DR-40's 4-track Capabilities

[PortaBillyT]

I'm strongly leaning towards buying the DR-40 for capturing musical ideas. I realize that the DR-40's 4-track capabilities are not going to be quite as extensive as Tascam's larger devices that are designed specifically for multi-track recording. However, I really have no need for any of the larger units at this point in time.I've searched high and low for information regarding the use of the DR-40's 4-track capabilities and have come up pretty much empty handed. Reading through the owner's manual still left me with questions. So, this is what I'd like to know.

• Can I plug a guitar / bass etc. directly into the unit?
  
• Can I plug into an amp and then use the amp's 'line out' to go directly into the device? I'd like to be able to use my amp's settings without always having to mic my amp.
• Is there any way of panning signals left / right?
• Is it possible to bounce tracks?
  
• Is there any source of information that goes a little more in depth to the DR-40's 4-track capabilities?

That's about all that I can think of for the time being. Any and all information that can be passed on to me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!