Are the generic batteries sold on eBay safe?

Question

Level 1

15 points

Are the generic batteries sold on eBay safe?

My battery isn't dead, but the battery icon says "Replace Soon" on it, and my battery has bloated a little(I understand this to be normal of macbook batteries that are dying, is that correct?). Apple brand batteries cost around $100, but on eBay, you can find all kinds of generic macbook batteries sold by third-party companies like Poker Bridge, Zhaoyu, Cnbatteries, Electriczone, emmasilmon, AdapterMonster, Hootoodeals, notebookcompany, etc, for $33-34. I just want to know if these batteries are safe, will hold a charge for a decent period of time, will last, etc, or if they are so much cheaper for a reason. Is it ok to go with one of them or am I better off shelling out the cash for the Apple battery?

Windows XP

Posted on Oct 23, 2010 11:34 AM

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Answer 1

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Oct 23, 2010 12:08 PM in response to Jon R

I have never used a generic MacBook battery but I would be leery of a battery bought off eBay unless you know the company selling it has a stated warranty and guarantees against a DOA. The company should also be more than an eBay company. Sell off eBay and have more than just one or two products, especially batteries. Do a general search on the net and you can find many different generic batteries lower priced than Apple. As long as the specs are the same as the Apple battery you should get comprable use from them.

My personal opinion is that I would not use a non Apple battery. You get what you pay for.

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Answer 2

Oct 23, 2010 2:39 PM in response to Jon R

I've gotten 2 batteries from China off of eBay for two different MacBooks. Both have worked perfectly. One for 2 years and the other for 1 year. They're both still good.

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Answer 3

etresoft

Level 9

56,656 points

Oct 23, 2010 3:40 PM in response to Jon R

Jon R wrote:
my battery has bloated a little(I understand this to be normal of macbook batteries that are dying, is that correct?).

I've burned through a number of them and have never seen one bloated.

I just want to know if these batteries are safe, will hold a charge for a decent period of time, will last, etc, or if they are so much cheaper for a reason.

Why don't you just buy one of these batteries from a local store like Target, Best Buy, Micro Center, etc. It's OK. I'll wait....

Is it ok to go with one of them or am I better off shelling out the cash for the Apple battery?

I don't like to take chances with anything involving power. I would also never buy anything that was only available on eBay.

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