Anyone ever puchased a replacement laptop battery?

[Trigger Happy]

When laptop batteries no longer hold their charge is it a good idea to purchase a non-branded one or is it a bit of a risk?

This is specifically for a Sony Vaio laptop.

Any recommendations on reputable places to buy would be welcome.

 

[Adam H]

Most replacement unbranded ones ive come across have been cheapo china ones which get hot.......or worse. I brought a couple for my old Vaio 5 or 6 years ago and they were fine apart from the heat, but you always hear about these cheap batteries catching fire so i probably wouldn't get one again. Likewise i brought a 18v battery for my DeWalt drill, again.........wouldnt leave it charging while i wasn't around

Try and buy from a UK stockist and real business, not ebay is probably the best advise to go on.

 

[TallBloke]

I steer clear of batteries, power adapters, chargers etc that are cheap, no-name makes from the likes of China.

If Samsung can have issues with batteries exploding how much faith can you put in the ebay cheap stuff?

 

[keys]

I have bought many non-branded batteries for notebooks, cameras etc. The apparent savings compared with genuine units can be significant. Not had problems with overheating, but expect a short life (limited cycles) compared with original batteries. I would certainly avoid the cheapest offerings.

Some clone batteries are quite good, possibly made in the same factories as branded units but without recognised labels and support. Finding for a supplier with a good reputation/history and reasonable savings might be a satisfactory option.

If you are likely to continue using your equipment for several more years a genuine battery is probably the best solution. You can be sure it will fit properly, be compatible, and have a worthwhile guarantee.

 

[martin-s]

I've never minded for cameras and the like, but I wouldn't currently consider a cheap battery for a laptop for exactly the same reasons others have mentioned.

Am equally keen to know if there are reputable brands out there!

 

[Skinner]

For a while Energiser made battieries for cameras an laptops, my back up batteries for the Canon 5D mk1, 2 and 3 were all Energiser, the same place I bought them did a limited range of laptop batteries by Energiser, not sure if they still do.

 

[findtim]

yep, using it right now !

ebay, from hong kong, free delivery, arrived on time, 25% of what i had to pay in oz, works PERFECT.

other note: i've only ever had 1 hassle on ebay and it was all sorted and refunded BECAUSE i used paypal

tim

 

[anthony]

A better approach is to not throw away the original battery unit, as the internal electronics and power management are geared to suit your specific laptop, and instead try to replace the cells only.

 

[anderow]

Ive used loads of unbranded replacement laptop batteries, some with increased capacity. All have worked perfectly.