NetSetMan allows you to manage your network connections b profiles. In the free version, you get six profiles that you can set, which seem like it would be ideal for a laptop, where you might be switching networks frequently. Under each profile you can configure a ton of settings: IP address (DHCP or specified), DNS server, WINS server, computer name, domain, default printer, smtp, mapped network drives, specific HOSTS file, and even a script to run upon activation. You might use the script to launch specific programs, like a browser or VPN connection, using standard batch scripting commands.
NetSetMan is pretty spiffy as it puts all of these settings in one place. You can choose between your multiple NICs (LAN or wireless for example) if necessary. Under the Tools menu are shortcuts to a lot of Windows control panel elements, that just makes getting to those components much easier once you’ve got NetSetMan running. The only additional thing I wish you could configure with NetSetMan is WEP/WPA keys.
The Pro version allows you to have an unlimited number of profiles and is required if you use it under certain terms. (Read the license terms to be sure you comply with them.)
Check out NetSetMan if it will be a convenience to you.