Genuine or Aftermarket Battery

Hello:

I would like to purchase a replacement battery for my Lenovo T520 notebook. Are there any quality differences between the inexpensive aftermarket batteries vs the more expensive Lenovo brand batteries? Is this is a case where you get what you paid for?

Thanks,
C.

 

In my not-so-modest experience, yes.

Genuine batteries can be found on both feebay and Lenovo's outlet, the latter might test your patience, though.

Happy shopping.

 

OEM batteries, while expensive, are pretty much going to work 100% of the time. Aftermarket batteries, while cheaper, can be a hit or miss (several variables go into that). Some aftermarket sellers have good batteries, some have okay batteries, and some are crap.

 

We order our replacement batteries from laptopcharge.com and have never had any problems with them

 

You'll need to do your research to find a reliable aftermarket battery supplier for Thinkpads (I know ZaZ had a favorable experience with one). I think Power Manager will give you intermittent nag messages of "non-genuine" battery status every once in a while as well, but that's a more minor concern.

 

Like the others mentioned. OEM batteries are one of the safest ways to go, you can often buy from a OEM battery supplier for a lower price than the official outlet.

Like most products, you normally get what you pay for. That is not to say that the most expensive is always best but if your comparing a product from reputable suppliers and the price difference is substantial, you can safely assume there is a quality difference. When talking batteries that normally comes down to the type and quality of cells used in the battery. Higher capacity (mAh) cells from reputable manufacturers i.e. Samsung, LG etc simply cost more, naturally this mean the products that use them are more expensive.

 

nice thread. i'm in the market for a new 9 cell for my T400 as well. i still get 6 to 7 hours on the currenty one after 4.5 years, but i want it back at 11 to 12 hours.
will probably go for a new oem one for ~$90 on ebay as lenovo epp sells em for $140 i believe.

still need help finding a new AC adapter though. none of the ones on lenovos website specify which computer theyre used for.

 

Well, you need a 20V/90W adapter...the same one used on all ThinkPads with discrete graphics since *60 series.

Expect to pay $20 for a genuine one on feebay or TPF's Marketplace, presuming you're in the U.S.

 

yeh the current one i have is a 20v/90w yet my moms T400 that she has from work, that one uses a smaller one thats 60w i believe(not 100% on this).

i'm assuming thats because her model is integrated gfx only, and since I only use the integrated on my T400, could I just use an adapter like hers?

edit: ok so i guess this is her adapter:
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...tem.detail?GroupID=460&Code=40Y7696#techspecs

its 65w and the only one listed when i search for T400 accessories.

anyone know if this can be used if i'm only on integrated?

 

oh, completely forgot. i actually bought an aftermarket 90w off ebay a few weeks back, but had to return it since the cables were half the length of the oem one. disappointing considering it only cost me $10.

the only oem ones i can find on ebay are used.

 

I've used the 65W adapter with my T500 when on integrated graphics with no problems. I haven't noticed any downclocking or any negative consequences other than slower battery charging.

 

You can go for aftermarket one but you have to do a very good research before buying for your lenovo model and find which is one. If you want to avoid all this just go for OEM one and you will be fine. It's your choice but remember if you are going for aftermarket one do a good research first.

I bought an aftermarket one 2 months ago for the Lenovo T61 and still works like a charm!

 

This statement would bear a lot more weight if we were talking about 2 years (at least) and not 2 months...

 

When it comes to batteries, I never go for the cheap aftermarket option, not worth the risk.

You normally get better long-term performance from a OEM or Genuine Lenovo battery, they will almost always use better quality cells (which cost more) and reduce your risk of having a battery overheat/explode.