Parallels releases Desktop for Mac
updated 07:45 am EDT, Thu June 15, 2006
Parallels Desktop for Mac
Parallels today released the final version of its Desktop for Mac virtualization software, following the conclusion of a Beta program that generated more than 100,000 testers from 71 countries. Parallels Desktop is billed as the first solution for Intel processor-based Macs that enables users to run Windows XP -- or any other operating system -- simultaneously in isolated "virtual machines" directly on a Mac OS X desktop, giving them the ability to use Windows programs at the same time as Mac applications. The company claims "near native" performance, the ability to run any version of Windows, and support for Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, or MS-DOS operating systems. In addition, it supports full-screen viewing, the ability to display the secondary OS on a separate screen, share files between the operating systems and the Mac desktop, "cut & paste" between the OSes, and Parallels Compressor technology to reduce the size of Windows 2000, 2003 and XP virtual drives. The full version is $80, with a special $30 discount extended to new customers for 30 days.
performance
06/15, 08:44am reply
Some performance numbers would be good comparing it to the same machine running boot camp. How does it handle 3d apps and games? That has always been a problem. Now that Apple has drivers as part of the boot camp system, will those drivers all 3d apps to work within this virtual machine system?
beeble
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2004
two things missing
06/16, 07:58am reply
1. Hardware accelerated graphics - it doesn't have to be as fast as native, but anything is better than software-only, and would be more than usable for most folks.
2. Direct partition support - that way I can use the same system with a different boot profile, and still have the same apps, data, etc. wether I boot directly into Windows for best performance, or run virtually for best convenience.
Until then, I'm not biting - especially not now after they doubled the original announced price.
Sebastien
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2000