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Allow third party batteries or mention clearly that they are actively being blocked. By Gubbi,  Dec 14, 2009

Third party batteries are not usable with Dell laptops. And I found that out the hard way... after I bought one. Every company recommends using their own batteries, but people still buy others for various reasons. But with Dell, we are stuck with Dell batteries which are often not great in battery life and are pricey. Dell should support third party batteries or at least make it clear that no third party batteries are usable and that they are being actively blocked. A BIOS message that shows after a third party battery is used, isn't helpful at all.


Another sad consequence is that many a times even Dell batteries fail this test and become unusable.
See here: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/18961707/19531733.aspx


Many people have suffered from these battery woes, but I haven't seen it being addressed by Dell in an appropriate way.

It comes across as a ridiculous way of locking users and milking them perpetually with fast dying batteries that cost more, which I hope is not the real intention.
Gubbi150.0
  Mon Dec 14 20:25:17 GMT 2009
Comments: 4
Categories: Laptop Power  Sales Strategies  
Status:Acknowledged


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By expatinasia  Dec 14, 2009
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Batteries are no longer a simple commodity.  Among other safety features, they include a microprocessor to assure safe recharging.  There is no assurance that a third-party battery has been designed with safety in mind.
By Gubbi  Dec 15, 2009
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 The decision should be left to the customers with a warning message as is the standard practice.

Trying to actively block their usage is something nasty. At least, there should be a clear communication in this regard. But there is a reason such things are not clearly communicated.

There are several reputed companies and many do offer innovative alternatives.

Even the power adapter is blocked citing similar frivolous reasons. Not including it here, since there is already a suggestion made about it.
By slseto  Dec 18, 2009
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Wow.  A bunch of us XT and XT2 users are having the same issue!  See:

http://www.ideastorm.com/ideaView?id=087700000000c8GAAQ
By christopher25  Dec 25, 2009
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I don't think that in UE jurisdiction it is legal to block someone else solutions?! I do not see battery as patentable solution? (battery technology yes - as cell chemical/tech. specification). Dell do not produce cells, Dell also do not produce it's batteries - Foxcon does. Same way it would be for Power Supply and laptop bag or DVD drive ... it is like to patent a wheel with FORD logo and only allow to use Ford wheels in Ford cars? Does sound ridiculous ? It is ... user can decide whether he wants battery replacement from other company... It seems that Dell is trying to go Apple way .... that would be not nice 

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