Thinkpads Forum

I have a Z61 battery that I'd like to use as a spare for my W500. The rated voltage is identical and the connector looks the same. The molded plastic guide on one side of the battery is slightly different than the W500 battery.

I have a Dremel tool. Is there any reason I shouldn't?

Which Z61 battery is it? Z61t/m/p/e? Not all are the same.

FYI, I have noticed this myself. Whereas, you can swap any Z60m or Z61m 9 cell battery with any R60, T500, W500 or 15.4" R61 or T61, you can not swap 6 cell batteries between the Z and other series. This is due to the molded plastic on the side of the battery. I believe the batteries are actually compatible between models, becuase as you noted, they are the same capacity and connector. I believe they are "keyed" differently because the Z60m and Z61m have the rounded backside and the others are squared off (this doesn't matter with a 9 cell since it sticks out an inch). I'd say the keying is for aesthetics.

Let us know what you do.

Alternately, you could post a trade ad in the marketplace, include the battery stats.; cycles, dates, Wh capacity. Perhaps you will find a suitable trade.

It was a Z61m and it's a 6-cell battery.

If the battery will work in my W500, I'm keeping it. I will list the rest of the machine's components in the marketplace in a month when I'm back in town.

Edit: I trimmed the plastic molding and installed the battery in my W500. It claims to be charging and appears to be reasonably secure.