[iBook] dead screen

[J Patrick Draine]

Friends,
I've been enjoying my G3 900 MHz iBook for about 1.25 years, but it has 
just gone lame on me. My wife was using it at the time; apparently the 
screen flashed several times and then went dead. It *sounds* like it 
starts up (HD sounds etc) but no life from the screen. I had never any 
use for the video out bridge, but I tried using it and it provides no 
signal to the exterior monitor.
Before I call AppleCare (or take it up to the local Apple Store) what 
is the best procedure to access the iBook HD, for purposes of cloning 
it to an external FW drive before sending it in for service?
Thanks,
Patrick Draine