XP vs Vista & BootCamp vs Parallels

[gckmac]

Still agonizing over the best windows implementation. The macbook pro is running leopard OS and has the following hardware: 2.6 ghz processor and 4 gb ram in case I wanted to run Vista.

That said, I cannot decide between XP or Vista, and then between BootCamp and Parallels.

I don't do any gaming. Features I want from windows are these:
1. Ability to look at IE, FF browsers on windows to check site layout.
2. Ability to run windows Quicken
3. Ability to run some windows programs, like specialty FTP.
4. I've converted my Outlook, but there is one troublesome folder, so still need Outlook just in case.
5. Occasional moving of files between the two.

I do like the virtue of fast switching (parallels), but I like responsiveness too (bootcamp) and in fact am a demanding, multi-programs at once, user.

Thoughts anyone? Does anyone think bootcamp will move in the direction of parallels type features? Or vice-versa?

Thanks in advance!
gckmac

 

[jsm4182]

I have Windows XP in Parallels on my mbp. I use it for site testing and some office applications and it works great for that. What you want to do with it doesn't require much power so parallels should work great and its easier for moving files between OS X and Windows.

 

[JNB]

Here's what I did (YMMV): Bootcamped XP, and also use the BC partition as a Parallels bottle. Since Boot Camp is free, it doesn't make sense not to take advantage of it, and (also) since Parallels can use the Boot Camp partition as one of it's own, you have the ability to run the same OS implementation two completely seperate ways.

From a virtualization vs native standpoint, it's the best of both worlds. Full horsepower when I need it, quick drop to a Windows app when I don't. On a 2.16/2GB Blackbook, I normally give XP 756MB-1GB in Parallels. Both sides run just fine. I'm a Quicken user myself, and I despise the Mac version, so it's been a sanity saver. I also run a custom Windows app relying on an Oracle db, and it runs perfectly well in BC, as well. I find myself booting natively into Windows less & less, but it's there if I need it.

As to XP vs Vista? XP, hands down. Vista requires the purchase of one of the two most expensive versions (per MS EULAs, virtualization unsupported below that), as well as demanding most of your resources to support the eye candy. XPSP2 is a well wrung-out OS, compatible with nearly everything out there now, and supports more legacy & custom stuff that may never see Vista. And, you can find legal copies of it far cheaper than Vista.

 

[gckmac]

Great Suggestion!

Thanks all for the advice. John, I am intrigued by your suggestion. Would appreciate any info you can share on precisely how it is done.

Also, is this essentially what something code CodeWeaver is about? I will have to research that too.

Edit: http://www.codeweavers.com .... looks like it avoids the need to run Windows at all. It simply runs the windows apps, like Quicken (yes) and Outlook (yes again). Maybe that is the ticket? And then use BootCamp as a fail safe sort of thing. One shortcoming .... codeweavers handles IE 6.0, but not 7.0, and not FF, so there goes the browser check potential.

Thanks!

 

[JNB]

Thanks all for the advice. John, I am intrigued by your suggestion. Would appreciate any info you can share on precisely how it is done. Thanks!

Just partition for Boot Camp & install the OS of your choice per Apple's instructions.

Next, install Parallels and when creating a virtual machine, it has a selection for using the Boot Camp Partition.

The trick is when creating a new bottle, select "Custom" and about the third screen after that, select "Use Boot Camp".

Pretty damn seamless. The only "gotcha" in use is that Parallels doesn't like to see an external drive connected at launch, for some reason. After I've launched Parallels and started the XP bottle, external drives are no problem.

 

[mariusvincent]

Just partition for Boot Camp & install the OS of your choice per Apple's instructions.

Pretty damn seamless. The only "gotcha" in use is that Parallels doesn't like to see an external drive connected at launch, for some reason. After I've launched Parallels and started the XP bottle, external drives are no problem.

I use Parallels 3.0 on a MacMini (Intel) Leopard with 2 external FireWire drives with no problems. Is this a problem of USB support?

 

[user13]

I use Parallels 3.0 on a MacMini (Intel) Leopard with 2 external FireWire drives with no problems. Is this a problem of USB support?

Possibly yes, though I don't have this problem. I have the latest version of Parallels and all works fine