Ever since Intel processors made their way into Macs, everyone and their mother has been trying to figure out the best way to run Windows and OSX on the same machine. At this point, your two best options are Apple’s Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop software.
So, is virtualization with Parallels really better than dual booting with Boot Camp?
Reviews:
Arstechnica: (Recommended) “Move over emulation, virtualization is in and it’s hotter than two Jessica Albas wresting the devil himself in a pit of molten steel. It’s no contest, virtualization has it all: multiple operating systems running on the same machine at nearly the full speed of the host’s processor with each system seamlessly networking with the next. Add to that the fact that it’s cheaper than getting a new machine and you have the guaranteed latest craze. Not even the Hula Hoop can stop this one.”
Macworld: (4 1/2 out of 5) “Parallels’ ability to run nearly every version of Windows, along with many versions of Unix and Linux, makes it a valuable tool for anyone using an Intel-based Mac who has a need or desire to work with other operating systems. If your job requires Windows, but you love your Mac and OS X, Parallels will truly give you the best of both worlds. If you put your Parallels session in full screen mode, anyone walking by won’t even be able to tell that under the Windows façade, you’re actually running the world’s greatest operating system.”
Product Features:
- Easy to install and use
- Can Run any OS on the same time as OSX
- Can easily share files between Windows and OSX
- Compressor technology can reduce he size of virtual hard disk images by 50% or more.
- $79.99 Price tag
Bottom Line: As far as I’m concerned, virtualization wins this battle hands down. Parallels makes it possible to run apps from any OS within OSX almost as fast as if they were running natively. Even Apple is touting the software on their “Get a Mac” page.
Note: Parallels has released a beta update for the Parallels Desktop software package. Click here for more information.
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