[Macola]

This is really more of a networking issue, but feel free to move if needed...

I have occasional access to an HP 8550N color laser (with internal JetDirect print server) and am thinking about connecting directly with my PowerBook using an Ethernet cable. The printer is not on a network (it's connected directly to a solitary PC using a parallel cable). It's configured with a static IP address.

Questions:
Can I just use a standard Ethernet cable or do I need a crossover cable? The PowerBook has an autosensing port.

How do I set up the connection? Since there is no router/DHCP server, do I just manually assign an IP to the PowerBook that's on the same subnet as the printer? What would be the gateway address?

If there's a better way (without additional hardware), please let me know.

[chabig]

This will be easier than you think.

For the cable, a regular cable will do because (as you say) the Powerbook's ethernet port is autosensing.

Now for the connection...

From the printer's front panel, go to the Test menu, run a Self Test. This will print a page with lots of information, including the printer's IP address. Then just manually assign the Powerbook an IP address that is on the same subnet as the printer.

Or...you can go into the printer's front panel menus and assign a particular IP address to the printer and connect that way. But it's easier to just accept the printer's current IP address and set up your Mac.

Chris