Parallels feedback for MBA

[mtx]

Before I order my 11’ MBA, I would like some feedback about the use of Parallels.

1. What is the MBA setup you have? (Ghz ,RAM, SSD)
2. Which window version are you using? (XP or Win 7)
3. What is your experience running window in Parallels?

I am still debating to get either 64 or 128 GB. I fully understand that if I go with the 64 GB setup and run Win 7, I will have minimal free space on the HD but most of all the work will be saved on an external drive so ‘technically’ HD is not critical.

Also I know that Mac does not need anti-virus. What about running Window in Parallels? Will I need an anti-virus for the virtual window? (Sorry, I am not very technical)

Thanks

 

[KPOM]

It works fine for me (1.6GHz 11" w/4GB), but if you are running Windows 7 I'd definitely recommend the 128GB drive. Windows itself takes up 16GB (32-bit) to 20GB (64-bit). Remember, the 64GB SSD is really only about 60GB in Mac terms (base 1000) and 55GB in Windows terms (base 1024). It's good to leave Windows (and OS X) some space for swap files for better performance.

 

[GGJstudios]

Also I know that Mac does not need anti-virus. What about running Window in Parallels? Will I need an anti-virus for the virtual window?

To protect the Windows virtual machine, yes.

From the Parallels site:

Please keep in mind that viruses and other malicious software cannot affect Mac OS X itself, but the shared folders that are accessible from the Windows guest OS can be corrupted.

And from the VMware Fusion site:

Will running Windows on my Mac expose my Mac to viruses?

Virtual machines are isolated from each other and don’t have access to the Mac by default. If you enable Mirrored Folders, there is the potential to expose your Mac’s documents, desktop, music and pictures folders to viruses.

 

[blow45]

should put on xp obviously, since it's much lighter.

I have no problems whatsoever love it and runs very smooth.

having said that I dont run heavy gfx intensive staff on it.

 

[Ridley]

In my opinion VMWare Fusion is many many times better than parallels. The "Unity" feature is mind blowing! They have so many features just seamlessly built into it ... and if you can get the student rate. I mean, book it!

 

[mtx]

In my opinion VMWare Fusion is many many times better than parallels. The "Unity" feature is mind blowing! They have so many features just seamlessly built into it ... and if you can get the student rate. I mean, book it!

It was a long debate before I went with Parallels but because of MacUpdate bundle that I finally went with it. It make sense at that time to buy it since I also wanted 1password and Techtool. Kinda regret it now as I have been visiting the apple store for some time now and Fusion isactually really nice. Oh well, I have to deal with it now.

 

[mtx]

should put on xp obviously, since it's much lighter.

I have no problems whatsoever love it and runs very smooth.

having said that I dont run heavy gfx intensive staff on it.

That is probably the route I will take but somehow, it has become very difficult to actually buy Win XP now. For once I was planning to go the 'legit' way.. instead of 'open source'..

I figure that I won't be needed much of Window so the less intensive OS, the better it is.

 

[blow45]

vmware is great, but currently parallels is better, you did the right thing. and you got it cheap with 1password too, I paid more for the update...lol.

 

[ZipZap]

vmware is great, but currently parallels is better, you did the right thing. and you got it cheap with 1password too, I paid more for the update...lol.

You really should indicate why you think its better.

 

[blow45]

You really should indicate why you think its better.

well I am just repeating the majority position here, from the industry and the users, nothing more to indicate, vmware like I said is great, but it's a version behind parallels at the moment, and parallels is the clear winner for now.