Need Help Buying New Battery...

Question

Hello, after three years of consistent portable use, I believe it's time to replace my battery--- which now only gets about 15-20 minutes off a full charge.
Obviously I'd like to avoid paying $140 for a new battery from Apple. I'd like some advice on what to look for when buying a 'new' battery from a third party (like on ebay).
I'm using a 15" aluminum powerbook g4.
A few things I'm concerned about.
1. How do I know the battery was produced after the recall? One auction says this: "This battery was produced after the Apple Battery Recall The serial number is: 6N638LN4THUC." Is that legitimate? Can you tell from the serial number? Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I buy a recallable battery from a third party I'm not eligible for a replacement through Apple.
2. If the battery is un-used, i.e. "new" but has been sitting on a shelf for a year, will it's charge-life be effected? I've heard that all lith-ion batteries deteriorate whether they're in use or not.
3. Is there anything else I should be weary of when buying a battery from a third-party?
thanks!

Answer 1

1) If the auction says it's AFTER the recall, and you don't trust them, ask the seller if they will send you a photo of the serial number. If they're a reputable/honest seller, they'll be glad to do so. Then, you can look up the serial number to confirm whether or not it falls under the recall at: [https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange>
**if you get a recalled battery, you are allowed up to three battery replacements for your PowerBook, regardless if it's under warranty or not. You have to provide them with the serial no. of your PowerBook (for tracking purposes), and then with your machine registered, you can send up to three "bad" batteries and get three new ones in return. (So, if you buy your battery on eBay, or wherever you get it, you can do three maximum... Apple doesn't record battery serial numbers--to my knowledge--and tie them to specific PowerBooks, or owner's machines for that matter).
2) If a battery is unused, the charge life won't necessarily be affected, depending on how long it's been on the shelf. Usually, one year won't affect it. After that, it must be charged again before re-storage. You can find out about that process here: [http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html]
3) When buying a battery from a third party on eBay (whether it's Apple OEM or not, but compatible), make sure they have a return policy. Also check their feedback. That's usually a good sign. I don't recommend buying third-party, non Apple OEM, batteries in the first place. The only one I'd recommend is the "NuPowr" line. But if you do buy third-party batteries that aren't used and are new Mac compatible ones... kind of like how you can buy third-party batteries for you camcorder or digital camera or cell phone, but they're not made by the OEM but are still brand new ...make sure you buy it from a reputable company or, if on eBay, a reputable "Power Seller."
And just for some info, you can read my posting here (though for 12-inch PowerBooks, gets across the same idea) for anyone looking for a battery replacement:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5955722
Message was edited by: Pismo 900
The italicized section above was done to separate/emphasize the remark, but is not a direct quote from Apple or such.