Equivalent batteries for a TZ10

[Dagwood]

Back in January there was a thread about batteries entitled Is equivalent battery OK as spare for my Nikon? . The general feeling was that they are fine and much cheaper. Since then I have heard that Mfrs batteries have chips installed to prevent use of equivalents. Before I raid the Dagwood Millions I wondered if folks had any reservations 9 mths on, if there is any truth in the "chips" comment, and if they could recommend a reliable source for equivalent batteries for my Lumix TZ10?
thanks
dagwood

[wavemachine]

I know in the case of Canon the purpose of the chip is to give the camera more information about battery consumption rather than prevent the camera from using it, you can with my 7D associate a particular battery with the camera so it can monitor it's performance.

I tend to use original batteries however if I was to go 3rd party then I would look for a reputable name rather than some unknown brand on ebay for example Hahnel.

I had a quick look and for this which is a genuine panasonic one according to the picture that is .

[donoreo]

I have a Sony camcorder and could not get a third party battery to work on it.