Pismo 400, Blank Display/Screen. Need help.

Thank you all in advance.
I have a Pismo 400 running 10.4.9 without any previous issues.
This morning I turned it on and I can (barely) hear the HD spin up (normal), then the chime (normal), but the blue screen never shows up nor the eventual login screen. About six months ago, a blue vertical line of what seems like dead pixcels appeared out of nowhere, on the middle of the left side of the screen.
I speculate that the screen is either dead or the video card has expired...
My question is can I connect another laptop or an external monitor (does it have to Apple, if not will I need it's software installed on my computer), and finish a project due over the weekend? I have a FireWire, USB, Ethernet, Monitor and "S" video out ports on the back.
Secondly, can I just remove the HD and install it in a similar machine (anyone know which other machines use same HD size/specs) and keep on keepin' on?
Thanks again everyone.

PS. Any other thoughts, options, comments... All are welcome.