Okay, here's my dilema: I'm getting pretty close to switching to Mac. I still have a few obstacles in my way, but I'm getting close. One thing I realized is that I HAVE TO be able to run a few Windows programs. Some may say to use both the Mac and a PC, but that (to me) is just silly. I'll either switch over to a Mac, or I'll keep the Dell. But not both.
Anyway... Virtual PC will not run on a Macbook Pro, so that option is out. So my question is, what other options do I have? And are they real, viable options -- meaning I'll really be able to run these Windows program? Or just poor attempts at emulating Windows?
By the way, the Windows programs I'm referring to are fairly small apps. Not graphic intensive at all.
Mac Specs: Mac Pro 8x3.0ghz 12gb ram 8800GT , MBP 2.16 2GB Ram 17 inch.
keep the dell until next version of vpc is out.. or they prove that windows vista (when it comes out) will run on the macbooks (which is the current rumor that I have heard)
Mac Specs: 1.67GHz/15" PowerBook G4 | 1.6GHz Power Mac G5 | iSight
Quote:
Originally Posted by curious
Really? Is Virtual PC is the only thing out there that will decently run Windows programs?
NO. The only thing that will run Windows programs decently is a Windows PC. Keep the Dell.
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Mac Specs: iMac G5 2.1 GHz iSight, 1.5GB RAM & Macbook Air 1.6 GHz with 80 GB HD
Well, for an emulator to come out as a Universal App, it'll take time. Coz an emulator goes right into the architecture and simulates an intel chip... now many will say since it's an intel inside, then VPc should run even better. Not so, because XP isn't known to work on the Core Duo.
In my opinion, don't buy a MacBook. Reasons:
- you'll find lot of apps not running yet
- you might encounter Rev A errors, because it's new and untested
- the powerpc's are powerful and don't have less battery life than the new one's. They're just a bit slower, but it depends on what you want to do.
You need to devise out your buying plan. Do you really need a computer right now?
Does it have to be a mac? What tasks will you accomplish with it? What software will you use? Will this software run on the chosen configuration? No? Then change the configuration.
Then find out the computer that's best for you.
I doubt you're a pro app user, coz else you won't be buying an Intel Mac at this time.
Do you really need a computer right now? Does it have to be a mac?
Nope. And nope. I was gonna switch because I've heard so many great things about Mac, and I was intrigued. Then I heard about the MacBook Pro and liked the look, the weight, the stats... and the Intel chip. I figured maybe now is the time to switch. But, I guess not.
Looks like I'll be keeping my Dell. It's an Inspiron 6000 with a 15.4" widescreen, 2.0 GHz processor, 1 Gb of RAM, 100 Gb hard drive, DVD burner, blah, blah, blah. Very similar to the MacBook Pro, only it doesn't have the Mac OS.
This is what you asked for, it will run on the new mactels (it's a universal binary). It's buggy, but since you said you only need a couple of non-graphical intensive programs then it should serve your needs.
Also, as a couple of other people asked, what are the programs you use on your pc? you may be suprised at the amount of software you can get on a mac, and you could find an alternative.
Mac Specs: iMac G5 2.1 GHz iSight, 1.5GB RAM & Macbook Air 1.6 GHz with 80 GB HD
The Q program seems to be a nice solution. Still I won't recommend buying an Intel Mac as yet, because it won't be long before we see new one's which are better. Apple just brought these out to tell people "We're here" and get the Universal App thing going. Transition is going well though, and by end of may we can tell wheter buying an intel will keep you going for the future.
But as apple has put it, in the near future the differences between poermacs and intelmacs will disappear.
And... You still need a windows OS to run on Q. Free is nothing.
I think you can import from VPC, i'm not sure, but on it's own, Q is not going to give you windows.
