[Symb]

BootCamp is still in Beta until its release with Leopard in the spring(?).
Parallels doesnt appear to offer graphics support at this time, but apparently theyre going to release a version that does (?).

So my question is: At this point in time, which program is best for Gaming, 3D modeling, and 3D animation?

Also, when BootCamp is released with Leopard and Parallels is released with higher graphics support, which would be best for the above stated usages?

[the_glassman]

Originally Posted by Symb 

BootCamp is still in Beta until its release with Jaguar in the spring(?).
Parallels doesnt appear to offer graphics support at this time, but apparently theyre going to release a version that does (?).

So my question is: At this point in time, which program is best for Gaming, 3D modeling, and 3D animation?

Also, when BootCamp is released with Jaguar and Parallels is released with higher graphics support, which would be best for the above stated usages?

I'm not sure if Boot Camp is ever going to be fully released for Tiger let alone Panther. It will be part of 10.5 which is Leopard however and whenever it is released.

You've already answered your own question. Parallels at this current time and might not ever offer fully graphic card support.
If you want to play or do any work in 3D your only choice is to use Boot Camp./

[Symb]

ok, so ive heard of a lot files being lost, or erased when using bootcamp. is that still a threat or have they ironed out enough bugs now that its fairly safe to use?

[Blasphemy]

I have used boot camp and experienced no file loss or other troubles.

[the_glassman]

Originally Posted by Symb 

ok, so ive heard of a lot files being lost, or erased when using bootcamp. is that still a threat or have they ironed out enough bugs now that its fairly safe to use?

I haven't heard of those problems, but Boot Camp has been flawless for me. The only issue I've had is I have to restart my bluetooth keyboard when XP starts up.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Symb 

BootCamp is still in Beta until its release with Leopard in the spring(?).
Parallels doesnt appear to offer graphics support at this time, but apparently theyre going to release a version that does (?).

So my question is: At this point in time, which program is best for Gaming, 3D modeling, and 3D animation?

Also, when BootCamp is released with Leopard and Parallels is released with higher graphics support, which would be best for the above stated usages?

BootCamp is your only option for 3D acceleration.

BootCamp will still be better; Parallels won't be able to match the performance of bare metal (and I doubt they'll even come close).

[Symb]

great! thanks everyone!

BootCamp here i come

[Mithras]

Also note that with the latest versions of Parallels, you can boot up Windows from your Boot Camp drive *within OS X*. So if you just need to do a quick peek at a file or something, Boot Camp + Parallels is the best of both worlds.

[Naaaaak]

Originally Posted by Mithras 

Also note that with the latest versions of Parallels, you can boot up Windows from your Boot Camp drive *within OS X*. So if you just need to do a quick peek at a file or something, Boot Camp + Parallels is the best of both worlds.

Yeah, this is the approach I would take. BootCamp for things that require full-acceleration (games), Parallels for everything else. About the only downfalls to this setup are that you have to buy Parallels (some places bundle or discount it when you buy a new Mac) and your Windows disk partition is kind of hard to change (so make it big to begin with).

[legacyb4]

Haven't tried it yet, but if VMWare Server is an indication of usability, VMWare for OS X (free!) can be an alternative for Parallels.