Windows on Macboo air for better HD video support..

[heyholetsgo]

I want to use a macbook air as my primary computer (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/734071/) and as it seems like mac codecs suck, I'm thinking about installingWindows 7/XP on it.
Is that a good idea?(Especially if I want to link it to an APPLE LED?)
Are there going to be any hardware issues/problems?


THX 4 help!

 

[MacDawg]

Running Windows on an Air, especially for video is going to drive the heat up significantly. I really don't think the Air is suited for what you want to do, but others may chime in with a different opinion.

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[heyholetsgo]

Although I'm kind of in love with the air, I'll probably buy the 13" MBP...
Do you know if Windows 7/XP runs smooth on it and are there any other things I should consider before buying a mac intending to run windows on it?

 

[steveza]

Although I'm kind of in love with the air, I'll probably buy the 13" MBP...
Do you know if Windows 7/XP runs smooth on it and are there any other things I should consider before buying a mac intending to run windows on it?

I think Windows 7 would be a good choice on the MBP 13". Stick with the 32bit version for better driver support.

 

[heyholetsgo]

Hmmm, but the 32Bit will just use 3 out of 4 GB ram, right?!

What kind of problems would I get if the macbook air heats up? I wouldn't watch HD 24/7! Is the MBP better suited for running Windows than the Macbook Ar? If so, why?

 

[jgbhardy]

Windows 7

I'm currently running windows 7 64bit on my Early 2008 Whitebook, its running ok no problems so far, I'm actually a little surprised by windows 7 it hasn't made me yell it at it yet.
13" MBP should run the 64x version fine, I've had no driver issues so far but I haven't got that many programs on here.

 

[steveza]

Hmmm, but the 32Bit will just use 3 out of 4 GB ram, right?!

True, but are you running anything that is going to use all 4GB anyway. I have 4GB RAM in my MBP and I could see any difference between the 64 and 32bit versions speed-wise. As W7 is still pre-release software you may run into stuff that doesn't run very well (in 64bit) - but I'm sure that comprehensive 64bit driver and software support will be available in October when it is released. Either way as it's free software you can download whichever version you are happy with and try it out.

Just for info I run the x64 version on my home PC and about 15 PCs in my office run it too and I have zero problems on any of those.

 

[areusche]

Oh goodness go for the 64 bit Windows 7. The RC build is incredibly stable and it uses all of the pre-existing 64bit vista drivers.

Use the latest version of bootcamp from Apple's website. You may have a few driver issues (Nvidia and Realtek HD Audio). Both of which are just simply caused by the outdated versions Apple has. They can be easily updated from the developer's website.

Also Windows Update has a surprisingly large library of fully updated drivers all in one location. I've been impressed by Microsoft's work as of late.

Windows 7 isn't the fail of an operating system that Vista was. It so far has run incredibly well on my Macbook Pro.

If you have any extra problems caused by say lack of video ram, right click on the EXE and go to properties. Click on over to "Compatibility" and disable visual themes. I don't understand why games disable this by default since Aero is wasting resources when a game is at full screen. I am now able to run GTA IV with the exact same settings I had in 32bit XP.

Good luck! The RC starts to become a nuisance in March of 2010. That's way more time then I need and hopefully we'll see Windows 7 out in November.