... I was thinking you can have the drivers on the laptop you connect through. That way no matter where you were (theoretically in the world) you might be able to connect and control your system.
If I can finish your sentence for you: ..
be able to connect and control your system without running a PC 24/7.
X10 has designed it's interface to be controlled over the Internet from anywhere in the world. X10 even includes a sever service with the software... although few find it relieable enough. Many users have posted very nice things about using
logmein (the free version). But the CM15A does require a computer for local control (above and beyond what is downloaded to the interface).
There is a
phone controller device sold that would allow you to call home to control X10 devices. That might be able to give you what you need.
There are a lot of cool things that can be done using a Home Automation Computer. I use an old curb-side rescued P3 for my setup which works great for me. I even run
BVC (Speech Recognition X10 control software) 24/7 and have for nearly 3 years.