For Canada? Here is representative sample of my results:

^^^ Shipping $8

All the above subject to taxes and occasionally import duties (which you dont find out about until weeks later they send a bill).

Pls share link for the $12 one

you mean build a new wooden case around the old one? so that the power cord can be held secure? Why would I need it if I had a battery pack?

I did something like that once using a wire paper tray as a base―lighter and with better air circulation than plywood.

Is there a video about something other than a space heater?

I’m not comfortable with soldering but it’s a skill I’d like to have. I’ve done it a couple of times years ago and I recall it being straightforward enough. Would just need to read and practice a bit first.

I’m going to try the recyclers and squeezing the port tighter.

There are organizations that “recycle” donated electronics by getting old devices working and selling them at relatively low cost. One of them might have an old battery. Most run locally, or work through other organizations to get the devices to people who need them.

I know a couple such organizations locally. I’ll check their listings and try emailing them in case they happen to have the part around. The market was flooded with this model of device a few years ago… I think some large educational system upgraded all at once and someone bought them in bulk to sell as refurbs pretty cheap. There must be lots of them around; the trick is to find one.

You might be able to get a used chromebook off marketplace or craigslist for cheaper than buying a new battery. You might even be able to find a similar model to get the battery.

It’s a good idea I’ll have a look. Just from getting Linux up and running I know one issue with these devices is that there are a lot of variations of the model, and models that have names sounding similar, look same from the outside, but with slightly different components. There’d be some risk of getting a slightly wrong model so I’ll have to see what’s available, what’s the price, and decide how lucky I feel.

The laptop will probably run without a battery at all. Do you really need it to run while unplugged?

It needs power from somewhere, either a battery or an AC adaptor. Since I have removed the battery, it has no backup. Any slight jostling of the very sensitive USB port that interrupts the power even for a moment results in abrupt shutdown. I just need a little bit of backup to be able to tolerate short gaps. I don’t think this thing even has a CMOS battery!

The port can probably be replaced by someone who knows how to solder. However, have you tried different usb cables to determine if it’s the cable or port that is the problem?

Yes it’s definitely the port. Tried different cables, and the same cable on other devices which don’t have the problem.

If it is the port then you might be able to gently squeeze the female port with pliers to make it tighter. Don’t over-do it or you’ll fold it closed completely.

I understand what you mean. I’ll have a look at it and see if I can determine where the looseness is. I will try to squeeze it if it looks safe. Put something in the port to brace it probably.

good advice! I will adhere to it.

That’s a good idea!

The battery is actually only half swollen. It looks like its made of two pieces (left and right) which are taped together in the middle. You can fold it a little bit and it feels like if the plastic tape was cut there would be two separate pieces connected with wire. I bet with the right knowledge it could be salvaged somewhat.

It might be a fun project for someone else but I’m not brave enough to make this my introduction to electronics.