Bottom of iPhone touchscreen not working...

So, I discovered today that my iPhone's touch screen isn't working like it should. The bottom bar/dock doesn't work. VERY BAD! I don't use the phone part any more (AT&T *****, so I switched back to T-Mobile and my Sidekick III unfortunately), but I do still use the email, web, iPod and map functions on a regular basis (very important). So now I can't access my email or anything... just my calendars, and even thats not fully functional.

Questions is.... has anyone had this happen? Any other way to fix it? I don't live ANYWHERE near an Apple Store, so that is totally out of the question. To those who have had this problem, how was Apple's response/solution to the problem? Was it a smooth resolution, or a frustrating hair-pulling experience?

(I ALMOST threw the iPhone.... but I didn't!)

Any ideas, comments, experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Message was edited by: Scidsecret