Laptop compatible batteries?
May 13, 2008 11:08 AM Subscribe
BoringQuestionFilter: Are OEM-compatible laptop batteries as good as OEM batteries? Any experiences, good or bad, with compatible batteries, or tips for getting a good one?
You would want to make sure the "compatible" battery is identical in tech specs (# of cells, voltage, etc) and not simply "compatible" in the sense that "Yes, this will fit your standard Dell Inspiron 1337". Also anecdotally, even without battery fires there have been several recalls in the past where users were able to exchange an old battery for a new one. The knockoffs would not be eligible for such exchanges so this could play a role in whether it is worth it or not.
posted by genial at 12:12 PM on May 13, 2008
posted by genial at 12:12 PM on May 13, 2008
I think the risk of fire from non-OEM compatible batteries is overstated. Look at eBay seller ratings for compatible battery sellers. You'd think there would be some indication in the ratings if there were a rash of fires. I also think that unless the battery damages your laptop, it's unlikely to void your warranty.
Those things being said, I've had trouble with several non OEM batteries simply not working in various laptops. Many of these are shipped directly from Hong Kong, Japan, etc. so they can be a big hassle to return. Curiously, I've had great luck with non-OEM camera batteries.
My worry would be the batteries not working rather than fire or a voided warranty.
posted by cnc at 1:59 PM on May 13, 2008
Those things being said, I've had trouble with several non OEM batteries simply not working in various laptops. Many of these are shipped directly from Hong Kong, Japan, etc. so they can be a big hassle to return. Curiously, I've had great luck with non-OEM camera batteries.
My worry would be the batteries not working rather than fire or a voided warranty.
posted by cnc at 1:59 PM on May 13, 2008
See dansdata's and my comments here:
http://ask.metafilter.com/91069/How-do-I-buy-the-right-laptop-battery-when-all-the-sites-tell-me-I-need-something-different
Risk of fire, probably not so much. Risk of not getting the value for your dollar, greater.
posted by gjc at 3:40 PM on May 13, 2008
http://ask.metafilter.com/91069/How-do-I-buy-the-right-laptop-battery-when-all-the-sites-tell-me-I-need-something-different
Risk of fire, probably not so much. Risk of not getting the value for your dollar, greater.
posted by gjc at 3:40 PM on May 13, 2008
In my case, the batteries were great. Side by side, I couldn't tell the difference. They were so perfectly identical that I wonder if they were made in the same factory... the only difference was that I was paying half as much for them.
I never run the laptop battery flat, so I can't confirm the performance was identical, but I didn't notice any difference - with both the original and the OEMs, I would could play a feature-length DVD and have plenty of power left afterwards. That's the only metric I have, sorry.
posted by -harlequin- at 5:43 PM on May 13, 2008
I never run the laptop battery flat, so I can't confirm the performance was identical, but I didn't notice any difference - with both the original and the OEMs, I would could play a feature-length DVD and have plenty of power left afterwards. That's the only metric I have, sorry.
posted by -harlequin- at 5:43 PM on May 13, 2008
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More important, using a non-OEM battery will probably void any warranty you may have. Even if your laptop is OUT of warranty, I know that manufacturers often replace/repair for free in those rare cases of battery fire, since it's such an embarrassment for them. But if you're using a third party battery, I'm also quite sure their response would be "Well there's your problem right there, pal."
posted by rokusan at 11:49 AM on May 13, 2008