Hard drive failed? Options?

Out of warranty iBook G4. Lots of problems with this puppy. Latest is failure on startup -- flashing ? folder icon. Appears hard drive is not there. Sounds of sick frog/cricket from drive. Apple Hardware Test says:
Mass storage: Error detected
ERROR CODE 2STF/1/4: ERROR CODE
So I guess the choice is taking it to the Apple store 50 miles away to get a new hard drive. Any ballpark estimate of the repair cost?
Is there an alternative of replacing the disk myself (I've replaced drives in my Toshiba laptop and desktop before)? Any links to instructions would be appreciated. Thanks.
G4 iBook/G4 dual/iMac G3   Mac OS X (10.3.5)  

Hi Dave,
Have you tried reinstalling your system software? Do you get any messages like ATA or anything next to that error? I don't know how much it will cost; only a Apple Certified Technician can tell you. I have seen people who's iBooks are 4 years old with no warranty get something replaced for free (except labor charge). The other thing is that, this may not even be a hard drive issue; it may be "covering" up a bigger problem.
If you don't want to bring it to your local Apple Store, you can find a guide on replacing your hard drive at iFixit.com; previously known as PBFixit. You can purchase drives, tools, etc from iFixit as well.
Jon
Mac Mini 1.42Ghz, iPod (All), Airport (Graphite & Express), G4 1.33Ghz iBook, G4 iMac 1Ghz, G3 500Mhz, iBook iMac 233Mhz, eMate, Power Mac 5400 LC, PowerBook 540c, Macintosh 128K, Apple //e, Apple //, and some more...  Mac OS X (10.4.5) Moto Razr, iLife '06, SmartDisk 160Gb, Apple BT Mouse, Sight..

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