>>>I have SQL Express installed on my development laptop.
>>>I want to simulate connecting to a remote SQL Server by using the IP address instead of localhost in the connection string. First question: Is this a good simulation of a remote connection?
>>>When I try to use my IP instead of localhost in the connection string I can not connect. I did configure the SQL Server inctance to allow remote connections (using this article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914277), but that didn't help.
>>>I am sure it is something in my connection string. What could I be missing?
>>>
>>>If anyone has any information to share it would be great.
>>
>>Can you connect from SSMS using the TCP/IP address in the server name?
>
>No (can't believe I didn't think of trying that), same exception.

It sounds like either your SQLExpress is using a protocol other than TCP/IP (named pipes perhaps) or your local machine has a firewall that is blocking port 1433 (SQL) although I don't think a firewall can block access to the local IP..