Laptop with Express port is best if using SxS cards. Do test if possible because there has been reports of flaky ports. You'd need to download the Sony driver as well.
SxS is PCIe based so 3rd party Express card readers don't work. You'd need Sony's SxS reader to USB if your laptop doesn't have the port built in.
One reason why some like SDHC cards (besides the price) is that a standard SDHC to USB reader works you can get in any electronics or office supply store and even drug stores.
You'd really want a known reliable portable hard drive. These for example
http://www.g-technology.com/
