Yeah, you don't need an Apple Store. Even if there isn't an authorized repair place near you, they'll ship you a prepaid shipping box, you put your laptop in it, and send it back. Although I take mine to the Apple Store when it needs repair since I'm never home to sign for the package. That way, they send it off and receive it and I can pick it up at my convenience. Right now, my PowerBook is on its way to a repair center for the 3rd time in less than a year
Try to bullshit it. Try to blame it on heat or something similar. Anything to save you hundreds of dollars on something that costs them like 50 cents is good. Also try looking on ebay. Theres tons of people selling screens from laptops that broke.
Funny, I was told by a Visions salesperson when I tried to see what I could do about my iPod's screen that I had to go to Apple to get it fixed as Apple's really strict about repairs, etc. and no one but Apple is authorized to do it. *mutters* Anyways, my dad finally decided he's getting me a replacement screen off eBay.