I just got a M3 Max and I can’t use it

[Spanky Deluxe]

Some recommendations already offered are what I would consider.
You could ask your company to get you a Windows 365 subscription to run this. It will make using Windows on your new MacBook Pro seamless, you just swipe to it when you need to run that program.

The other option is to pick up a dirt cheap Windows laptop for $275 and install Windows 10 Pro or have your company upgrade it to Windows 10/11 Enterprise so you can use that program. It's inconvenient, but at least you want have to give up your new laptop.

He already has a laptop that can run this - his 2019 MacBook Pro. He can just continue running it in a virtual machine on that and just remote desktop into the virtual machine from his main computer. He has the tools to 'fix' this problem with him already without the needs to buy anything new. Maybe he can allocate more cores/ram to the virtual machine on his mac or even just use bootcamp and run full Windows on the old MacBook Pro. If he can't get an emulation or virtualisation setup working satisfactory on his new Mac, then that's the next best option.

 

[bdog1234]

Some recommendations already offered are what I would consider.
You could ask your company to get you a Windows 365 subscription to run this. It will make using Windows on your new MacBook Pro seamless, you just swipe to it when you need to run that program.

The other option is to pick up a dirt cheap Windows laptop for $275 and install Windows 10 Pro or have your company upgrade it to Windows 10/11 Enterprise so you can use that program. It's inconvenient, but at least you want have to give up your new laptop.

I own the company so there is no one but me. A dirt cheap laptop won't run this program effectively. They recommend 64 GB ram and I have seen it run on high powered windows desktops. It takes a lot of computing HP.

 

[bdog1234]

How would you be 'bad mouthing' the company for looking into alternatives to run it on a Mac? That's just absurd.

It is a long story. Have you seen the movie "The Founder" about the people that created McD's? The people at this company kind of remind me of that. They take the slightest suggestion or request for anything with their products as a personal insult. Dealing with them is probably one of the biggest stresses of running my business but they are the only people in the world that make the product we need for this one very specific application. It is what it is and I have been dealing with it for a decade. I would say it is the perfect opportunity for a competitor to step in and while I would love that it is very unlikely as there are so few users/potential customers. I hope to retire in about 5 years so I just need to push through until then. I am just not sure if my 2019 MBP will last that long.

What the software does is unchanged over the past decade but our clients are requesting more and more detailed information as time goes on which has caused exponential growth in data sampling intervals and the shear volume of data which in turn exponentially increases computing time.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

So the way I understand it, this company makes the instruments and makes software that runs those instruments. The software takes in the raw input of the sensors and then it can later on crunch the numbers of the software. Is there a way to export the raw data? There is other more generic software that can monitor instrumentation and/or process data from any source e.g. Matlab so maybe someone has come up with a way to do the stuff you need. If you really think there’s a niche for this, it might be the kind of thing you can work out yourself and market.

 

[circatee]

Note: I've not read all the responses.

But, if this is a work application, is your employer not able to offer a Windows VM, that you can RDP into, to thus access said software?

I have to do this for one archaic software that we use...

 

[Flynnsworth]

So if the 2019 MBP is the end of the line which it appears it is this is a major fork In the road for me.

Unfortunately you are correct. Apple’s move to ARM64 has left you behind for your work needs. Take a look at the Dell XPS laptops if you want power.

I'm not sure why the software won't run in ARM Windows, that does seem strange.

You’ll be surprised at how much cannot be emulated by Windows 11 ARM. Many custom drivers need to be re-written, particularly for specialist hardware.

 

[ZimsZamsZoom]

Some recommendations already offered are what I would consider.
You could ask your company to get you a Windows 365 subscription to run this. It will make using Windows on your new MacBook Pro seamless, you just swipe to it when you need to run that program.

The other option is to pick up a dirt cheap Windows laptop for $275 and install Windows 10 Pro or have your company upgrade it to Windows 10/11 Enterprise so you can use that program. It's inconvenient, but at least you want have to give up your new laptop.

Why not just use Parallels or VMWare Fusion to run Windows?

 

[MRxROBOT]

The solution seems very simple. If a Mac can't run your professional tools, time to move to windows. I've got tools that work best with linux, so I use linux with them. I'm not understanding the problem here unless you're just such a fanboy you can't fathom using something that doesn't have a fruit on it. Any business owner will tell you that time is money, so use the best tool for the job.

 

[richmlow]

I own the company so there is no one but me. A dirt cheap laptop won't run this program effectively. They recommend 64 GB ram and I have seen it run on high powered windows desktops. It takes a lot of computing HP.

Hello bdog1234,


I can imagine that the situation is quite frustrating and I sympathize.

However, the solution to your problem is quite straightforward. Please understand that I am not trying to
give a simplistic answer!

Just buy a sufficiently powerful Windows machine (laptop computer or desktop) and be done with the issue. That is certainly what I would do. Many problems have solutions which can be purchased. Life is too short to be worrying about unnecessary things!

Forget about virtualization, remote access, etc. All these "solutions" are mere attempts at fitting a square peg in a round hole.

