Laptop battery replacent needed for ZD8000

Question

I have a HP ZD8000 and need to buy a replacement battery. Unfortunately, the battery does not fall under the HP battery recall program and HP does not have a direct replacement for it listed on their site. Not sure how that one works. They must be outsourcing.
Anyhow, I've never had to purchase a replacment battery and would like get recomendations for a reputable company that makes a quality replacement. It's a 14.8V 6600mAHr Li-ion battery.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

Answer 1

That is a bit older laptop and I have found eBay to be a generally reliable source of laptop batteries for older systems. There are three types of batteries sold there: "knock-offs" which are generally made in China, old stock of "new" genuine HP batteries, and used batteries. Except for very old units for which there is no choice I stay away from used. Knock-offs have some risk of defects but they are cheaper and actually can hold a better charge than real batteries since the manufacturers use current model cells. Old stock of genuine batteries cost more, but are going to be fully compatible. Batteries do lose some strength just sitting on the shelf, however. Find an eBay seller with very high positive feedback, of which there are many who sell batteries for laptops. Keep in mind that shipping from China can take two weeks, so try to look for one being shipped from the U.S.
$30 knock-off
$35 used
$43 "new"
The zd8000 battery is the same guts as several other models like the zv5000, etc. You may have to swap out the plastic cover plate on the bottom of the battery. It might be glued in place so be persistent.