Using laptop as extended monitor?

If you are not handy with electronics you will need an application if you want to do this but it might be cheaper and simpler just to buy a second monitor. Old CRT monitors can often be had for free if you are willing to haul them away.

http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-computing/articles/68905.aspx

 

I'll say that typically most laptops aren't setup to work as external monitors like a TV or monitor is. But that doesn't mean it's not possible. Most of what I've seen involves some software like MaxVista to be installed on both, which is $40. Before doing that I'd just throw that $40 at an LCD panel. You can score at least a 17" for not much more than that. Your laptop is not going to offer a big screen and it likely won't line up well. I use a 24" panel w/my 17" laptop and it feels like two monitors rather than an extended desktop; that's fine for my work.