I did find a guide that uses those tools you just recommended Killa-Eyez. Unfortunately I don't have neither the experience nor confidence to try it myself. A co-worker said he may be able to do it, but since he has never opened a PS3 before he said he wasn't conficent either.

On other news, I found a place that can fix it and will charge me about 100 dollar (ugh). If I didn't want the save files I would say screw it... but since its a BC unit... all, and I mean ALL, my PS1, PS2 and PS3 saves are in there... so I need to get them. It hurts to pay that much (specially since a new unit is 300~350 depending on the hdd) but the save files are a must...

I also heard the solution isn't permanent, so I'm considering getting a Slim after I manage to back up the files. Plus I'm going to take Marik's route and getting PlayStation Plus to be on the safe side.