How well does Windows XP work on a MacBook Pro?

[Duderonimous]

I think it sucks.

begin rant.

I find it runs very poorly.

I have a 17" MBP w/ 1 GB RAM and 100 GB 7200PM HD. I partitioned ~30 GB for windows and formatted it w/ FAT32 (so I can read the partition w/ OSX). I'm running a legit version of XP pro.

In addition to the known problems (no isight camera, no backlit keyboard, internal speakers stay on when headphones are used, crappy battery life, runs hotter than hades). About every 1 in every 4-6 times I boot in XP, it fails to boot (freezes up on a black screen) and it freezes every time the lid is closed and it tries to hibernate.

Did I mention that it runs HOT!!!! I believe this is because it is trying to actually use the processors that they sold me (vs. the underclocked poorformance in OSX). The thing is that it will occasionally get really hot in OSX (if I try to load it up), but it is blisteringly hot just idling in XP.

For the record, my previous computer was a Dell Inspiron 8000 (5 year old beast of a laptop). I NEVER had these probelms running XP. In fact I had very few problems with the machine, except the weight.

I'm absolutely convinced that these issues arise from Apple not getting their drivers right for their hardware, these are not the kind of problems that I expect or will tolerate while using Windows. I really hope that apple addresses these issues when they "officially" endorse boot camp, otherwise I will very likely switch back to a dedicated windows box (you know, one that "just works").

rant over.

Oh, I forgot to mention. As with every Mac I've ever used, the damn machine can't tell time. When I boot in XP, it's always four hours later than the actual time I set the computer to. When I boot in OSX, its four hours earlier than the actual time (but only once in a while).

 

[mkrishnan]

I'm absolutely convinced that these issues arise from Apple not getting their drivers right for their hardware

Mmmm, I sympathise (a very, very small amount), but it's a Mac. It was made to run OS X. Apple provided you with a *free* beta set of drivers to run Windows. Deal with it. If you want Windows to work so perfectly, get a computer that was designed to have Windows run on it.

 

[Duderonimous]

These are not minor issues.

If you want Windows to work so perfectly, .../QUOTE]

Failure to boot 15-25% of the time is not a "nit-picking" complaint.

For most of my computing needs, I don't care what OS I use. However, I do need to use at least one Windows application for work, and running windows was a criterion for my purchase of this $3000 machine (and I suspect that this is also true of many other recent mac purchasers). I appreciate that boot camp is still in beta mode. But, they have publicly stated that it will be incorporated into the next rev. of OSX (and they run those oh-so-clever commercials that say you can now run Windows on a Mac).

I believe that if Apple dosen't get it right, there may be a backlash (similar to how OS-9 almost killed the company), and a lot of "switchers" will indeed go back to machines that will run the software they are advertized to.

 

[mkrishnan]

Okay, so pimp-slapping each other aside, Duderonimous, if you are using Windows to access a mission critical business app, is Parallels an option for you? It would be so much less painful....

 

[Duderonimous]

Okay, so pimp-slapping each other aside, Duderonimous, if you are using Windows to access a mission critical business app, is Parallels an option for you? It would be so much less painful....

It may be. I haven't looked into it.

I really do hope they get it right. This would be pretty close to the ideal machine for me if they did.

 

[FragTek]

It may be. I haven't looked into it.

I really do hope they get it right. This would be pretty close to the ideal machine for me if they did.

Well with Parallels you'd be able to fast switch between Mac and Windows seamlessly, sounds like it might be the answer for you!

 

[thechris69]

Call me naiive, or however you spell it but, what is parallels? and is it similar to bootcamp?

 

[macbookprouser]

hola, i am very new to macs. i just got my macbook pro a couple of weeks ago and after reading this thread, i dont think i will attempt to install windows xp on here. I really wish i could play battlefield on here tho. on another note, i am loving my macbook compared to my pc. i have been a pc user my entire life and am loving this macbook pro.

 

[Mackilroy]

That guy who is having problems with Boot Camp is in no way the norm. I have Boot Camp and it runs quite excellently - proper drivers, smooth operation - of course, I've taken the necessary precautions when running Windows (Firewall, antivirus software etc.). As for Windows not having the right time, that's a known problem in the current beta program. With your OS X time being wrong, though, that's strange.

Duderonimous: Apple stated that you shouldn't really use it for work purposes, as it's only a beta program and there will be errors. If you want to, obviously you can. But it isn't recommended.

