Mac to serial printer cables have crossover (null-modem) wiring. Mac to serial modem cables have non-crossover (modem) wiring.
The modem cables in general seem to have better wiring. However, neither seem to support hardware flow control. Symptoms: Serial cable: data flows from the terminal to the computer but does not flow back. Printer cable: data flows to the terminal from the computer but does not flow to the computer. Set hardware flow control off if using minicom for a serial console. HTH, -- Ferret no baka
