I have a Toshiba Satellite 1005-S157 which also lacks a serial port. I use one of these for a serial port. It works for sending files back and fourth from my TiVo through Hyperterm. The FAQ states somewhere that the empeg can be flashed through an adapter such as that one.

Also, whomever told you the laptop doesn't have BIOS is smoking crack. The laptop may not tell you the keystroke to enter the BIOS, but on my Satellite you hit F2 during the POST.

If it turns out that there is some new technology that totally goes against what I believe, then I stand corrected. Just covering my ass so I don't look like a moron.