Pretty broad question, as there are literally a ton of options to use with a laptop. Since you sneered at $400, I'll assume that your budget is around $300.00. (Also since you didn't leave a budget)
Firewire Cards:
Presonus Inspire ($199)
Presonus Firebox ($299)
M-Audio Firewire 410 ($299)
M-Audio Firewire Audiophile ($199)
There are others too, but you need to do some research.
Laptop specific cards would include the E-MU like you said, and then also something like the Echo Indigo IO.
Use the search function on this site and you will find lots of stuff.