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General => The Water Cooler => Topic started by: Franck on March 12, 2008, 11:45:06 AM

Title: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 12, 2008, 11:45:06 AM

Hi!

Finally, I will receive my iMac next week. I choose a "basic" version with just 1Gb Ram; where I leave I must to pay more 20% for importation taxes :'( I will probably add more Ram in a few months but at the moment I need to run XP too. So my doubt actually is about the better solution to run another OS. I saw Bootcamp running i another Mac but I never used it; in the past, I used VMware on my PC and I really like the possibility to install quickly another OS and save the sessions. But with just 1Gb ram I don't know if I will be able to work with VMware and have good performance.

What do you think about? Bootcamp or VMware with just 1Gb ram?

Thanks ;)

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Andy Miller on March 12, 2008, 06:00:46 PM

i would buy more ram. it's really not expensive if you buy it from sources other than apple. I just bought 4gb for a mac pro for about $200USD.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 12, 2008, 06:04:30 PM

Andy, thanks for reply.

where I can buy more ram for this price? I need to see if they can deliver here in French Guiana too.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Kevin DuCommun on March 12, 2008, 06:12:56 PM

There's a couple good spots to get great RAM prices. I think the Crucial site has some nice prices on Mac RAM right now:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=iMac%202.4GHz%20Intel%20Core%202%20Duo%20%2820-inch%29

I believe they ship to French Guiana as well: http://www.crucial.com/store/international_shipping.aspx

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Andy Miller on March 12, 2008, 06:24:41 PM

i usually check ram prices on macsurfer.com, they usually have a little grey block below the page fold.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 12, 2008, 06:26:32 PM

4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory module for just €79.89 :o
I bookmarked this page and see if this price will be available next week! This website seems to be very good. Thx kevin.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 12, 2008, 06:36:50 PM

Quote from: Andy Miller on March 12, 2008, 06:24:41 PM

i usually check ram prices on macsurfer.com, they usually have a little grey block below the page fold.

;D I checked the grey box. Website bookmarked!
4GB KIT Module DDR2 SoDimm 667 (2GB x 2) starting to $96. I'm happy to see I will be able to buy more ram to run VMwaaaaare!!!!! GREAT!

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on March 13, 2008, 11:35:44 AM

Have you thought of using an alternative to VMware? that being Parallels http://www.parallels.com/

Each have their pluses and negatives but really depends on what you wish to use the virtualization for :)

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Andy Miller on March 13, 2008, 11:49:45 AM

lots or limitations with parallels tho: can only one run vm at a time, and no linux support (last time i looked). Not a bad alternative if you only care about running windows tho.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 13, 2008, 03:11:53 PM

I saw the demo of parallels and I really think it's a good option.
Andy, Parallels can run Linux now but I'm not sure if it's possible to run several OS at the same time. However, I will use only Windows for some specific applications. I really love the possibility to drag and drop files between both desktops and others features:

Quote

Run Windows programs like native Mac applications with Parallels Coherence, now with Apple Expose’ and transparent windows support

New! Open Windows files with Mac apps and Mac files with Windows apps
using Parallels SmartSelect

Share files and folders between Windows and Mac OS X

New! Access Windows folders and files without launching Windows
using Parallels Explorer

New! Run selected PC-only 3D games and graphics applications on your Mac

New! Map Mac folders to Windows letter drives for quick and easy access to your favorite Mac files

New! Keep your favorite files at your fingertips. Windows now mirrors the contents of your Mac’s Home Directory.

Parallels Transporter lets you to migrate your entire existing Windows or Linux PC system to your Mac in just a few simple steps. Now you can even use FireWire!

The price is the same for VMware: $80
Maybe VMware have all these features now. I used it 3 years ago...

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Yves on March 13, 2008, 03:41:22 PM

Hello Franck,

I first installed BootCamp in order to be able to launch directly Windows, then Parallels, which uses the partition created by BootCamp. Therefore, I have at any time the choice between virtualization and Windows only.

I am very happy with it, my girlfriend as well, she can use a Windows-only app for her work.

VMware looks great, but I don't want to change my install which is working.

Congrats for the switch !

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 13, 2008, 03:46:21 PM

Thanks for the suggestions Yves ;) and I'm very happy to have, finally, my iMac (just few days to wait).

I convinced my wife to buy a macbook and she will receive her computer in few days too ;D It's a change for all family!

I will install bootcamp for her :)

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on March 14, 2008, 01:42:55 AM

I tried both VMware and Parallels, for what I do, Parallels is better for me. I only run Windows XP and thats all I wish to run and use, for IE mainly.

