My laptop is outdated and hence I am planning to purchase a brand new desktop. However I don't wanna keep my laptop idle and hence want to use it as a monitor for my desktop. Does anyone know how to do this?

I don't think it is feasible. This is due to the difference in laptop circuitry and desktop one. However, it's possible the other way - using external monitor with your laptop.

However! Having said that, if you really wana do it then there is some 'technicalities' involved. Again, I don't think it's a good idea and worth spending the time upon. Unless of-course you're a tech guru and like some experimentation.

Here are some links that might be helpful for you:

http://www.geocities.com/p9019/lcdpanel

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/98801

Thanks febpreet. I did some research on this and found a simpler solution.

1) Connect a network cable between the laptop and desktop CPU .
2) Have Windows XP installed on both machines.
3) Enable remote Desktop sharing in the Desktop.
4) Connect to the desktop from the Laptop using Remote Desktop Connection.
5) Now the Desktop UI is shown in the laptop.

Thus my laptop indirectly acts as a monitor for the Desktop and hence i don't need a separate monitor for Desktop.

That's the good one and thoughtout excellently. I am doing the same for my work laptop, which I access at my personal laptop using Remote Desktop connection via. vpn.