Using a Laptop screen as an extra display?

[Muncher]

Is it possible to use a Laptop screen as a standalone monitor?

i.e. My 18" TFT on my PC is going to be gone for repair for a couple of weeks, could I use the laptop as an external display? I haven't seen anyone do that before though. There is a VGA out connector which I have used before, a VGA in connector would look the same so I am wondering if it could be used either way?

It's a Dell 8500.

[robbieduncan]

Basically no.

The VGA connector is out only. You could use VNC/remote desktop to control the desktop from the laptop. This won't work for games and is certainly not at full speed.