As for the power - Windows uses the processor about the same as OS X - rev it up (and the fan as well) when it needs it, but drop the usage when I don't need it. Your problems are not typical.

So the problem isn't Apple getting it wrong, it's you doing something wrong. Are you actually following the instructions? Are you installing all the drivers off the CD you were supposed to burn before installing XP? I've had none of your boot problems and if I close the lid while in XP, it still wakes up for me - a little slower than OS X, but it still wakes up.

Sounds to me like the problem is more with the user than the machine. Not to be rude, but that's the way it seems.

macbookprouser: Don't let the above guy's story drive you away from installing Windows. Battlefield will run quite well on your MBP, and so will XP as long as you follow Apple's instructions.

 

[yellow]

In addition to the known problems (no isight camera, no backlit keyboard, internal speakers stay on when headphones are used, crappy battery life, runs hotter than hades). About every 1 in every 4-6 times I boot in XP, it fails to boot (freezes up on a black screen) and it freezes every time the lid is closed and it tries to hibernate.

This problem isn't with the Mac, per se, but with Windows, the drivers provided for the hardware by Apple (beta), and (I've found) with 3rd party hardware support of USB peripherals.

Oh, I forgot to mention. As with every Mac I've ever used, the damn machine can't tell time. When I boot in XP, it's always four hours later than the actual time I set the computer to. When I boot in OSX, its four hours earlier than the actual time (but only once in a while).

This is apparently a "known" problem with BootCamp. It drives me nuts as well, but I find fault in the implication that every Mac cannot tell time. If thaty was true, I'd have a lot of very ticked off users that couldn't log into Active Directory. But on the MBP, when dual-booting (this issues is NOT an issue when booting/rebooting OS X, only switching between OSes or sticking with Windows), it's a pain in the ass.

Look into getting your installs pointed at an NTP (network time protocol) server.

I really wish i could play battlefield on here tho.

Oh, you can, and with the BF2 SpecForces, Armored Fury, and Euro Force expansions.

Not to mention..

Well, you know what? I think I'll start another thread on this very topic and will link it here when done.

 

[Roba]

I was a PC user before I became a Mac user in March of this year and I find that Windows on a Mac works just as well as it did on on any PC that i have used.

I didn't experience any problems installing Windows when i was using the right CD's.

I only use Windows for MSN sometimes and to watch some media content that do not work on the Mac side of things. I also do use Paint sometimes as well. I put Windows on my Mac when i was thinking about selling my Mac as i thought that it would help it to attract more interest and then i decided not to sell it and I decided to keep Windows on it and it is quite useful for me sometimes.

The only thing that does not work for me is Bluetooth on the Windows side of things and i am not quite sure why that is.

 

[yellow]

TOh, you can, and with the BF2 SpecForces, Armored Fury, and Euro Force expansions.

Not to mention..

Well, anyway:

Fable
BF2 / Special Forces / Armored Fury / Euro Force
CoD2
TitanQuest
Stronghold 2
Dawn of War / Winter Assault
Civilization IV
The Battle for Middle Earth II
Age of Empires
Galactic Civilizations II
Heroes of Might & Magic V


And the greatesst game ever invented...

Windows Defender

 

[Duderonimous]

I've taken the necessary precautions when running Windows (Firewall, antivirus software etc.).

As have I.

So the problem isn't Apple getting it wrong, it's you doing something wrong. Are you actually following the instructions? Are you installing all the drivers off the CD you were supposed to burn before installing XP?

Absolutely. I followed the instructions to the letter. I even downloaded and installed the updated bootcamp drivers (v1.0.1 or v1.0.2 or whatever it is).

Sounds to me like the problem is more with the user than the machine. Not to be rude, but that's the way it seems.

I'm not sure how, but I guess we must close the lid differently.

As for the power - Windows uses the processor about the same as OS X - rev it up (and the fan as well) when it needs it, but drop the usage when I don't need it. Your problems are not typical.

Like I said, the thing gets blisteringly hot at idle in XP (but not OSX). Clearly, there is a difference in resource management.

With your OS X time being wrong, though, that's strange.

It has only happened a couple of times. I am admittedly oversensative to it b/c of having used pre OSX Macs where the clock time was always wrong (pretty randomly, too).

 

[ilkevinli]

The reason the MacBook gots hotter in Windows than in OS X is because the Power managment features DON'T work in XP. Once Apple releases all the drivers for windows, Im sure you will get less heat and get better battery life in Windows.

