MAC/Windows - One Machine - Parallels Desktop

[accadacca]

I know there was a topic related to this and I couldn't find it.

Does anyone have any experience using this or what have you heard. I am trying to do some homework on this program. My team is currently using PowerBook G4's right now. Some of us also have a windows machine at our cube for testing, while others remote into a shared windows machine to test. Of course the MacBook Pro has the intel chip now. BootCamp is a program that allows you run both systems, but you have to reboot to switch.

I have heard that Parallels allows you to run both at the same time and even put windows apps in your dock. Now this would be really nice for us and I am considering ordering MacBooks. Of course we have to test everything in Windows IE (86% on our site) and this is the reasoning. Does anyone have info or experience with this? I know that we do have some Mac users out there...

Parallels Desktop - http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/
Macbook Pro: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=925997E8&nclm=MacBookPro

[stefan]

actually from 3 friends of mine i understand it works fantastic. extremely fast and efficient. very stable. no issues for them so far, and they are running a number of windows programs, some windows only. excel runs superfast.

here is an update on bootcamp and parallels

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2276


ps. not sure about IE, but likely runs perfectly.

[Madge]

I have this computer at home and it works quite well. The only problem is that when I have my external drive connected to it, sometimes it locks up when I turn it on. I have to then turn it off again, then I have to unplug the external drive, turn off the drive, disconnect the drive, then turn on the computer again and re-connect the drive. It can be kind of a pain, but it works great otherwise.

That and having Windows load on a MAC is really weird. The first couple of times I turned it on I thought it was an imposter computer.

I love it though. The MAC is just a sexy beast any way you slice it... And the fact that Apple has figured out a way for both formats to operate on one platform is impressive in itself. I hate to admit it, but I think that the MAC is a superior platform... (it's taken me about 5 years to come to terms with this, btw). Also, the widgets on the MAC are just awesome! I can get the HBO lineup on my desktop and I can also see what the next BSG episode is going to be. No PC can beat that!

[asdf]

I have this computer at home and it works quite well. The only problem is that when I have my external drive connected to it, sometimes it locks up when I turn it on. I have to then turn it off again, then I have to unplug the external drive, turn off the drive, disconnect the drive, then turn on the computer again and re-connect the drive. It can be kind of a pain, but it works great otherwise.

That and having Windows load on a MAC is really weird. The first couple of times I turned it on I thought it was an imposter computer.

I love it though. The MAC is just a sexy beast any way you slice it... And the fact that Apple has figured out a way for both formats to operate on one platform is impressive in itself. I hate to admit it, but I think that the MAC is a superior platform... (it's taken me about 5 years to come to terms with this, btw). Also, the widgets on the MAC are just awesome! I can get the HBO lineup on my desktop and I can also see what the next BSG episode is going to be. No PC can beat that!

MACs are awesome, no doubt about it.
But what do you when the video, audio or the monitor goes out? What about upgrades? Buy a new one?

[accadacca]

Thanks for the info thus far.

I have been watching a few vids too.

Kewl: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_NCM3nJO3G4

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=parallels+demo&search=Search

[stefan]

yeah virtue desktops is pretty nice. i missed using virtual deskops in unix/solaris, but it was nice to find that someone had written a program for OS X. there are a few, but virtue is one that's updated frequently and works quite well. even allows key strokes for switching desktops.

the primary downside is that it is a memory hog. i am curious if apple's virtual deskop program "spaces"(embedded in leopard) will be an improvement as far as memory management is concerned. it's surprising that they have taken until now to release such a feature, considering the basic components are built into unix, then again, os x is quite intensive of an operating system.

[accadacca]

I just put in an order here at work. We should have our new MacBooks soon. We will have Parallels, Microsoft Office and the ability to install any other windows software that we need. I plan to use Outlook for email, bye, bye entourage and pin wheel of death. Looking forward to it. As soon as I can put Windows IE 6 & 7 in my doc I will be set for testing, one machine :cool2:

[stefan]

noice ... gotta love that!

let us know how parallels works out for ya. i'd be interested in any problems you find. the couple of folks i know who use it have had zero problems so far, but ...

[Rev. Coyote]

I've used Macs in writing and publishing for almost (gasp!) 19 years now. I see what PC users go through with their machines and wonder how they deal. In general, the stability of Mac is rock solid and the really great thing is I've never had to deal with a virus of any sort.

I look forward to trying the new system.

BTW, my company has insisted on sending me a Dell PC and wants me to use it. I'll just copy and store the files I created on my Mac in it, but otherwise I believe it will make a nice doorstop for my bathroom.

[asdf]

I've never had to deal with a virus of any sort.

you better knock on wood....
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/10/20/apple.virus/index.html

[DiscGo]

Have any of you guys tried vista yet? I used their vista beta about 8 months ago, and it was really slow. I hear the new release is great, but I do not know anyone yet who has tried it.

[accadacca]

Have any of you guys tried vista yet? I used their vista beta about 8 months ago, and it was really slow. I hear the new release is great, but I do not know anyone yet who has tried it.
:roflol:
http://www.dailywaste.com/images/windows-vista.jpg

[asdf]

upgrades

http://www.alainkaeslin.com/photogalerien/bondi/bondi-Miniaturen/0.jpg


http://www.paulofierro.com/images/osx_crash.jpg

[DiscGo]

And then there is this guy:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ypt_FzRAk

[accadacca]

I just switched to my new MacBook today. This thing is SICK!!! It is so friggin' fast and this parallels app is just NUTS...I got both OS's running at the same time and I can even dock my windows apps. Friggin' illin'.... :cool2:

[stefan]

your mac is trippin'

[DiscGo]

I just switched to my new MacBook today. This thing is SICK!!! It is so friggin' fast and this parallels app is just NUTS...

Man I'm so jealous! I have spent all of my fun budget for a while so I'll just have to envy your new toy.