To make the laptop 'look like' the desktop, try copying your OE folder
(xxx : \ WINDOWS\(?PROFILES?\?fred?\Application Data\Identities\{qwerty999etc etc}
to the laptop and then ask OE there to use that folder. That should load up the same folders and emails at least. As for keeping them up to date, I don't know, other than leaving them on the server and downloading again?