Is it possible to use the CR-48 to display an external signal? I have a windows 7 netbook with a busted screen that I need to temporarily access, and it would be convenient if I could use the CR-48 for this purpose from time to time.

I guess if you butchered a VGA cable and then managed to wire it to your alternative display... It might work.

you want to use the laptop as a monitor for your desktop? I don't think that's possible without opening up the laptop (and some soldering skills!)

If you can do a blind login, or if you have a second notebook running the exact same installation, you could do everything with the keyboard to login and install VNC on your netbook and then just remote in. Or I guess you could use the remote desktop connection tool, but I have no idea how to set that up, and I don't know if your version of windows even allows for that connection.