Asustek Computer has cautioned consumers against using 3rd-party batteries with its Eee PCs.
Asustek will not cover hardware damage due to the use of a non-certified battery under warranty. This follows a recent, unsubstantiated, report that a 3rd-party battery exploded in China.
Several battery makers in China have begun to manufacture batteries designed to be used with the Eee PC. Some vendors are offering batteries with capacities up to 10,400mAh, which can support up to 5.5 hours of usage. These batteries are priced around US$71-86.
Reports claim that one of these "high-capacity" batteries recently overheated during charging & eventually exploded causing damage to the Eee PC. According to the reports, Asustek has refused to repair the PC, but Asustek has denied knowledge of the damage, while stressing that in such an event, any needed repairs that were the result of using non-certified batteries would not be covered by the company's warranty.
