View Windows XP desktop information on my Windows Vista laptop

I would like to connect my Windows desktop to my Windows Vista laptop. I merely want to view the information from the XP desktop on the Vista screen and be able to freely switch back and forth. The desktop came with a CRT monitor but I plan on giving the CRT away because I dont really use the desktop much anymore. Until i am able to buy a quality external hardrive to back up all information, I am looking for means to minimize space and power requirements until I get the hardrive. Is there an affordable product or soemthing that allows me to view the xp computer on my vista laptop while still having control of my laptop? I am not worried about using a separate mouse and keyboard for the desktop. Thank you.