As have I.


Absolutely. I followed the instructions to the letter. I even downloaded and installed the updated bootcamp drivers (v1.0.1 or v1.0.2 or whatever it is).


I'm not sure how, but I guess we must close the lid differently.


Like I said, the thing gets blisteringly hot at idle in XP (but not OSX). Clearly, there is a difference in resource management.


It has only happened a couple of times. I am admittedly oversensative to it b/c of having used pre OSX Macs where the clock time was always wrong (pretty randomly, too).

 

[flashzoom]

some issues I found on MacBook

The reason the MacBook gots hotter in Windows than in OS X is because the Power managment features DON'T work in XP. Once Apple releases all the drivers for windows, Im sure you will get less heat and get better battery life in Windows.

Hi Guys,
I am new to this forum, but not new to both PCs and Mac world.
I've been playing around with a MBP, and MB.
Notice a few problems.
1. the unit is HOT!!!! no matter under OS X or WinXP Pro.
I've used a temp monitor tools design for intel duo CPU under OS X.
the temp range from 50 degrees C to 80 degrees C.
2. there are still driver missing, even after I run the Mac driver CD.
I opened my device manager, there are a few PCI device, and unknown
devices that's missing drivers.
3. Mouse pointer lagging issue. when I am running on battery only, the extrnal USB mouse lags a lot, when i am opening folders, closing programs will cause the mouse pointer to lag.

4. a few times I open my MSN messenger v.7.5., it gave me blue screen, and restarted my computer( under winxp). but I think it was cause by the isight cam. so i disable it.

Does anyone have those issues? or anyone have any other issues?
I like to fully test my MacBook before I make my final decision to keep it.
I spoke to a rep from the Apple Store, I asked him WHAT IF windows won't work with MacBook. He basically told me there are no "WHAT IF". If Apple make it, and it will work!!!! So, we'll see what happens.
I like the MacBook(even if it's hot), but I want to be sure it will run smoothly and won't crash on me.
Let me know if anyone have other issues, I would love to test them out.

 

[gothicx00]

Notice a few problems.
1. the unit is HOT!!!! no matter under OS X or WinXP Pro.
I've used a temp monitor tools design for intel duo CPU under OS X.
the temp range from 50 degrees C to 80 degrees C.
2. there are still driver missing, even after I run the Mac driver CD.
I opened my device manager, there are a few PCI device, and unknown
devices that's missing drivers.
3. Mouse pointer lagging issue. when I am running on battery only, the extrnal USB mouse lags a lot, when i am opening folders, closing programs will cause the mouse pointer to lag.
4. a few times I open my MSN messenger v.7.5., it gave me blue screen, and restarted my computer( under winxp). but I think it was cause by the isight cam. so i disable it.

1. Get used to it. I had a Gateway with the 1.83ghz Core Duo and even it got hot. Mac users are going to notice it a bit more because of the aluminium alloy the case is made of. But thats a good thing, because then the whole underside acts as a giant heatsink.
2. Those missing drivers should probably end up being worked out when BootCamp is out of beta, on leopard's launch. If they're not, don't worry about it. You shouldn't be missing anything.
3. That mouse issue sounds like it's related to the mouse hardware it self. I've used both a wired intelimouse explorer and a wireless logitech (non-bluetooth) and i havn't experienced any mouse lag. On the MBP try plugging it into the other USB port, because the right hand side one is powered and the left hand side one is not. That may have some play on it's performance, maybe/maybe-not. Regardless i'd be interested to know what brand of mouse you are using and weither or not you've tried other mice.
4. I think you may have answered your own question, but I hate MSN Messenger with a passion. I removed it from the custom distro i made for my MBP so i can't comment.

 

[flashzoom]

1. Get used to it. I had a Gateway with the 1.83ghz Core Duo and even it got hot. Mac users are going to notice it a bit more because of the aluminium alloy the case is made of. But thats a good thing, because then the whole underside acts as a giant heatsink.
2. Those missing drivers should probably end up being worked out when BootCamp is out of beta, on leopard's launch. If they're not, don't worry about it. You shouldn't be missing anything.
3. That mouse issue sounds like it's related to the mouse hardware it self. I've used both a wired intelimouse explorer and a wireless logitech (non-bluetooth) and i havn't experienced any mouse lag. On the MBP try plugging it into the other USB port, because the right hand side one is powered and the left hand side one is not. That may have some play on it's performance, maybe/maybe-not. Regardless i'd be interested to know what brand of mouse you are using and weither or not you've tried other mice.
4. I think you may have answered your own question, but I hate MSN Messenger with a passion. I removed it from the custom distro i made for my MBP so i can't comment.

