Best/Least expensive Mac repair?

MacBook Pro
1.83ghz
2gb RAM
Leopard and Windows XP Boot Camp.




So, I am using windows right now on my MBP, and it's hurting me. the leopard will not boot, 'blue screen of death' for a long time, after several long waits
NOTE- I have been running Leopard for almost 3 months, I love it, no problems.{other than this one} [this is NOT BSOD from initial leopard install]

I have been trying to re-install leopard, but it keeps telling me I cannot install on that volume, disk may be damaged. Is it for sure a broken drive? Windows partition seems to be running fine (as fine as it can, you know )

SO, I am assuming i need a new drive, thats ok, this one was only 80GB. I have been needing to upgrade to 200 or 250.

WHERE SHOULD I GO? I have dealt with microcenter a lot, but I HATE them.
should I go to the Apple store? is it insane expensive? Best Buy?

other problem, there is several files i NEED really bad on the leopard partition of the drive, how can I get them before a total re-build/install?

My GF has a MB, can I connect the two without having mine booted up to retrieve the last files? I'm doubting it.

PLEASE i need my mac for school, and I am falling behind, I do distance ed, online school.

I can't
I can't run Leopard, or anything Apple on this computer.

I tried that before it stopped working entirely, it said the disk was fine. twice. then stopped booting leopard.

not under warranty.
wish i was.

the external hard drive mode kinda worked, I really think the drive is toast now. half files were unreadable, oh well. I have an appointment with Apple Genius tommorow.

thanks for the help!