Translator needs to run Win software, would love to upgrade

[Lushchicken]

Hey everyone. I'm a translator and have to do parts of my work in a software called Trados Studio which is strictly Windows only.
Most translators hate it, but as it's been the 'industry standard' for many years, some agencies insist on sending files that are exclusively supported by Trados. It's the only reason I'm running Parallels on my Intel Macs.

I love me a nice new Mac, so of course the new Macbook Pros really make me want to upgrade. I currently have an Intel Macbook Air (after only buying Mabcook Pros for many years) and it does feel slightly underpowered. So the upgrade to M1 or higher is a no brainer for me. I always assumed that Windows and my software would run in Parallels on the new Macs, eventually. But now I'm seeing all this talk about Microsoft not having any intention of supporting Windows on the new Macs. So I'm at a bit of a loss on how to proceed.

I'm still planning on upgrading next year and keeping my current Intel MBA around to run Trados. But what next? Intel Macs won't be around forever. Do you guys think the Windows/Apple Silicon thing is bound to get worked out at some point in the future? Or would you just buy a separate Windows laptop to run one app? I've had bad experiences with Windows hardware in the past, any recommendations for good, affordable laptops?

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Joe Dohn]

If you upgrade, here are the options you have.

• Virtualization: you will need UTM / Parallels / VMware fusion. With Parallels or VMware Fusion, you will be able to run your TRADOS application side by side with Windows applications. However, this does require extra licences for VMware Fusion / Parallels and an extra license for Windows (or migrate your old one to your virtual machine, if it's not an OEM license).
  
  
• Use TRADOS' cloud solution: you'll need a monthly subscription, but you'll be able to use TRADOS on the cloud. The operating system won't matter. This probably doesn't have all the features of the desktop version though.
  
  
• Use a cross operating system CAT tool: you'll need to use OmegaT or CafeTran. In the case of Cafetran, you'll need an extra license. Neither program has all the features TRADOS offers, if you need them. But who knows, they might work for you.

Considering the extra horsepower the M1 line has, I would say virtualization is your most flexible option. Try using Windows for ARM and enabling a x86 compatibility layer. It will most likely work.

 

[Slartibart]

you know somebody with an M1? then you could try to run the software you require via CrossOver (they offer a 14 day trial).
Otherwise there is Parallels and you would have to join the Windows Insider Program to get an ARM windows - here is a general guide on how to install Windows on Apple Silicon.

 

[Lushchicken]

Thank you, Joe! I was leaning towards virtualisation but have read that people are using some kind of developer loophole to run an ARM version of Windows that is unlikely to be supported going forward? I might be misunderstanding things. But I'm game to try anything. I have access to the cloud version to Trados and have tried Cafetran but ran into problems with both trying to work on projects due to their limitations.

 

[Lushchicken]

I don't know anyone using M1, unfortunately. But I might end up trying the Parallels route you mention once I get my new Mac. Thank you!

 

[Joe Dohn]

you know somebody with an M1? then you could try to run the software you require via CrossOver (they offer a 14 day trial).

Crossover won't work. The main developer himself stated TRADOS relies on many complex libraries, so making it work was not worth the effort. The best hope would be Wine, but considering Crossover helps immensely with TRADOS development, I don't think it'll work either.

 

[Joe Dohn]

Thank you, Joe! I was leaning towards virtualisation but have read that people are using some kind of developer loophole to run an ARM version of Windows that is unlikely to be supported going forward?

Windows ARM is not officially supported, but chances are Microsoft will keep working on it because the industry is moving to ARM. If they abandon their ARM build, they will be hostage to Intel and AMD, and Intel hasn't been in good shape lately.

So, in other words, I would trust their ARM build. TRADOS should work smoothly as soon as you join their insider program, as Slartibart stated.

 

[pacmania1982]

Not really knowing much about TRADOS - is there an Arm version for Windows on Arm (WOA)? If so then Parallels supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 - albeit the Insider Preview.

If there isn't an Arm version, then it doesn't matter if you're running Parallels or VMware Fusion, neither provide x86 or x64 emulation.

 

[Lushchicken]

Windows ARM is not officially supported, but chances are Microsoft will keep working on it because the industry is moving to ARM. If they abandon their ARM build, they will be hostage to Intel and AMD, and Intel hasn't been in good shape lately.

So, in other words, I would trust their ARM build. TRADOS should work smoothly as soon as you join their insider program, as Slartibart stated.

Ok, will have to look into that insider program thing. Thank you!

 

[Lushchicken]

Not really knowing much about TRADOS - is there an Arm version for Windows on Arm (WOA)? If so then Parallels supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 - albeit the Insider Preview.

If there isn't an Arm version, then it doesn't matter if you're running Parallels or VMware Fusion, neither provide x86 or x64 emulation.

I've seen a couple of posts of people managing to get it to work on M1, so there has to be an ARM version somewhere?

 

[Joe Dohn]

I've seen a couple of posts of people managing to get it to work on M1, so there has to be an ARM version somewhere?

There isn't. Compatibility is either with Microsoft's x86 translation layer or by running a X86 virtual machine (much slower).

 

[Lushchicken]

There isn't. Compatibility is either with Microsoft's x86 translation layer or by running a X86 virtual machine (much slower).

Ok, noted. I know absolutely nothing about these things, tbh lol