Good luck with resolving your problem.


richmlow

 

[triptolemus]

Forget about virtualization, remote access, etc. All these "solutions" are mere attempts at fitting a square peg in a round hole.

They're really not. Both are perfectly reasonable solutions to consider when the discussion is primed with all the relevant information. OP was thin on the details in the original post. Perhaps this was a piece of lab equipment which would do well with a Big Ass Windows machine sitting next to it along with Remote Desktop. Turns out, OP is running all this on a laptop in the truck. Big Ass Windows machine is off the table then.

We still don't know what OP is really running for reasons I find utterly ridiculous, but whatever.

I agree that getting a Windows machine to to the job is the most sensible solutions. But virtualization and remote access solutions are not square pegs in a round hole.

 

[winxmac]

Because to most people, computers are just a tool, and their expertise is in other areas you know nothing about. The general public does not know the difference between x86, x86-64, and ARM, nor do I expect them to.

Plus, the OP would not have known whether or not it would have worked prior to testing it out. There was a non-zero probability the software would have worked. I have x64 finite element software (like OPs) running on an ARM Mac via Parallels -> Windows 11 Emulation. In theory it works, but with so many layers, it's slower than running natively on an Intel machine.

No one is not expected to be a know it all when it comes to technology, which is why I mentioned to do enough research... If performing self research is not an option, is asking experts on the matter too difficult?

Unless you are tech savvy or well informed with technology, when you go to a device store, do you not consult a sales/tech on which one to purchase that fits your needs? When you can't be bothered to read the manual, do you not ask customer support/tech support for troubleshooting/tips and tricks? Is it pride, shame?

You don't have to know every little detail, just the ones enough to make an informed decision...

 

[chrfr]

Why not just use Parallels or VMWare Fusion to run Windows?

That's covered in the very first post in the thread.

 

[triptolemus]

No one is not expected to be a know it all when it comes to technology, which is why I mentioned to do enough research... If performing self research is not an option, is asking experts on the matter too difficult?

Unless you are tech savvy or well informed with technology, when you go to a device store, do you not consult a sales/tech on which one to purchase that fits your needs? When you can't be bothered to read the manual, do you not ask customer support/tech support for troubleshooting/tips and tricks? Is it pride, shame?

You don't have to know every little detail, just the ones enough to make an informed decision...

Agreed. Here you've got an OP who obviously has some technical chops. Software compatibility should be within his realm. We're not talking about grandma being stumped by a toaster.

 

[SpotOnT]

Just get a dedicated Windows computer that runs nothing but that one piece of software. When you have specialized tools and software, you have to think of the computer as a part of that package.

If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, and your productivity is really good with macOS, then you’ll just need to have two devices. Maybe you can get by with a 15 inch MacBook Air, if the windows machine is doing most of the heavy lifting. Or maybe not, maybe you’ll just have to have a Windows laptop and a MacBook Pro that you carry around in your truck.

Having two devices, each dedicated for the job they do, seems like the best option. Trying to force software to work on something it’s not designed for, or getting frustrated trying to use windows with your daily tasks, does it not make sense. In short, just plan on using two devices. It doesn’t make sense to force everything onto one.

(any chance you can just skip the Windows machine, use your 2019 MacBook Pro for the special application, and then use your M3 Max for everything else?)

 

[bdog1234]

The solution seems very simple. If a Mac can't run your professional tools, time to move to windows. I've got tools that work best with linux, so I use linux with them. I'm not understanding the problem here unless you're just such a fanboy you can't fathom using something that doesn't have a fruit on it. Any business owner will tell you that time is money, so use the best tool for the job.

I wouldn't say I am a fanboy but I have been deeply in the Apple ecosystem for a decade. I have a lot of computer experience. In college I was a salaried system administrator for an entire department at the university which was over 50 faculty and hundreds of students. I solely was responsible for hundreds of computers running windows and various flavors of Unix. Though my skills are rusty I know how to make things work I just have been spoiled by how seamlessly everything Apple works together. Time is money and I love how well Apple works for me in regards to everything but this one stupid program.

 

[bdog1234]

Note: I've not read all the responses.

But, if this is a work application, is your employer not able to offer a Windows VM, that you can RDP into, to thus access said software?

I have to do this for one archaic software that we use...

There is no employer. I own the company. Where I work at and use this software there is often no cell or internet service of ny kind.

 

[bdog1234]

I don't understand why some users do not research enough before complaining that what they purchased is useless or not up to their use case...

That is a fair criticism. My 2019 MBP is the third Mac I have had and ran this software via Fusion and Windows with. It has always worked flawlessly. I work 90-110 hours a week on average and honestly have not kept up with all the latest on the Macs. I saw a headline about the Apple event and new faster laptops and decided it was time to order one. I did not delve into the details. I just assumed it would work like it always has.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Why not just use Parallels or VMWare Fusion to run Windows?

It’s x86 software, it’s not gonna run. Maybe if it was 64 but it could run on Windows 11 on ARM.

