Generic Laptop Batteries - bad idea?
 

I was thinking about getting a 2nd battery for my laptop and I noticed ebay has generic ones for about 1/3 the price of the real sony ones...

are they a bad idea? is the capacity as good as the real ones?

they arnt a good idea. IMO!

they arnt a good idea. IMO!

Honestly it all depends, I've had some good experiences with generic batteries. I would say though chances are the capacity isn't going to be nearly as long, probably shortened by at least half. Still though if the price is 1/3 less... may wanna consider buying one and try it out.

I'd be more concerned as to how long the battery will last rather than it's capacity though. I've had a lot of generic bats die quicker on me (as in they begin to lose their ability to hold a charge for more than around thirty minutes or so).

:1orglaugh - wtf ?

but its not gonna harm my machine? I was thinking just to have one as a backup if my main battery runs out

Some are good. Just look at how much..Hmm don't know the English word...But look at how much power they contain...When this is high, you can try it...Some say, they won't last as long...But since it's only 1/3 of the price, you are probably cheaper out, even when you have to buy 2 of those...

I would take the risk, especially since it's for your 2nd battery

No, it will not harm your machine as long as it's compatible/produces the right amount of volts, etc.

In most cases, generics are made by the same exact company as non-generics, just no packaging or labelling.

But, not always.

hope the helps, ha ha ha ha ha

On most things that is pretty much the case, especially when dealing in foodstuffs. However, batteries would be one thing I would never trust generic for important stuff; go buy a four pack of AA bats for 99 cents, compare it to a 3 dollar pack of duracell or energizer. Even generic NiMH batteries really can't compete against the name-brands... of course there are a few diamonds in the rough but I would rather use name brand batteries than generic unless the price is just really so kickass that I could deal with buying two or three times as much and still save a shitload.

I'd avoid them - laptops are still pretty expensive, and you probably have a lot of important stuff on it. :2 cents: