PowerBook 15" 1.5GHz USB 2.0 power issue

I have a 15" 1.5 GHz USB 2.0 2MB Ram PowerBook just upgraded to Leopard October 27, 07. Now the problem. Screen turned black and the computer shut down and started making a high pitched whine. I disconnected the power and it went quiet. Started up from the battery and all was fine, plugged in the power it started to whine but stayed on. I then pulled the battery and it stayed on with no whine. I thought OK it is an old battery that didn't hold a charge and was due for replacement. Borrowed a friends old battery that still had some life in it with the same result as with my battery. OK both batteries were at a state to cause this so I ordered a new battery. Then I took it to the Apple store to see what they thought. They decided it was the logic board and as the machine was out of warranty it would cost about 800.00 to repair. My thought was that the dc-dc board had fried but have yet to find one for this model.
The Machine still runs fine using AC or battery but both can't coexist and the battery discharges.
I am looking for ideas and input as my wife really likes this machine. We are thinking of a replacement off eBay and maybe swapping parts.

Seasons greetings and welcome to the Apple discussions.
On the 1.5Ghz Powerbook, I believe the DC-in card connects directly to the logic board, unlike the 12" PB that has a dc-to-dc card. One source for a replacement DC-in card is at http://pbparts.com (http://www.ifixit.com was out of stock, however, you probably know they have guides to show you how to do the replacement).

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