Buying new MacBook - Parallels vs VMware Fusion

[DavidS]

Since there were no speed bumps for the MacBooks (I didn't expect any), I've decided to go ahead and buy a new MacBook 2.2Ghz. I was going to wait for them to show up as refurbs, but MacMall, Mac Connection, Club Mac, etc. are all offering multiple rebates on a new computer, including $75, free carrying case, printer, and either Parallels or Fusion. The "freebies" make up for the price difference.

I know very little about either of these programs. I need Windows XP to log onto our work computer from home. (I tried it on an iBook G4 and it was not fun.) I could also use Boot Camp, but like the idea of not having to reboot. Any opinions on which is better. Also, any opinions on which of these authorized retailers is better? The prices are all about the same ($1219 after $75 rebate).

[Tofer]

I'm a happy Parallels user, although I hear good things about VMWare. When you say you "need Windows XP to log onto our work computer from home," how are you logging in? Through Internet Explorer, through Windows Desktop Remote, through a VPN? You might find that Codeweavers is a better solution if that's all you're doing with XP.

-Tofer

[jdc]

do you access a windows server?

would this work: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/re...fault.mspx

thats what i use to access my server, no XP needed

[DavidS]

I use a secure token key to log in through our website. It's a Client for Java connection accessed with IE or Firefox. Once logged in, the specific program that I'm accessing (our electronic medical records) uses the F2 key a lot and for some reason, it would not accept this on the iBook. The work-around was a pain.

[MacArtist]

DavidS,

Parallel user here. For 2 weeks out of the month; I have the displeasure of running XP.

I am curious about the speed differences between Fusion and Parallels. MAVIC was working on a comprehensive comparison of the two programs.

Fusion supports dual core processors. Parallels utilizes a single core (if I'm not mistaken).

Virtualization works very well.

[Tommie Milwaukee]

I use Fusion with Windows XP (using the dual core option). It's fast & very reliable.

[mattkime]

>>I use Fusion with Windows XP (using the dual core option). It's fast & very reliable.

Agreed.

[sekker]

I have Parallels and XP installed - now for the third time - on my MBP. It is not very stable, the 'updates' don't seem to fix the main problems, and the last one broke my installed app - and I had to reinstall.

Last week, I realized that 'forms' from our corporate site are not read properly using IE and Parallels/XP. Wasted several hours troubleshooting (the same sites are wierd via Safari 3 for mac and firefox), went to a native XP machine and finished up.

Am about to try crossover for IE.

If that doesn't work, I'll try Fusion.

Parallels jumped the market, but they seem to be 110% focused on getting Paralells for servers out the door.

[clay]

I use VMware on my mac pro. Very stable, reliable. gets my recommendation

[M A V I C]

Testing is on hold. Adobe said no to some test software as I didn't have an established review site I was doing this for. Parallels gave me a review kit that apparently gives guidelines for testing. I've contacted VMWare for the same but they have not responded. So right now the testing is on hold while I review Parallel's materials. I don't want to run the testing and ignore any stability/performance suggestions they may have. It will also help me isolate variables in the testing.

Since Parallels has also provided me with a contact there to work with, I'm also asking for their feedback on some of my preliminary test results - even though it contradicts the claims on their site.

I'll still have it done by the end of the month.