<p>Battery for DS’s Dell laptop has died (naturally as soon as he returned to school). I checked their website for a replacement and they are asking more than $150. Can anyone recommend an alternative source and tell me how to compare model numbers? Much appreciated.</p>
<p>I have bought replacement batteries on Amazon and have been happy with the result.</p>
<p>Amazon is the way to go when you need replacement batteries, chargers or power cords. Sony wanted $99 for a charger, I got one off of Amazon for $20 - identically looking made in China cr*p, just doesn’t have the Sony logo on it.</p>
<p>With batteries, though, you have to be careful. Some of those flaming battery issues from a couple of years ago were non-standard batteries. Be sure it’s a reputable source. Is the rest of the computer under warranty still? Using a non-standard battery can have an impact on warranty, or at least give them an excuse to give you hassles. It’s hard to compare model numbers, you can find the part number from the Dell web site and search for equivalent or just use the computer model number.Amazon does appear to have some OEM batteries for less.</p>
<p>I have purchased from Batteries Plus as they have stores in my city, but you can also look online.</p>
<p>[Batteries</a> Plus battery store - All your battery needs for Laptop, camera, cell phone, camcorder, SLA, batteries recycling and much more](<a href=“http://www.batteriesplus.com/]Batteries”>http://www.batteriesplus.com/)</p>
<p>Thanks, all. That’s a good point about voiding his warranty. Hadn’t considered that. By “non-standard” do you mean one that isn’t private labeled for Dell?</p>
<p>I’ve purchased Dell laptop batteries online several times from:</p>
<p>[Pacific</a> Battery Systems](<a href=“http://www.pacificbattery.com/]Pacific”>http://www.pacificbattery.com/)</p>
<p>u<em>u</em>dad, thanks so much for this source. Half the price and it comes with your endorsement.</p>
<p>Ebay, just check the number of sales and reliability of the seller.</p>
<p>I have purchased several laptop batteries from eBay with great success. I look for the ones with excellent feedback and a decent 12 to 18 month warranty. So far I’ve yet to need the warranty. I’m on my 3rd battery for my 4 year old Dell.</p>
<p>
Uh-oh - now I’m the worry-wart. However, we did get one battery for a Dell from them that ended up going bad in less than the one year warranty period and they promptly replaced it for free so I was impressed with them. They also have some warnings on their website regarding batteries for sale by some others out there - apparently some people will sell used batteries as new and some will sell recalled batteries as well so caveat emptor.</p>
<p>I went the less than half price route on an off name battery from someone with lots of good reviews. The first one did not work. They were extremely nice and replaced it immediately. It lasted months. Now, it goes out in maybe 15-20 min. And it just goes out. It does not give any warning, the laptop does not go into suspend mode. I have since bought a netbook to replace the laptop for travel, and use the old one plugged in like a PC, but I do wish that I had gotten a Dell battery. In retrospect the reviews probably reflected the off name’s service,not the battery life or the product itself. Who goes back and reviews a battery purchase 6 mos later when it is dying… buyer beware…</p>
<p>And if someone buys a battery with a 12-18 month warranty, how is it you are one the 3rd battery in 4 years?</p>
<p>Another vote here for online or eBay. Never had a problem.</p>
<p>Twice I have ordered computery things I needed from newegg.com because it was the least expensive source. Both times the thing-a-ma-bobs arrived quickly and worked perfectly. So, at least check newegg.</p>
<p>Definitely Batteries Plus or a non Dell source.</p>