Bootcamp or Parallels?

[MBPro825]

I have been debating on gettiing either bootcamp or parallels for my Macbook Pro so I can run certain programs I have left over from my old PC. I do not know much of the difference between the two. I believe parallels can run both Mac OS X and Windows at the same time but thats about it. Any suggestions would be great. Also, if there is something better than either of these please mention it.

 

[wixberry]

if you want a native speed in windows, use bootcamp...
Any Virtual Machine out there, you will need sacrificed some performance while using Windows and OS X the same time

My two cents....

 

[old-wiz]

Games in particular do better on bootcamp because there's no overhead fromthe virtualization.

 

[Bill Gates]

VMware Fusion, unless the programs you need to run require direct access to the hardware, such as demanding 3D games. The less-demanding games may run OK on the upcoming version of VMware Fusion, version 3.0.

 

[MBPro825]

Ok, hypothetically lets say I download bootcamp. I have to get a windows os of some sort, correct. Should I just wait for windows 7 to release 10/22 or get an XP cd? (I would rather not get vista if at all possible)

 

[Mew2468]

I suggest Bootcamp if you're running extremely demanding games, but VMWare Fusion should work fine for basic programs.

 

[old-wiz]

Bootcamp is no longer available as a download; it's included on the Leopard disk.

 

[MBPro825]

Is it on both the Leopard disks and Snow Leopard? (I have both so it isn't so much of a problem. Just would like to know before I go through the disks)

 

[Jhanson09]

Is it on both the Leopard disks and Snow Leopard? (I have both so it isn't so much of a problem. Just would like to know before I go through the disks)

yes it is. under utilites

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

You can use both. Install windows via bootcamp and you can reboot into it any time you want. If you just need something quickly you can run your bootcamp install as a virtual machine in parallels. Its actually pretty neat when you get it all set up.

More info here:
http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/bootcamp/

 

[jejagua]

Torrent Win 7 RC (you can no longer DL it from Microsoft) I'm running 64-bit.
Acquire a legit (legal) license from Microsoft's website

As NoSmokingBandit recommends, install Bootcamp first. Then install Win 7 RC on Bootcamp.

You have several options for virtualization. Most can use your Bootcamp partition rather than a custom image. This will give you the most versatility. I prefer Fusion.

Boot to Bootcamp when you need max performance.

Win 7 RC will get you by until you purchase the Win 7 release.