r/toughbook • u/80spizzarat • Aug 01 '25
Are counterfeit Panasonic batteries an issue?
I have a CF-31 used to run a couple of printers at a storage unit. Got it used so I don't know the age of the battery, but it would only hold a charge for about 15 minutes so I decided to replace it with an aftermarket battery about two months ago.
Today I unplugged the computer and it turned off instead of switching to battery power. I opened up the door to find the battery had swelled and was stuck. I had to open the case to get it out.
I still need a battery but this experience soured me on aftermarket so I checked on eBay for an OEM battery and there are a ton of new condition "genuine" Panasonic batteries in the $30-40 range from a bunch of different sellers. They say Panasonic on the label and I get that there's sometimes businesses or government agencies liquidating new old stock but I find it extremely sus that there are so many for such an old laptop.
How can I make sure I'm getting a real one?
1
u/ensigniamorituri Aug 07 '25
they made a LOT of these computers, they have interchangeable parts and they were owned by fleets - that means lots of spare batteries available