I found a relatively easy way to do this. When I want to
synch up my laptop to my desktop I do the following.

On my desktop in Outlook under Files, select Import and
Export. Then Export and select .pst as file type.
Essentially you can create a .pst file that has all the
Outlook info in it. Once this is done, copy the file over
to your laptop and do Import. It works, takes a little
time depending on how big your Outlook file is...

-Steve-

I don't know of a =free= utility, but you might consider in investing a
few bucks in one of the utilities offered by Genie-Soft (www.genie-
soft.com).  Genie Backup Manager is the best, supporting both Outlook
Express and the full Outlook product, plus some other nice features.  
They also offer for smaller prices two separate backup programs, one for
Outlook and one for Outlook Express.  I've used all three, settled on
Genie Backup Manager.

And no, I don't have a connection to the company other than as a
satisfied customer.