading of most often used programs is substantially faster.

The small second fan power wiring is an issue because I do not have the WAN card to plug the fan plug into. I do have my old wireless-BG minicards which I could cut up and wire to the fan, but it seems easier just to wire the fan in-line with the wiring to the existing fan. There are three wires on the second small fan, which likely means it is a two-stage fan? Regardless, I don't need to play with this install for a while since I have had no heating problems with either the wireless-n card or the Seagate Hybrid drive installed for about 4 weeks now.

Thanks again for your help.
Tim