I currently get between 2.5-3 hours of battery life out of my x505 depending on what I am doing with it, unfortunately this barely cuts it for me as my classes are 3 hours each (with 2 15 breaks). I can get through a class if I hibernate during breaks and have the screen on dim.

SonyStyle sells another battery for $300…I’ve had 20% and $100 off coupon codes, but it still was too much for me to spend on a battery, at least IMO.

I don’t believe in using non-OEM batteries becuase of quality issues and the dangers of exploding batteries (in some cases, rare, but possible). Anyway, I’ve had my eye open on eBay for batteries…i’ve seen real ones (used) sell for around $150ish + shipping…most fake ones sell for $95ish + shipping. I noticed a lister selling one for $55 + shipping. I bought it instantly. Funny thing is this seller has been selling them for $95, $75, and now $55…but he lists them all at the same time. I guess some people don’t search well and pay more then they should.

I figured for under $70 shipped, I was willing to take the risk. If it damaged my x505, I have insurance, I don’t really care.

Anyway, the item arrived within days (good seller) and I opened it up and surprisingly enough it was spot-on with the OEM one. I attached it to my 505, no wiggle room {good}, and plugged it into my 505. After it finished charging I decided to run tests…I unplugged the PC…checked the battery meter…5:56 minutes remaining! I almost dropped my 505! It took about 2 minutes for it to re-register the correct time. I got just about 3 full hours on the charge, exactly what I get out of the OEM one.

I don’t want to recommend the battery…I don’t want to be responsible if something happens to someone elses $3K machine…I just wanted to let people know my experience. Below you will find pics of the 2 batteries…

OEM———————————————————————————- eBay

OEM

eBay

Erik

Hey Erik, thanks for the review and taking the plunge buyng it as a non-OEM battery. I have been contemplating and also watching Ebay and Ubid (which usually sells ginuine Sony accessories), but no luck…. I did notice Ebay and that guy you were talking about selling the X505 batteries. But I was not sure whether the X505 would accept or reject the battery because of the utility installed Sony Battery Checker. I just realized that that utility is not installed on my X505 and I confused it with a Japanese U series which includes it. Anyways, that is good news.
I really wish Sony created Double capacity battery for our X505, like it did for previous 505 series. It would be great to have extra 4-5 hours. I even thought of using that kinda battery for another 505 series (cannot remember the model), because it seemed to have the same connector, but I know I am dreaming and it simply won’t work or fit.
I recently ordered a VAIO bag for it - PCGA-CCB2 from Ubid ($19), Sony sells it for over $40. I also want to get an extra AC adapter and of course a battery.
Thanks again, something to think about.

No problem. Under $70 shipped was just too tempting for me.

Erik

Just watch the temperature while charging.

I did. I charged the notebook inside my case…it was cold to the touch when I pulled it out.

Lol, I charged it on my stove (which has those flame extinguisher thingys hanging) in case it did flare up, those might help put it out.

I am not that worried…although I did see another report a few days ago about another exploding cell battery…ouch.

Erik

nice review. Thanks.
I usually got about 2.5-3 hour battery life with my x505, too. But this is not enough. I need more. I am wondering if I can find some non-OEM battery with bigger capacity somewhere…....

there are larger batteries you can buy for laptops which actually sit beneath the unt and plug in as if they are fake ac cables. My Father in law bought one for his older 505 ( V i think) as he needed to use it in the bush and would be away from ac power for at least a week. He bought one which you could adjust the voltage and plug tip and it’s been rock solid for him. He gets about 8-10 hours out of it and it’s an older unit with less power features etc.

There is NO high cap. battery for X505.
External or extra batteries is ONLY way to extend your x505’s battery life.

any update on this batt?

Works fine, no problems to report. That being said, the prices of OEM have dropped so if I were to get another one now, I’d get OEM unless the aftermarket has dropped even further.

Erik

Ye that battery on SonyStyle has dropped in price, but stil pricey. However, if you want to order one (not refurb) from Sony Parts - you will only pay about $150 as far as I rememeber or a bit less. Very surprising since Sony Parts tends to charge an arm and a leg.
Stan