Parallels 5

Feek · 4 Nov 2009 at 17:19

So I see that Parallels 5 is out today, so that's both Parallels and VMWare Fusion which now support Windows 7 and Aero properly.

I've bought both previous versions although I'm using Parallels over VMWare now and it'll be interesting to see which works better out of the two new versions. I'm only planning on upgrading one of them so I'll have to find some comparative reviews.

JAMAL · 4 Nov 2009 at 18:19

What do you use them for Feek, is there important windows software that you cannot do without?

Just curious.

Feek · 4 Nov 2009 at 18:30

I have two VMs, one is for work. I have no choice, I have to use Windows for work and it's easier to kick in a VM when I'm on call than fire up my laptop.

The other one has some software for automatically downloading safety camera updates for my sat-nav, there is only a Windows version available. I then drag the POI directory it downloads out of the VM and send it to the sat-nav using the Garmin OS X uploader. I also have an old DOS 747-400 simulator (a new cross-platform version is about a year away) and I have some amateur radio contest software as well. There are Linux/Mac versions of that but we use a PC at our club site and so it's handy to have the same version here.

That's about it.

Berserker · 4 Nov 2009 at 22:40

I'd be interested in the outcome. I have a really old copy of Parallels and I'm debating whether it's worth the expense of an upgrade.

I've recently acquired a copy of Snow Leopard, which has forced the issue.

NickK · 5 Nov 2009 at 00:00

Parallels 3 -> 4 was worth it just for the speed increase!

Not sure 4 -> 5 for me as I'm not using Windows 7.

Feek · 5 Nov 2009 at 00:10

Well they're claiming another big speed increase from 4 to 5 so it could be worth considering. I'm guessing it'll be a few days before there are any big comparison reviews.

meghatronic · 5 Nov 2009 at 02:05

Didn't 4 just come out?

NickK · 5 Nov 2009 at 02:39

That's my thought too - "ooo windows 7, we can make some more dosh!".

Feek · 5 Nov 2009 at 08:48

meghatronic said:
Didn't 4 just come out?

November 2008

MacRS4 · 5 Nov 2009 at 10:15

I use both regularly - VM3 and P5. I find I use them for slightly different things. I prefer the integration for desktop OS better and slightly faster on Parallels, however VM scales better for server operating systems.

So I end up running my server stuff in VM, and my client stuff in Parallels.

Could I do it all in either? Yes, I could, without any real issues either.

Rambaud · 6 Nov 2009 at 00:22

I have Parallels 4 and VM2.

Still considering my options.

citycm · 6 Nov 2009 at 00:57

I think the best new feature in Parallels 5 is the MacLook feature. This kinda gives a theme to Windows so all the applications look like proper OSX apps. Very cool

Rambaud · 22 Nov 2009 at 16:45

Bought Parallels 5 yesterday, after demoing it for a few days (Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000).

Feek · 22 Nov 2009 at 17:28

After having trialled them both, I've bought the upgrade for Parallels. It works better for me than VMWare Fusion.