01-19-2007, 05:48 PM

Parallels Desktop Review:
Beta Build 3036

After using Parallels for a while now, I can sum it up in one sentence: Parallels Beta is the best Windows virtualization software to date. From Coherence Mode to Drag-n-Drop this beta version has it all. In my review, I'll try and sum up it's functionality and features. First, a brief introduction. For those of you unaware, Parallels is a program that allows Intel-based Macs to run Windows right along side your OS X system.

Why do you care? Because this enables you to run "that one Windows program" or "that one thing I need for work" and still have a Mac. All without rebooting. So, what's new in the Beta? They have this new feature called Coherence mode. This makes Windows running even more seamless then before. When you press the Coherence Mode button, your Windows desktop disappears. You're left with a start menu on the bottom of your screen, and any open windows in Windows you had. Now, you can switch from OS X to Windows without noticing. I was web-editing in Dreamweaver (OS X), and I moved to Internet Explorer 7 on Windows to see how it looks in that browser. But, I didn't really notice the switch of the OS. It just happened. See attached screenshot.

It takes a little bit of getting used to, if you are accustomed to the normal Parallels window, but once you become acclimated with the new feature, you'll be amazed. The next feature is drag and drop support. Maybe it's because of the quality of the hard drive I'm on, but the transfers are blazing fast! For example, yesterday I downloaded an outline design program. Reading too quickly and not seeing it's Windows-only compatibility, I just downloaded the .zip file. When unzipped, to my dismay, I found a .exe! I opened up Parallels, and in a few seconds the .exe was transfered. Soon, I was designing entire networks with my new EDraw Network Design program. Another new feature is the ability to run your Boot Camp partition in Parallels. I admit, I haven't tried it yet. The process involves backing up your Windows partition, then converting it into a .hdd file. Then you can run it straight from Parallels. Lastly, I gave Windows Vista a go on Parallels. While it's slow (I only gave Vista 512 MB, so it's understandable), it works! My advice to you readers: If you are not already, give Parallels Beta a try. It's free!
Harrison
Windows on the Mac
http://www.windowsonthemac.com

01-19-2007, 07:31 PM

htdefiant very good review, and if you liked Parallels 3036 you will love 3120.

01-19-2007, 10:42 PM

Has that been released yet?

01-19-2007, 10:57 PM

Yep I am running it now.

http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/beta_testing/

01-20-2007, 02:26 PM

Downloading...I guess I'll have to write another review

01-20-2007, 04:15 PM

I look forward to it

01-20-2007, 06:40 PM

Still doesnt work with my Logitec Quickcam, although it does now correctly identify it in the USB list, but when I check it to turn it on, it goes into the detecting new hardware box and hangs the machine. It doesnt crash it, just gets really really slow and sluggish and unresponsive and never does finish the hardware addition. I have to kill the VM and restart it without the camera connected and then its fine again. I was hoping that with what it said about some webcams now working it would work. Maybe next time. No other problems that I have run into yet with 3120.

01-21-2007, 02:38 AM

I just switched to a Mac Book Pro from a Dell Laptop
Parallels 2.2 came with it free.
Would you recomend using the beta version instead?
I haven't loaded windows yet

01-21-2007, 08:39 AM

Two questions for now...

1. I just bought a mac pro and a boxed version of PARALLELS. I am waiting 9 more days for Vista Business to be released before I install PARALLELS. My question is, am I better off just installing the BETA PARALLELS first rather than touching the CD in the box? I take it I can just type in the license number that came with the CD?

2. Printer Sharing! I have a wireless printer installed with my mac Pro using an airport card and base station. Will this printer be identified under Windows (with some sort of sharing) or do I need to also set up a Wireless printer under Vista?

Look forward to your responses and the experience of using Parallels.

01-21-2007, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by DRIAFS

I just switched to a Mac Book Pro from a Dell Laptop
Parallels 2.2 came with it free.
Would you recomend using the beta version instead?
I haven't loaded windows yet

By all means just upgrade your installed to the latest beta. Many things fixed and new features added with each new beta. Remembering that it is a BETA, not every thing will work, but each new beta gets better.

01-21-2007, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by NJRonbo

1. I just bought a mac pro and a boxed version of PARALLELS. I am waiting 9 more days for Vista Business to be released before I install PARALLELS. My question is, am I better off just installing the BETA PARALLELS first rather than touching the CD in the box? I take it I can just type in the license number that came with the CD?

2. Printer Sharing! I have a wireless printer installed with my mac Pro using an airport card and base station. Will this printer be identified under Windows (with some sort of sharing) or do I need to also set up a Wireless printer under Vista?

1. Your key should work for all versions.
2. I think you'll need to set it up in Vista.

01-30-2007, 01:24 AM

wut is the newest version of parallels??

01-30-2007, 05:24 AM

Question...

Why the heck would only the latest BETA version of Parallels
work with Mac Pro and not RC1? Seems sort of backwards.

01-30-2007, 06:55 AM

I have no idea...