VMware, does have the benefit of being able to run multiple OS' which seems to be its only main definitive feature. I personally disliked the interface but thats just personal preference :)

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Keith Higbee on March 14, 2008, 07:26:57 AM

I run VMware on my Mac Pro as well as a Bootcamp installation. VMware and Parallels both can run your Bootcamp install. However, if you're interested in an open source solution, check out Virtual Box. It's always in development (open source), but from my brief testing, it seemed like a nice cheap solution.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on March 18, 2008, 05:57:19 AM

Purchased 2x2Gb ram on www.macway.com (93€)
I had good recommendations about this store and there is no problem to receive their products in where I live.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: March on March 18, 2008, 06:08:07 AM

I would go with VMware. I don't know if Parallels is any different these days but when I used it, it will not launch if you have more than one Windows partition. Even external Fat32 usb drives would screw it up. Plus VMware has all those amazing pre-built appliances you can try out for free. That's how I test drove Joomla 1.5 before I installed it. ::M::

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Roland Deschain on April 01, 2008, 08:47:01 AM

I am reading that the 20" imac monitor is an inferior monitor capable of displaying only 262,144 colours?
Link here (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/01/apple_imac_class_action/)

Any 20" imac owners here able to comment on this?

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Andy Miller on April 01, 2008, 08:56:48 AM

Yah, i think they skimped on screen quality in the last round of imac updates specifically on the 20" imac. Not a very smart move.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Franck on April 01, 2008, 09:00:29 AM

Well, so I'm very happy to have chosen the 24" iMac :D

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Roland Deschain on April 01, 2008, 09:17:54 AM

Thanks guys, a girlfriend of The Wife was going to get a 20" imac and she does graphic design - I'll tell her to get the 24".

Cheers!

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on April 01, 2008, 09:57:21 AM

Quote from: Roland Deschain on April 01, 2008, 09:17:54 AM

Thanks guys, a girlfriend of The Wife was going to get a 20" imac and she does graphic design - I'll tell her to get the 24".

Cheers!

I am sure you'll have to pull her arm ;)

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Roland Deschain on April 01, 2008, 10:05:44 AM

Quote from: James S! on April 01, 2008, 09:57:21 AM

Quote from: Roland Deschain on April 01, 2008, 09:17:54 AM

Thanks guys, a girlfriend of The Wife was going to get a 20" imac and she does graphic design - I'll tell her to get the 24".

Cheers!

I am sure you'll have to pull her arm ;)

Convincing her to go from the 20" to the 24" won't be a problem, the extra $$ may be though, but that's the price of getting what you need!

Cheers James my friend!

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Mikael Persson on April 01, 2008, 10:34:11 AM

I have now Bootcamp after at have had Paralells before that. Paralells have to much limiteds for me.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Brad Potter on April 01, 2008, 02:47:13 PM

Wow, glad there are so many Mac people in here. I am a total Mac Addict and have owned many Apple products (Remember the Apple Lisa?) ;D

Anyway, I am getting ready to purchase a new MacBook Pro and also would like opinions on wether to go with Parallels or VMware Fusion.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on April 02, 2008, 01:49:28 AM

The best thing is to download a trial of each and see how which one you prefer :) I personally prefer the Parallels interface and as I only use it for Internet Explore testing and use a gaming client, its *lack of robust features* compared to VMware aren't a major problem.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Mikael Persson on April 02, 2008, 06:50:09 AM

Quote from: James S! on April 02, 2008, 01:49:28 AM

How do u have preference for at have full screen in games? with Paralells (i have 24" imac)

Bootcamp are the only some gave me a full scrreen for games.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on April 02, 2008, 07:26:48 AM

You misunderstood, it was a gaming client, not a game itself. Basically, its a tunneling software allowing me to run my Xbox console through the internet as if it were LAN.

I dislike playing games on my computer, compared to my Xbox, Halo3 anyone :)

When I do play games on my computer, there are strategy and I prefer non-full screen mode for that.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Mikael Persson on April 04, 2008, 03:28:39 PM

Quote from: James S! on April 02, 2008, 07:26:48 AM

I have both Xbox and PS3 and Wii at home, but my dau on 6yo can not play game on consoles =/ her games are most for Win. =/

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Thomas Breeze on April 05, 2008, 07:49:01 AM

Parallels works for what I use Windows for. Bootcamp is cool but requires valuable harddrive space I didn't want to give up. It also requires shutting down and if I use Windows, I need dual access to both Operating Systems.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Yves on May 09, 2008, 03:27:30 AM

You can also try VirtualBox 1.6 for Mac OS X Intel (https://cds.sun.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/CDS-CDS_SMI-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewProductDetail-Start?ProductRef=innotek-1.6-G-F@CDS-CDS_SMI), free download at Sun microsystems.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: Joseph Halleck on May 09, 2008, 04:41:04 AM

I run a Mac OS in Vmware on my quad core PC. ;D

I run mainly Windows XP (Vista is very evil). It is nice to have the MAC OS to test browsers and run some of the MAC only tools.
When XP is setup right and on good hardware it doesn't crash like everyone thinks it does. I have yet to have a blue screen on this PC I am using right now. Crap hardware = Crap period.

Title: Re: Bootcamp or VMware on iMac?
Post by: James S! on May 10, 2008, 12:52:16 AM

Quote from: Yves on May 09, 2008, 03:27:30 AM

Has anyone tried this?