How to access 3.5" IDE HDD from Dell Laptop?

You can use :
a network connection : straight Lan cable between 2 computers , setup in a network
If you have a burner on the laptop, you can  burn the data on a CD
You can hook the disk drive up on a desktop, by means of a 2.5" to 3.5" adaptor cable :

http://www.busybits.com.au/item/MF325H?busybits=bb84e1a95f4eda29624a91a2fc11124a

The netw connection is not a feasible alternative, I want to get rid of the desktop computer.

A burner on the laptop doesn't help. The data I need to access is on the desktop computer, on a 3.5" IDE HDD. The desktop computer doesn't have a burner.

The cable alternative is interesting, but I would need something in the _other_ direction. I want to connect a 3.5" HDD to my laptop!!

http://www.pcpartsohio.com/BookDetail.aspx?item_id=415

Transfer all files, folders, email, MP3s, address book, bookmarks, favorites, dictionaries, settings including backgrounds, screen savers, and internet connection settings. All this and more will be in place on your new computer