Acutally I try 2 different mice. 1. wired Mighty Mouse form Apple.
2. Dell optical wired mouse.
both have the same issue, even the onboard touch pad have the same issue.
I only notice it, when I unplug the power cord. When the power plugged in, everything works fine. this is on the MacBook. I don't know if there were the same problem on MBP. I don't have the MBP on hand right now.

thanks for the fast reply.

 

[yellow]

The "mouse lag" is proboably related to the surface you're using the mouse on. Optical mice use a laser to sense location, and if the surface has color variations (like the grain of wood, or a multi-colored mouse pad) then you can see odd mouse behaviors, like cursor jumping or lag. Try putting a plain piece of paper under the mouse and see if you still have troubles.

 

[mikes63737]

Try putting a plain piece of paper under the mouse and see if you still have troubles.

Or even better - a solid colored mousepad.

 

[yellow]

Absolutely. I prefer ones with darker colors. Dark blue or black.
That's where I get the best performance from my mice.

 

[flashzoom]

The "mouse lag" is proboably related to the surface you're using the mouse on. Optical mice use a laser to sense location, and if the surface has color variations (like the grain of wood, or a multi-colored mouse pad) then you can see odd mouse behaviors, like cursor jumping or lag. Try putting a plain piece of paper under the mouse and see if you still have troubles.

it's not related to the mouse pads. I couldn't believe it myself in the beginning. I have tested over and over, it only happens, when I unplug the power. It happens to both USB mouse, and the touch pad.

 

[yellow]

This is in Windows or OS X?

 

[gothicx00]

it's not related to the mouse pads. I couldn't believe it myself in the beginning. I have tested over and over, it only happens, when I unplug the power. It happens to both USB mouse, and the touch pad.

Odd.... now are we talking about a Macbook or a Macbook Pro? I might try reinstaling windows, restart once before inserting the driver disc you burned off, and then on restart wait until XP does all of its startup crap (asking you to enable auto updates, telling you there is no anti-virus software etc, etc). I'd give it a good 2 or 3 minutes. Then insert the driver disc and install those drivers. If both the touchpad and a USB mouse do it, then it sounds like some sort of strange driver issue.

The only strange mouse issue i seem to have is that occasionally the touchpad can be uber-ultra sensitive. I won't (seemingly) move my finger, but just having it on the touchpad makes the cursor jitter ever so slightly. Messing with some of the sensitivites fixes that for the most part.

 

[flashzoom]

Odd.... now are we talking about a Macbook or a Macbook Pro? I might try reinstaling windows, restart once before inserting the driver disc you burned off, and then on restart wait until XP does all of its startup crap (asking you to enable auto updates, telling you there is no anti-virus software etc, etc). I'd give it a good 2 or 3 minutes. Then insert the driver disc and install those drivers. If both the touchpad and a USB mouse do it, then it sounds like some sort of strange driver issue.

The only strange mouse issue i seem to have is that occasionally the touchpad can be uber-ultra sensitive. I won't (seemingly) move my finger, but just having it on the touchpad makes the cursor jitter ever so slightly. Messing with some of the sensitivites fixes that for the most part.

this is within Windows XP Pro SP2
with the following conditions.
1. Running on battery ONLY!!! NO power cord pluged in.
2. When opending windows, or click on start button, and within a 1 or 2 seconds the pointer movements will skip or lag.
I even removed the Windows XP pro install, and reinstalled it again today.
loaded all the drivers and restarted a few times. once I unpluged the power, right away it happens.

This is on a MacBook!!! not MBP!!!!
Intel Duo 2.0 CPU
1gb memory
100gb HDD

 

[gothicx00]

Very odd.... If you have a local apple store near you, i'd take all said hardware in with you and pose a question to the "genius squad." I know that apple doesn't offically support Bootcamp yet, but if you ask nicely they might have a macbook there that has windows on it and you can test to see if it has the problem too. Reason it like this, if their macbook doesn't show the same problems, it would indicate a deeper hardware problem that may eventually manifest it self in OSX.