Went to the Apple store and with a Genius' help confirmed that the only problem seems to be the main battery. We plugged in another known-good PowerBook battery and it charged fine. Now to choose which of the variety of off-brand batteries to buy... Thanks everyone!
FYI: Coconut Battery appears to just show the same info that's in System Profiler for the main battery. No new info there. I don't have access to a test battery, though I guess I could take it to the Apple store and see if they can plug one in for me. Judging by the specs for Battery #1 it seems like that one could/should still be ok... Does anyone know what the PRAM battery voltage should be? I can at least open the computer and test it before shelling out $50-$75 for a new one (ouch!) Here's what the battery is supposed to look like: http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/lYJmQqd1JfEvYMXD.l...
It is indeed a 15" AL PowerBook and it's a 45W power adapter! I realize now I must have ebayed the wrong adapter :-( The 45W one should still be able to charge a battery, yes? So if I can more easily find a battery I can charge it up and boot that way, yes? Thanks!!!
Note that the front glass panel is quite light. When reassembling I found it impossible to get the LCD free of dust with the computer lying on its back. I had success with standing the computer up, tilting the LCD down as far as it goes, holding the glass panel upright in front of the computer (about 1 foot away), lightly spraying both the LCD and the back side of the glass panel with compressed air, and then attaching the glass panel (with the computer upright). It took me 5 tries before it was completely clean of dust once the front glass was on.
If you find yourself having to bend the logic board to get it out (or back in under the Airport antenna cables), consider loosening the left display hinge to allow more room. Loosen each of the 3 screws on the bracket where the antenna cables come out and you'll have a lot more play.
Note that the front glass panel is quite light. When reassembling I found it impossible to get the LCD free of dust with the computer lying on its back. I had success with standing the computer up, tilting the LCD down as far as it goes, holding the glass panel upright in front of the computer (about 1 foot away), lightly spraying both the LCD and the back side of the glass panel with compressed air, and then attaching the glass panel (with the computer upright). It took me 5 tries before it was completely clean of dust once the front glass was on.
Sorry, this note should be for Step 25!
On my model, both left-side screws are short and the (lower) right screw is the long one.
The screw at the lower end of the I/O frame may be longer than the one at the top. Use the longer screw at the bottom (with the black plastic spacer).
If you find yourself having to bend the logic board to get it out (or back in under the Airport antenna cables), consider loosening the left display hinge to allow more room. Loosen each of the 3 screws on the bracket where the antenna cables come out and you'll have a lot more play.