>Charlie - it's been a while since trying this, but I think you can set a simple Win98/95 network up between two machines with a cross-linked cable (has to be cross linked otherwise you need a hub).
>

Yep, but the NIC for the LapTop is going to have to be a PCMCIA jobby, and those are not in the $15 range like the no-name NICs floating around at CompUSA and the like. The crossover cable is nothing more than a null modem cable for 10BaseT; if you never need more than two systems, you can use the crossover rather than buy a hub. The local Staples carries the crossover cable for about $15-20 for a 10' cable.

If both systems have USB ports, you can get close to the same performance for less than $75 including all necessary hardware and software.

>Personally, I use Laplink with Parallel ports, though for larger files, buy the Laplink USB cable and save yourself hours.