<p>Are they universal? I know it’s a stupid question, but different types for macs than pcs?</p>
<p>The difference between Macs and PCs are their operating systems… I use the same ethernet cord on my Mac that I used on my PC.</p>
<p>^ yep, same type of hardware, etc. Macs aren’t any different from PCs hardware wise</p>
<p>I’d recommend getting Cat6 cable. It’s not strictly necessary, but isn’t much more expensive and has better shielding. It may make a difference with gigabit Ethernet connections, though 5e is supposed to be good enough.</p>
<p>Avoid crossover cables unless you know you need one, but that’s less of an issue now (most modern Ethernet ports can switch automatically).</p>
<p>Well it’s possible apple has proprietary ethernet jacks just so they can make more money off you.</p>
<p>Any CAT 5e cord will due. You can buy them anywhere—Target, KMart, etc.</p>
<p>The only Apple proprietary ports that I know of are mini display ports and firewire.</p>
<p>Okay thanks! I got a CAT5e but it had a picture of a mac on the cover and I’m seriously technologically challenged. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t have to return it before I opened it :)</p>
<p>Actually, neither mini DisplayPort nor FireWire are proprietary to Apple. Apple played a role in creating both, but both are now standards. Mini DP has been adopted by VESA as a standard connector, and FireWire products are produced by all manner of companies (most notably Sony, who calls it i.Link).</p>
<p>Just about every port Apple uses is now a standard, except for their MagSafe power adapters. Of course, I’ve had terrible luck with third-party power adapters for PC laptops. The big issue is loose connections–I had to scotch tape a third-party adapter’s plug to the HP laptop my employer assigned to me. I kind of see the logic of not officially licensing the power adapter plug, even though I think Apple’s adapters are terribly overpriced. I’d love to buy a spare, but not for $79. $39 would be more reasonable.</p>
<p>Don’t buy any “fancy” expensive ethernet cable either…they’ll likely all do the trick. Cat 6 is good if you’re dealing with very high speeds…cat 5e should be more than sufficient for what you’re using it for though. Chances are the building is wired with cat 5e, so it’s not going to make a difference then.</p>
<p>Check out Parts Express (I won’t link, so that I don’t appear to be advertising). Last I checked they had 50 foot ethernet cords for under $5 each. And shipping through them is usually only a buck or two.</p>
<p>Or buy the wire, ends, and a crimper. Although that would be more expensive.</p>
<p>I highly recommend Monoprice, and they’re a local SoCal company. Dirt cheap.</p>
<p>Expensive cables might make a difference with analog, but not with digital. You don’t need any gold plated anything. Cat 6 is nice because the price difference is so small–maybe 50 cents or a dollar at Monoprice.</p>