Generic batteries?

Anyone have experience using generic battery replacements to Dell's batteries? My Dell battery died (not gradual loss - it had a heart attack and died) about two years into getting my notebook. If I can spend $40 on an ebay battery that's comparable to Dell's $160, why not?

Anyone have experience or reviews?

 

I'm using a Chinese knockoff 9-cell for my Studio 1535 from eBay as we speak. It cost me $65 with free shipping, and for that price, I can't complain about the performance. I'm using it to replace my official Dell 6-cell battery, which gives me around 2:30 battery life. By comparison, the 9-cell will give me between 4:30 and 5 hours depending on settings.

 

In general, I think generic batteries are pretty much a crapshot. Sometimes, as Shroom just noted, you'll get a good one, and other times, as noted in a bunch of other threads, you'll get a piece of junk. Personally, batteries are the one component I would only buy from your OEM, but that's just me.

 

What reseller did you buy it from? Is it "official OEM overstock" with english writing on it or does it have chinese writing on it? I see chinese ones for ~$40 (9 cell) and overstock OEM ones (that actually say "battery replacement" and other stuff in english beneath) for ~55.

 

I wouldn't do this...I'm with CWolf on this...

I, would rather put out the money on one that is backed and guaranteed with a warranty..vs. taking any chances on one that might be harmful to my lappy.

But, it comes down to your personal choice..and any risks and chances you are willing to take. I'm sure there are some good ebay sellers out there.

Cin

 

I'd have to agree with Cwolf and Cin. I'd never trust generic batteries, especially when there's been so many incidents of overheating batteries in the recent past.

 

This is the seller I got mine from:

http://stores.ebay.com/mambate

They were pretty quick to respond to my questions, too; I accidentally had it shipped to the wrong address and emailed them to correct it, and they replied the next morning, no questions asked.

 

Quick q. dont have battery time. Can I use a m1330 charger on a m1530 ?

 

Yes. The majority of all Dell AC adapters are interchangeable. As long as it's 90W, which I'm fairly sure it is, it will be just fine. You can check if it's 90W on the adapter itself.

 

Argh, the 1330 seems to have a 65W charger. The 1330 charger two times smaller than my 1530 charger.

Anyway, all my charger does is beep, so I shall claim my warranty then.

 

Could I still charge my battery with the 65W adapter ? I mean when my computer is shut down.

 

It's hit or miss. Depending on your particular component configuration, it may charge or it may not. You better get hold of a 90W adapter as soon as you can, though.

 

I'm not sure that a generic battery could actually damage your laptop unless they wired something wrong right that the start. When most batteries fail they don't spike in voltage or anything.