Boot up problems and HD making strange noises.

Hi all, Our powerbook seems to be having trouble accessing the OS or the Hard Drive. Applications keep freezing, and restarts have become agonizingly slow [up to 10 minutes for the spinning gear]. The hard drive sounds like it's spinning inntermittently grinding approximatly 2-3 times a second. the boot up screen only showed a folder flashing a question mark and an OS logo alternatively. It wasn't until I lifted the powerbook and tilted it at some funny angle did the hard drive make a louder grinding noise and then the OS was slowly accessed.
This sounds like a physical problem with the hard drive, which doesn't make much sense since the powerbook rarely leaves the house or the table it sits on. Is there any advice that can be given regarding this issue?
Cheers
Iain

Iain,
Further advice:
After backing up your data, run, do not walk, to your favorite competent, friendly, neighborhood Apple repair shop. While your description points to catastrophic hard disk failure in the near future, there could be other causes... In any case, you need to consult a repair professional.
-Wayne

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