Where do you purchase your replacement laptop batteries?

[balloonshark]

I have an older Dell 7490 laptop I bought from the forum a while back. The battery arrived with very little runtime/low capacity and I'm just now getting around to replacing the battery.

I watched a video on youtube about how some aftermarket mobile batteries are scams. They slap a new label on a used OEM phone battery and sell them as new. The sticker even inflates the capacity of the OEM battery.

I'm curious if there are any legit aftermarket laptop battery suppliers. If so would you mind sharing the store or brand you use please?

Also, is there a way to test the battery I have? I booted into the Dell diagnostic test and it said the battery was fine. I also ran Dell's online diagnostic tests and it said the battery was fine.

 

[manly]

I'm cheap, so I did some research and bought a cheap knock-off from Amazon. It arrived and looked new (although as you suggested, it's possible to recycle the cells inside). However, instead of the specified 97 Wh capacity, it maxed out at 90 Wh. The battery runtime seemed okay, so instead of returning it, I just asked Amazon for a partial credit instead.

If I recall correctly, the unit I chose had no reviews but the brand itself seemed reputable. It seemed like the lowest cost at the time, without resorting to gambling on eBay. If the battery you need is relatively common, I'd try to pick a relatively well-reviewed one on Amazon.

If I were you, I'd roll the dice on something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Latitude-P73G001-451-BBYE-453-BBCF/dp/B08M5SHXVL/

In the past, there used to be some reputable aftermarket batteries (i.e. for Macs) but these seem to have been drowned out by cheap units from China; or relegated to history because Mac laptops no longer have user-replaceable batteries. Sadly with the economics of consumer electronics, a reputable supplier doesn't seem cost effective:

Dell F3YGT Battery for Latitude 7280/7390/7480/7490

Replace a 7894 mAh battery compatible with Dell F3YGT battery. 60 Watt Hours (Wh). 7.6 Volts (V). Part #F3YGT, 2X39G, DM3WC, V4940, MYJ96.

www.ifixit.com

 

[Tech Junky]

It depends on the format. I tend to aim for laptops with removable batteries but, sometimes you get stuck with the internal only models.

I've replaced batteries over the years and there's no silver bullet for picking the best option. However I did find a way to make an AUX / add on battery for when travelling by using a power bank = USB trigger cable that gets me an extra 2 hours or so of use. Less than $100 for both. Plus if you want even more time you can just put it inline with a car charger to keep the power bank filled up while using the laptop. I do the inline thing more with my 5G FWA though and that runs for 16+ hours off the power bank which makes power outages a little less annoying.

 

[bba-tcg]

Amazon.

 

[A///]

It depends on the format. I tend to aim for laptops with removable batteries

And just who makes such a laptop today? Don't say toughbook.

 

[Tech Junky]

And just who makes such a laptop today? Don't say toughbook.

They're out there. Nothing specific comes to mind as popping the case and replacing an internal battery isn't a big deal to accomplish these days.

 

[A///]

as popping the case and replacing an internal battery isn't a big deal to accomplish these days.

Who are you, ant man? Shape shifting fingers? There is nothing simpler than popping in a unit into a slot or hole and be on with your day. I don't consider having to take 20 screws out and using plastic tools to shimmy the panel off and then another set of screws and connectors simple.

 

[bba-tcg]

Who are you, ant man? Shape shifting fingers? There is nothing simpler than popping in a unit into a slot or hole and be on with your day. I don't consider having to take 20 screws out and using plastic tools to shimmy the panel off and then another set of screws and connectors simple.

It is simple, just tedious.

 

[A///]

It is simple, just tedious.

Nothing as simple as swapping out of a battery in one fell swoop, Mr Willy.

 

[bba-tcg]

Nothing as simple as swapping out of a battery in one fell swoop, Mr Willy.

Not really sure what to make of that statement Mr A///. In my vocabulary there's a difference between tedious and complicated. There's nothing complicated about taking out 20 screws and using a plastic tool, etc., but it is indeed tedious. Basically a 10 minute job. Lol.

 

[tcsenter]

Bought a replacement battery for Toshiba laptop from reputable Ebay seller with over 10K feedback, 98% positive. Advertised as 'improved' 2700mAh vs. OEM 2200mAh. Had plausibility because legit 2700mAh 18650 cells are more affordable now than several years ago when they were the pricey/top end cell capacity. Toshiba (edit: not Lenovo) died a few months later, so I cracked open the pack. 2200mAh cells! Seller advertises "only use major lithium manufacturer cells". They were the generic private wrapped shvt no different from anything you can buy on AliExpress. Searching the imprinted part # turned up nothing.

So I basically paid $35 for a $20 battery pack.

 

[Starjack]

I remember owning a Tosihba laptop with a Core i3-3120M processor years ago, that i purchased with a bit defective battery that had issues charging. Some months after i decided to replace the battery so i order one on Amazon with help of my brother. It delivered to me safely and perform as how it is. I think i still have the old battery in my room but i would eventually get rid of it.

 

[mikeymikec]

Amazon.

My advice is that if it says 'dispatched from and sold by amazon', then it stands a much greater chance of being legit. Otherwise, Amazon fronts for all kinds of sellers from downright shady to known/reputable third parties; they have a rep for counterfeit goods because they couldn't care less.

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OP: Apparently there's a Dell Inspiron 7490 and a Latitude 7490, you might want to specify which is yours.