Buying Guide for AST Laptop Batteries

AST laptops are no longer made, which makes finding AST laptop batteries a challenge. In some cases, you may have to resort to a refurbished battery, but there are a few sites offering a small selection of brand new AST laptop batteries.

How to Find the Right AST Laptop Battery

Before you start shopping for a replacement battery, you’ll need to get some information from your laptop:

• Battery part number (available on the battery case)
• Battery chemistry (Li-ion, Ni-MH, Ni-CD)
• Battery voltage
• Battery amperage (mAh)
• Battery connector type
• Battery dimensions.

If possible, remove the battery from your laptop and have it in front of you while shopping for its replacement. Most dealers only offer a few batteries, so you may have to visit several sites to find the right one for your computer.

You should note that some models can accept both Li-ion and Ni-MH batteries. The online description of the battery may note this, or it may be indicated on your battery. To be safe, stick with Li-ion when possible. Li-ion is an improved technology that doesn’t suffer from the memory effect and usually offers a longer lifespan.

The voltage and amperage should be consistent between the two batteries. If possible, you should also compare a picture of the online battery with your physical battery. Be especially sure that the connectors are in the right place. A battery with the wrong connectors simply won’t work with your laptop.

Choosing a Laptop Battery Dealer

If you’re fortunate to have more than one laptop battery dealer to choose from, compare their websites for the following factors before you complete the purchase:

Warranty and guarantee: The site should offer a one-year warranty and a quality guarantee. If you can only find refurbished batteries, then look for a minimum 90-day warranty. New batteries: Take the extra time to look for new batteries. With older AST models, they may not exist, but the additional lifespan and higher quality you get from a new battery makes it worth hunting for. Return policy: Whether you buy a new battery or a refurbished one, the return policy should be clearly stated on the website. Don’t buy a battery marked “final sale.” If you have a problem within the first 90 days, you want to be able to return for an exchange or refund. Phone number and address: For additional purchase security, the dealer’s phone number and physical address should be clearly posted on the site. If you have a problem, you should be offered multiple options for contacting the dealer. Price: When shopping for AST laptop batteries, you’ll notice price discrepancies between refurbished and new batteries. If you can afford it, buy new. It will last longer, which will save money in the long run.

You may not be able to find replacement batteries for all AST notebook computers, but if you do, use the above advice to ensure you buy one that will keep your laptop going for as long as you need it.