I'd say still convert. You won't look back. The way I like to think of 7 is that it is what Vista should have been. This is just opinion, but I think it's the functionality of XP with the looks of Vista.

As for the laptop to desktop situation, have you tried directly connecting them via crossover cable? That should work, though I haven't done that in some time, so I may be wrong. Shouldn't hurt to try.