Inspiron 8500/8600 replacement battery

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

After 21 mos., my orig. Inspiron 8600 battery is now a paperweight.
Regretably, I should have read tips on how to preserve battery life.
With tail between legs, I seek advice --

Looking at all the web sites which offer replacement batteries,
are there any specific ones you would favor or avoid?

Am I correct in concluding that there is actually a "NEW"
Lithium-Ion battery that is now available for the Inspiron
8500/8600 models?

Is this new battery any different from the "smart" lithium-ion
battery that was available last year?

Thanks for helping to clear the muddle.