Need a new battery and Sony discontined my model, recommend a reliable replacement company?

I need a new battery for my Sony Vaio FW-190.

The battery model number is VGP-BPS13/S (4400mAh).

I've been searching Google, and there are plenty of options, some that even provide more juice (which I wouldn't mind), but they are all from different companies and I have no idea who is trustworthy. I always thought for batteries it was best to go with the original company, but that's not an option.

One company even said it would require a BIOS update since it's not an official Sony battery which I'd rather not risk.

Any good/trustworthy companies for Sony replacements?

Thanks for any help.

 

Sorry, but Sony batteries are the only way to go with Sony computers. The problem is that Sony puts a chip in the battery that "shakes hands" with the computer to make everything work properly. The reason those third party brands require a BIOS update is to make the computer avoid shaking hands with the battery. I'd highly recommend going with another Sony battery, even though it's more expensive, it's better to play it safe and not risk bricking your computer due to a failed BIOS update.

There's quite a few GENUINE batteries on eBay that don't break the bank. ($40-$50) range.

VGP-BPS13 S genuine | eBay

Good luck!

 

I see, and I understand. I did look on eBay, however they were all used. It wasn't the price, I just assume all the used batteries had lost charge just like my current one.

My current one still works, but only lasts like 10 minutes.

Thanks for the info.

 

You should still be able to purchase one directly from Sony! Accessories and spare parts are usually available long after a certain model in discontinued.

 

Be prepared to pay way too much if you buy direct from Sony.

 

I got this extended (9 cell) authentic Sony NEW battery on eBay from a distributor in California (much quicker delivery than the Asian sources and easier return if there is a problem) and, at $159, free shipping and no tax (except to Calif. residents) it was about 50% off the Sony price. Don't know if they have the std 6-cell avail, but I highly recommend the 9 cell. It does not feel as heavy as I expected, and within a day, you don't even notice your Z is about .75 lb or so heavier. I'm getting 6-9 hrs depending on use.

NEW GENUINE SONY VGP-BPL20 EXTENDED BATTERY 7800 VPC-Z - eBay (item 270721173882 end time May-15-11 11:27:53 PDT)

 

He's using a different computer from us. His is an FW so that battery won't work for him.

 

Not sure if the following link helps:

https://servicesales.sel.sony.com/e...&searchOperation=modelSearch&searchText=VGNFW

Assuming the OP is based in the U.S., maybe he/she would like to call up SonyParts dept. at 1-800-488-SONY (7669) to place an order for the above. Good luck.

 

Unfortunately, based on my own experience, that is not totally true. What I've encountered were more the opposite.

It seems to me like Sony does not tend to keep accessories and spare parts available long after a model has been discontinued. In fact, Sony does not even keep any stock of some of their spare parts for current models that are still being sold. That may also partly explain why some fellow members had reported that Sony basically gave them a refund for their broken VAIO VPC-Z notebooks that were being sent in for repair because it isn't that Sony (or their authorized service providers) do not want to repair the faulty notebooks but that they simply do not have the spare parts (nor will they be getting these parts in) to perform the required repair services. That just about sums up Sony's excellent after-sales support IMHO.

Of course, the above are just based on my own experiences & YMMV.