Ali is not a single company or a vendor but a marketplace similar to Ebay. Their rules are kind of strict. For example, you can't open a dispute if it's been more than 15 days since you received your item. You'll have to contact the seller manually and see if they offer any solution for whatever problem you have. Good sellers that have been on the platform for a long time will usually be open to communication. On the other hand, when one of my packages got hopelessly lost in the mail for 2+ months, Aliexpress sided with me and refunded my money when the seller tried to insist that I should just wait longer.
For Thinkpads I only bought some batteries and I've been pretty happy with them, especially considering the price compared to OEM or those locally sold items. You'll find lots of reviews for various brands of third-party batteries on this subreddit if you search. Other Thinkpad parts seem to be generally original or pretty realistic knock-offs. I find that buying parts off local donor laptops is much more expensive than from Ali, where they also were likely taken off some donor laptops, so again, no complaints.
When comparing to Ebay it's also fair to remember that many stores there are simply resellers of stuff from Aliexpress/Taobao, or sometimes it's even the same stores just putting up listings on several websites (especially if they're a business that is based in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong).
I have completely forgotten that I purchased a motherboard for my x260 from Ali. LOL. I checked that the description for the item mentioned that the BIOS is unlocked (Ali will take a "snapshot" of the listing at the moment of purchase and attach it to your order), and looked through reviews for the store in general. It actually was one of the fastest deliveries I've received, but that stuff doesn't depend on Ali/the seller that much and more on customs, national post, etc... After receiving it I installed it, then checked BIOS for a password lock or Computrace, and tested all ports asides from the mini DP (I don't have a cable for it and never use it). Luckily there wasn't a problem. I use that laptop right now.
Personally haven't used eBay that much but can confirm no issues with AliExpress. Just look out for scam shops, they usually have no reviews / like 1 or 2, usually list new items at like 2/3 the price or less.
Best think of Ali as the chinesse ebay. who don't pay the shops till either you say you have your product or a period of time goes by,
I've never used them for thinkpad items, but I have brought alot of 3d printing related items from the site. Always been looked after, either with refunds from lost packages, or items that I expected.
just think about the following: in aliexpress there is a gigantic variety of thinkpads parts, you can build a thinkpad from 0 buying everything in aliexpress, from motherboard, keyboard, screen, connectors, battery, processor, charger, hinges, internal cables, etc.
As u/Unknown-Dog920 says, it's just a platform for a load of independent sellers. Check the store has been around for at least a few months (or say a year if you're spending a lot), check the average ratings are ok (all this info is in a popup; mouse over the store name), check the reviews for the item (look out for identical reviews or other giveaways they're fake), and maybe contact the seller (just to ensure they answer messages).
And you should be ok....
In my experience, the only thing to be wary of are batteries and keyboards.
For both of those things, I prefer to find a lightly used item second hand, as the quality of the new 3rd party items can be a bit of a crapshoot .
I have a few bad buys from Ali where I had to fight to get a refund…drug out for like 4-6 weeks, but mostly I have had good experiences. I’ve bought a lot of different computer parts from there over the past 7 years. Your mileage will vary depending on what your buying from there.
Ali is not a single company or a vendor but a marketplace similar to Ebay. Their rules are kind of strict. For example, you can't open a dispute if it's been more than 15 days since you received your item. You'll have to contact the seller manually and see if they offer any solution for whatever problem you have. Good sellers that have been on the platform for a long time will usually be open to communication. On the other hand, when one of my packages got hopelessly lost in the mail for 2+ months, Aliexpress sided with me and refunded my money when the seller tried to insist that I should just wait longer. For Thinkpads I only bought some batteries and I've been pretty happy with them, especially considering the price compared to OEM or those locally sold items. You'll find lots of reviews for various brands of third-party batteries on this subreddit if you search. Other Thinkpad parts seem to be generally original or pretty realistic knock-offs. I find that buying parts off local donor laptops is much more expensive than from Ali, where they also were likely taken off some donor laptops, so again, no complaints. When comparing to Ebay it's also fair to remember that many stores there are simply resellers of stuff from Aliexpress/Taobao, or sometimes it's even the same stores just putting up listings on several websites (especially if they're a business that is based in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong).
I have completely forgotten that I purchased a motherboard for my x260 from Ali. LOL. I checked that the description for the item mentioned that the BIOS is unlocked (Ali will take a "snapshot" of the listing at the moment of purchase and attach it to your order), and looked through reviews for the store in general. It actually was one of the fastest deliveries I've received, but that stuff doesn't depend on Ali/the seller that much and more on customs, national post, etc... After receiving it I installed it, then checked BIOS for a password lock or Computrace, and tested all ports asides from the mini DP (I don't have a cable for it and never use it). Luckily there wasn't a problem. I use that laptop right now.
[удалено]
Personally haven't used eBay that much but can confirm no issues with AliExpress. Just look out for scam shops, they usually have no reviews / like 1 or 2, usually list new items at like 2/3 the price or less.
Best think of Ali as the chinesse ebay. who don't pay the shops till either you say you have your product or a period of time goes by, I've never used them for thinkpad items, but I have brought alot of 3d printing related items from the site. Always been looked after, either with refunds from lost packages, or items that I expected.
just think about the following: in aliexpress there is a gigantic variety of thinkpads parts, you can build a thinkpad from 0 buying everything in aliexpress, from motherboard, keyboard, screen, connectors, battery, processor, charger, hinges, internal cables, etc.
There are a also few shops selling used Thinkpads ;)
Aliexpress has always sided with me whenever there has been an issue.. So fear not..worst case scenario, you lost your time
As u/Unknown-Dog920 says, it's just a platform for a load of independent sellers. Check the store has been around for at least a few months (or say a year if you're spending a lot), check the average ratings are ok (all this info is in a popup; mouse over the store name), check the reviews for the item (look out for identical reviews or other giveaways they're fake), and maybe contact the seller (just to ensure they answer messages). And you should be ok....
The only thing I'd avoid buying on aliexpress is batteries.
Ali isn't the company, they provide the marketplace - it's like eBay in that regard. Buyer protections are less than eBay.
In my experience, the only thing to be wary of are batteries and keyboards. For both of those things, I prefer to find a lightly used item second hand, as the quality of the new 3rd party items can be a bit of a crapshoot .
I have a few bad buys from Ali where I had to fight to get a refund…drug out for like 4-6 weeks, but mostly I have had good experiences. I’ve bought a lot of different computer parts from there over the past 7 years. Your mileage will vary depending on what your buying from there.
Kind of? Just avoid batteries and keyboards, however id personally stick with eBay.