Off-camera flash with 580EX II

I'm pretty new to all but the most basic operations flash operations, but in my quest to learn more, I'd like to start experimenting with off-camera flash. I'll have my new 40D arriving Friday, and I currently have a Speedlite 580EX II. If I understand what I read correctly from the top of the forum, one of the ways I can do this is with male to male PC cord. . .which by the way seems to be rather tough to find. Would this work: http://www.adorama.com​/NKSC15.html?

Yes, I know, the 'N' word. . .

That will work, but here's a better option:

http://www.flashzebra.​com/fivemetersync/0032​.shtml

I just got one and it works great. It also gives you more flexibility (length) and is much cheaper.

bsheasby wrote in post #6709032
That will work, but here's a better option:
http://www.flashzebra.​com/fivemetersync/0032​.shtml

Standard PC cords will make you loose your religion in a hurry.

A screwlock cord will be much more reliable. Your camera and flash will both accept a screwlock connector. Choose your length:
http://www.flashzebra.​com …ewlock_to_screw​lock.shtml

Thanks for the help, guys. . .and for the link to Flash Zebra. It looks like they'll be a good resource in th future.

I have one more question (for now). I also have a Speelite 420EX. Will I still be able to use the 480EX II as a master to fire the 420 while the 480 is connected via the PC cord? Also, will I lose any other functionality from the 480 other than the normal things you'd lose using it off-camera (like using distance in the metering equation)?