VMware vs. Parallels

[BornAgainMac]

VMware questions

Can VMware boot off a Bootcamp image like Parallels? Also is there a utility to convert Parallels images over to VMware?

I am considering VMware but I am afraid the Windows activation feature will fail because VMware will be considered a new PC and force me to buy windows again. At the very least, I'll have to install Windows and all the apps and security patches all over again. I like that Parallels can use the same instance of Windows as Bootcamp. I am considering creating a Bootcamp image on my Mac after Leopard comes out when it is no longer beta.

 

[Dembo]

Will/Might Go 1.0 on August the 6th....

Hmmm, I am seriously consider bying this one on the pre-order program they offer. ArsTechnica claims it will go 1.0 on the 6th:

http://digg.com/apple/VMware_to_release_Fusion_for_Mac_into_the_wild_on_Aug_6

Tempting, very tempting...

 

[oxymoron2007]

Can VMware boot off a Bootcamp image like Parallels? Also is there a utility to convert Parallels images over to VMware?

I am considering VMware but I am afraid the Windows activation feature will fail because VMware will be considered a new PC and force me to buy windows again. At the very least, I'll have to install Windows and all the apps and security patches all over again. I like that Parallels can use the same instance of Windows as Bootcamp. I am considering creating a Bootcamp image on my Mac after Leopard comes out when it is no longer beta.

VMware does allow you to use the Bootcamp partition, and VMware Tools takes care of the reactivation problem...just make sure to follow the directions EXACTLY.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I am going to upgrade to VMWare then. It sounds like it will be worth it.

 

[Dembo]

VMware does allow you to use the Bootcamp partition, and VMware Tools takes care of the reactivation problem...just make sure to follow the directions EXACTLY.

Sweets - that all the information I need! For the pre-registration price you can't go wrong. Bought although I don't plan to install Windows for the next couple of weeks.

 

[hajime]

I have Fusion 1.0 (50460) installed on my mbp.
What are the differences between the current
downable version and the one to be released
on Monday?

 

[crazycat]

I just installed VMWare beta on my laptop and i love it. Its faster then Parallels, its easier to install a new OS and looks better. I just pre-ordred my copy of VMWare and i guess i am sticking with it.

Another vote for VMWare.

 

[oxymoron2007]

Just pre-ordered as well. My vote's for VMware Fusion.

Just hope there's Unity support for Windows Vista soon.

 

[nospamboz]

Just hope there's Unity support for Windows Vista soon.

Fusion RC1 has Unity for 32-bit and 64-bit Vista, and presumably so
will the 1.0 release. I've used it. It works fine.

 

[bankshot]

Looks like the pre-order pricing for VMware ($40) is no longer available. Instead, they have a $20 mail-in rebate bringing the final price to $60. I never got around to trying the latest release candidate to see if it was worth replacing Parallels, so at $60 (or $80 after the rebate goes away) I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble.

 

[oxymoron2007]

Fusion RC1 has Unity for 32-bit and 64-bit Vista, and presumably so
will the 1.0 release. I've used it. It works fine.

It's classified as "experimental," I think, and in my experiences with it hasn't worked with vista once. The option is there; however, when I click it, the vm screen disappears and nothing happens (the window that is supposed to appear, doesn't). If you're doing something different, let me know.

 

[Nermal]

Looks like the pre-order pricing for VMware ($40) is no longer available. Instead, they have a $20 mail-in rebate bringing the final price to $60. I never got around to trying the latest release candidate to see if it was worth replacing Parallels, so at $60 (or $80 after the rebate goes away) I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble.

VMware has been pretty clear that the pre-order pricing would only be available during beta. For me, VMware was a no-brainer because we use it at work and being able to move VMs back and forth will make my life significantly easier. I never bought Parallels in the first place because I knew VMware was coming

 

[LMO]

It's classified as "experimental," I think, and in my experiences with it hasn't worked with vista once. The option is there; however, when I click it, the vm screen disappears and nothing happens (the window that is supposed to appear, doesn't). If you're doing something different, let me know.

I've found an app or two that don't get along with Unity mode on Vista. For those apps I switch back to single window mode to start or minimize. The major apps such as Office, IE, etc. all seem to work fine in Unity under Vista except that Office needs to be opened in a window the first time after install so that you can see the new user dialog.

 

[oxymoron2007]

I've found an app or two that don't get along with Unity mode on Vista. For those apps I switch back to single window mode to start or minimize. The major apps such as Office, IE, etc. all seem to work fine in Unity under Vista except that Office needs to be opened in a window the first time after install so that you can see the new user dialog.

Well, I just upgraded to the new build today and now Unity works for Windows Vista. I don't know what was changed but it all works PERFECTLY and Fusion seems more stable overall. Just makes me love the program even more and justifies my $40 pre-order.