we used to do that 'back in the day'
to play games like diablo. hehe
.
Its called Direct Cable Connect.
U could go through LPT or Serial ports.
I dont remember how to fix ur problem though..sorry.
I'm sure we encountered it...just cant remember how to get past it.
"On pricewatch: Hub, cables, 2 nics=$15, if you want i will loan it to you...LOL "
But ones a laptop...so it'd be more, because he'd have to get a PCMCIA nic.