I wish to runn Windows on my iMac 20 (2.18Ghz, ~4GB RAM, Leopard 10.5.2) and my needs will be simple - I only need Windows for remote desktop access to my work PC using a Mobikey USB stick - the device doesn't support native OS X. I won't be using Windows for anything else as my Mac has all the software I need, and I prefer running both Mac/Windows simultaneously (i.e. I don't want to boot to one vs. the other) only when I use the Mobikey.
So I've done some newbie research and came to the following conclusion as a best choice (in terms of quality and performance) based on my needs/platform:
1) Buy VM Ware Fusion 1.1.1
2) Buy Windows XP Pro 64 Bit (probably OEM for simplicity)
3) Run Windows in Unity mode (shared Mac/Windows) - simply insert the Mobikey so I can access my computer at work from home
Parallels seems easier to use, but it doesn't support 64 bit OS's. I don't need Vista. I figure XP Pro 64bit runs better in the scenario I've got than it's 32 bit counterpart, but admit two issues concern me: SP2 for XP Pro/64 -- will I need it, and is activating XP Pro/64 a major pain?
What are you thoughts on this, anyone using my "desired" setup? I've not purchased a thing yet, trust the gurus on here to help a newbie out. Please point out pitfalls and concerns, okay to get technical - I'm new to this type of setup, not to Mac or Windows or computers in general.
Thanks, all.
-jim
So I've done some newbie research and came to the following conclusion as a best choice (in terms of quality and performance) based on my needs/platform:
1) Buy VM Ware Fusion 1.1.1
2) Buy Windows XP Pro 64 Bit (probably OEM for simplicity)
3) Run Windows in Unity mode (shared Mac/Windows) - simply insert the Mobikey so I can access my computer at work from home
Parallels seems easier to use, but it doesn't support 64 bit OS's. I don't need Vista. I figure XP Pro 64bit runs better in the scenario I've got than it's 32 bit counterpart, but admit two issues concern me: SP2 for XP Pro/64 -- will I need it, and is activating XP Pro/64 a major pain?
What are you thoughts on this, anyone using my "desired" setup? I've not purchased a thing yet, trust the gurus on here to help a newbie out. Please point out pitfalls and concerns, okay to get technical - I'm new to this type of setup, not to Mac or Windows or computers in general.
Thanks, all.
-jim