Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

Hi all
I am still in the throes of getting my xl hooked up to a computer, to
upgrade OD and back up presets/patterns.

My wife has a PC desktop that I could have a soundcard with midi/game
bracket and then use bi directiall midi cable.  but it would be kind
of a hassle to keep on taking my CS into her office just to save
patterns etc.

I am wondering about going the laptop approach; gettting a cheap PC
notebook didecated to the task....question

Would I still need to put in a soundcard with the midid/gameport, or
is there another option.

those small 1x1midi interfaces;  xl midi in and out to interface box..
then interface to usb on laptop.  Will Eloader update xl OS with this
setup?  If so what is a good inexpensive interface?

your help is greatly appreciated
Dan