 

[bdog1234]

A lot of x86 software does run. I don’t understand the how and why but I had install files of some programs from years ago and they installed and worked fine

 

[antiprotest]

Have you considered switching jobs so you can be finally free of that software and enjoy the blessed M series with the rest of us? Or have you ruled that out?

 

[Contact_Feanor]

I am not sure if this is the right place for this or not but I am really bummed out. I have been using a 2019 MBP that I bought new and it has been great. There is some really niche proprietary software that I use daily for my work that only runs on windows. There are no alternatives to this software and probably less than 500 people in the world use it and the developers will not update it. They haven’t made any changes since 2015.

Anyway I have used this software on my 2019 MBP with windows running on fusion and it works great and has for years. I got my new M3 Max and this software will not run on it. I tried parallels and fusion and it will not work.

I am so disappointed and am at a loss on what to do. I have been using Mac since 2012 for everything except for a couple windows only programs. The data that this one program uses is getting bigger and bigger with time and I really need a newer faster computer but I think I already have the fastest intel MBP.

It seems my options are either stick with my old 2019 MBP or switch over to a windows laptop. I am not all excited about that. I use this one program 30-40 hours a week and am constantly copying and pasting info to and from it. I do everything aside from this program on the Mac side.

Windows has just announced that windows will come as an app for iPads and macs. You’ll be able to run it that way somewhere next year. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-app/overview

 

[ZZ9pluralZalpha]

There is no employer. I own the company. Where I work at and use this software there is often no cell or internet service of ny kind.

This might be too complex and/or unreliable for your current tastes, but have you considered adding a WiFi router into your truck setup? That should enable you to leave a Windows machine, or your old Intel MacBook Pro, connected to the instrument in your truck, and remote into it from your M3 whether you're working in the truck, on the hood or tailgate, or in a motel room close by. Lack of internet connectivity won't matter to RDP if you just use the local IP addresses, there are plentiful "travel routers" that run off USB power so you could use a powerbank to reduce the load on your truck (Apple Silicon also does wonders for that!), and you can break free of the long cable literally tying you to a car seat—sitting in that all day can't be good for you!

I suppose this doesn't address how you handle the energy-intensive data processing if your truck isn't running—two of those big lithium ion battery packs, to alternate charging them in the motel?—but I do think separating the instrument-interfacing machine and your "touch point" is the way to go. A 2019 MBP should be able to survive five more years, especially with reduced physical handling, or you could buy a secondhand one if it dies, or even a Windows machine; over a fast local network, swiping back and forth from a full-screen Remote Desktop session should feel just like your Intel MBP setup, minus the hair-dryer fans. There are certainly more options than trying to have one machine that does everything.

(Side note: personally I'm with @Spanky Deluxe on seeing if there's a way to at least separate the data processing from the instrument-interface software—and heck, I've seen too many super-proprietary drivers turn out to be easily-decipherable self-rolled data formats slapped on top of a standard communications protocol—but I've also got a bad case of Not Invented Here syndrome, and I can see why a working pro wouldn't want to take on essentially a second job that risks his primary tools...)

 

[ZZ9pluralZalpha]

Windows has just announced that windows will come as an app for iPads and macs. You’ll be able to run it that way somewhere next year. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-app/overview

As I understand it, that will just be a subscription service that lets you Remote Desktop into a Windows VM running on a Microsoft server. Won't do anything for OP unless he wants to mount a Starlink dish on his truck.

 

[Eric5h5]

A software designed for x86 will not work on ARM architecture unless the software developer created multiple versions for multiple platforms...

That's not true. You can run x86 Mac apps on Arm transparently. You can run x86 Windows apps on Arm using some form of Wine, such as CrossOver. Even 32-bit Windows apps.

OP: CrossOver has a free trial. Typically Wine has less compatibility than virtualization, but given that you can set it to emulate older versions of Windows, maybe that's what it needs in this case, and you never know until you try.

 

[seek3r]

I am not sure if this is the right place for this or not but I am really bummed out. I have been using a 2019 MBP that I bought new and it has been great. There is some really niche proprietary software that I use daily for my work that only runs on windows. There are no alternatives to this software and probably less than 500 people in the world use it and the developers will not update it. They haven’t made any changes since 2015.

Anyway I have used this software on my 2019 MBP with windows running on fusion and it works great and has for years. I got my new M3 Max and this software will not run on it. I tried parallels and fusion and it will not work.

I am so disappointed and am at a loss on what to do. I have been using Mac since 2012 for everything except for a couple windows only programs. The data that this one program uses is getting bigger and bigger with time and I really need a newer faster computer but I think I already have the fastest intel MBP.

It seems my options are either stick with my old 2019 MBP or switch over to a windows laptop. I am not all excited about that. I use this one program 30-40 hours a week and am constantly copying and pasting info to and from it. I do everything aside from this program on the Mac side.

It would help folks here to help if you mentioned what software?

Without knowing, I would suggest you look into using WINE (a good commercial version would be CodeWeaver’s Crossover) as a possibility over a full VM.

Also what versions of windows are you trying? Is the old setup 10 and the new 11?