[iBook] Need a workaround for fried USB ports

[Spamnomaam at aol.com]

Have had my beloved iBook G3 Dual usb 500mhz since they first came out in 
summer 2001. My 4th and favorite Mac. But the usb ports stopped working after I 
plugged in an external numeric keypad while it was on. Coincidence? I don't 
know, but I'm told the only fix is a new logic board for about $500 with labor. 
Can buy a newer faster refurb for that much, but a new Mac Mini for even less. 
Would love to just get a new iBook but money is tight right now.

Haven't tried the firewire port because I don't have a firewire device. But 
if it works, can I hook a Mini up to the iBook via firewire and use the iBook 
monitor?  Actually the iBook works just fine except I cannot print, connect my 
camera, or anything else usb. All I need is a usb port. So I would only need 
to hook up the Mini to use it's usb port. Can anyone think of a cheaper 
solution to get a working usb port? Thanks.