Purchasing Laptop Accessories
Battery
The Battery that came with your laptop has a 1 year warranty and average lifespan of about 1.5 years. Usually battery life decreases to the point where it becomes necessary to buy a second battery. Your older battery can then be carried and used for emergencies. If the battery is less than 1 year old, IBM should cover the replacement.
You can change your settings to increase battery life. Clicking the battery gives you options. (They vary by machine). If you insist on disabling shutoff times and run lots of programs in the background, your battery will deteriorate VERY quickly.
The links below will take you directly to online vendors to purchase a replacement. You may be able to find better prices elsewhere although most stores will not stock these batteries. These links are for your convenience. IHA does not endorse any brand/company and have no preference or advice.
Most
Class of 09 - T43 and Class of 08 R51
T43 - List of retailers ( from about $69 ) - 08K8214
1/3 higher capacity, slightly larger T43 - List of retailers - (from about $69) - 08K8197
T43 - $52 (Generic New from KeyBattery.com -1 year warranty - some students have had problems)
R51 or T43 - $98 (IBM brand from Laptops for Less - 1 year warranty)
Most
Class of 10 – T60 (battery model 91P1139)
T60 - $99 (IBM brand - 1 year warranty)
T60 List of retailers (about $75 ) 92P1137
1/3 higher capacity, slightly larger T60 List of retailers (from about $83 ) 40Y6797
Most
Class of 11 and Class of 12 – T61 (battery model 42T5262)
Most
compatible batteries seem fine. Your choice to risk and save.
T61
List of Retailers (about $73)
Power Adapter
The Power Adapter is covered by the 4-year warranty. Care should be taken not to bend the cable at the point where it meets enters the laptop. Also do not leave the adapter connected to the back while transporting the laptop. The pin may break, wire may fray and battery life may be reduced.
If the adapter ceases to supply power, IBM will replace it. Bring it in to Mr. Hotz.
If you have lost the adapter, IHA can sell you a new adapter for $40.
If you have lost the short wire that connects the adapter to the wall, IHA sells replacements for $3.
For other accessories use the IBM shop.
It may be possible to find more inexpensive products by searching the Internet but beware that some products may be refurbished.
Case
Laptops MUST be encased in an INFOCASE sturdy case. Failure to do so voids all IHA support and may void direct IBM support. Replacement Velcro strips and plastic corner flaps are available free of charge in room 121. There is a lifetime warranty against maunfacturing defects (contact the company). Replacement cases can be purchased directly from INFOCASE.
Blank CDs
New R/W blank CDs are available in room 121 for 50 cents or 3/$1.