Simply connecting two Macs

[JohnnyBoy]

I'm planning to connect my Mini to my MacBook as I want to try ScreenRecycler. I've got a 10Mbps ethernet hub and some Cat 5 cables, but I think I can do better than this when both machines have gigabit ethernet (I think ).

So is a Cat 6 cross-over patch cable the way to go?

If I want to keep the Mini connected to my DSL modem, I suppose I'll either have to buy a 10/100/1000Mbps hub/switch or connect it to the Mini using its USB socket...
_________________
Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)

[JohnnyBoy]

Google has been my friend. I've found a pretty good article on networking a couple of Macs together right here:
http://www.applelinks.com/index.php/more/hands_on_mac_connecting_two_macs_via_a_simple_ethernet_network/

I think I've also found a suitable Cat 6 crossover patch cable here:
http://www.lindy.co.uk/network-cable-crossover-cat6-utp-grey-2m/44943.html
_________________
Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)

[Pleiades]

You don't need crossover cables. You can use standard ethernet cables, as modern Macs will auto-crossover as needed.
_________________
MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[Cypher]

ClunkClunk posted a correction to one of my posts recently where I had suggested a crossover cable to link two Macs, he pointed out that a standard patch cable would also work, no need for the cross over as the Macs would sort it out. I'll see if I can find his post.
_________________
Phil

Mac Mini 2.53GHz - iMac 2.0Ghz - Macbook Pro 2.4GHz - iPad 1 32GB 3G
6TB Netgear Ready NAS NV+ - 6TB Drobo S

[Cypher]

Just spotted ClunkClunk has already replied, we posted at the same time..

Here's the other post anyway.

PC to Mac chit-chat
_________________
Phil

Mac Mini 2.53GHz - iMac 2.0Ghz - Macbook Pro 2.4GHz - iPad 1 32GB 3G
6TB Netgear Ready NAS NV+ - 6TB Drobo S

[JohnnyBoy]

Clunk, Cypher, thanks for the replies.

I've investigated my 'large horde' of networking gear only to discover that it looks rather pitiful. Still, there's a Cat 5 cable connecting my Mini to the DSL modem that I can borrow for experimental purposes.

How does a Mac 'know' which category of cable is being used? Will the Mini and MacBook just try to communicate as fast as the cable allows?
_________________
Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)

[Sipper]

[JohnnyBoy]

Thank you, Sipper.

Yes, I couldn't imagine a way for a Mac to identify which cable it's connected with, other than just starting slowly and stepping up the data rate until it hits a limit.
_________________
Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)

[Mr.187]

Just tried Screenrecycler on my XP Laptop, works a Treat as a remote 2nd monitor, running throught wireless too.
_________________
Current: 20" iMac 2.4GHZ 2GB RAM 500GB HDD 10.6 using a 1TB Time Capsule, 2.4GHZ Macbook and 2G 16GB iPhone.

Had: Core Duo Mac Mini, 30GB Video iPod,ATV and the Apple Hi-Fi.

[JohnnyBoy]

[JohnnyBoy]

Okay, I gave it a try! I downloaded the trial software, installed ScreenRecycler on the Mini and JollysGoodVNC on the MacBook, connected the two using a Cat 5 patch cable... but couldn't get them to work together.

Fired up Network Utility on both machines, and it became apparent quite quickly that the Mini's firewall was holding up the proceedings. Switched off the firewall, tried again and - 'Ta-da!' - it worked. Using the Mini's mouse to move windows around the MacBook screen made them blur with a kind of "mpeg blockiness" as they were in motion, but once any window was still, it was fine. I suspect that the bandwidth of the Cat 5 cable might be to blame here, and that using a Cat 6 cable would reduce this motion blur.

I also connected the MacBook to my new 20 inch Iiyama. Whereas the Mini connects using a DVI cable, the adapter that I've bought for the MacBook is Mini-DVI to VGA, so the trial with the notebook had to use the Iiyama's D-Sub socket. It worked - even at 1600x1200 - but I could detect a slight drop in picture quality. The sharp edges that I was used to had become softened.

So now I know! If I want to buy a second 20-inch display to extend my desktop to 3200x1200, I pretty much have everything else that I need to make it happen.
_________________
Intel Mini 2.0GHz C2D (4GB/120GB/SuperDrive/10.5.8 ), 120GB WD Passport, Logitech ergo k/b
iPod Touch (32GB, 3rd gen), iPod Shuffle (512MB, 1st gen)