[markw10]

I have used Parallels for quite some time and now that it supports the Boot Camp I like it even more since I can also use Boot Camp when necessary (such as when I play a computer game).
I am hearing a lot about VMWare now though. Does anyone use VMWare on here and how does it compare to Parallels?

[utw-Mephisto]

I think it depends what you want / need ..

For example : If you need a stable virtual environment which supports Linux and you have a powerful host machine, go for vmware .. if you rather have a small program which is capable to run Windows for small applications, such as Office or something and you would like to run those Windows programs from your Mac desktop as well (coherence), go for Parallel .. I don't know if the Mac version of vmware will stay freeware .. but if it does I guess a decision is also whether you want to spend money or not (or willing to)

And also : Parallel supports in the moment Boot Camp support, so you can use your Boot Camp partition in Parallels as well .. not sure if they will implement this in vmware too .. in the moment though it does not support it ..

[The Godfather]

Originally Posted by utw-Mephisto 

For example : If you need a stable virtual environment ... go for vmware ..

I can attest that Parallels is pretty stable. Never a crash here.

[zeppo]

Vmware supports things like USB modems for those of us that still need them. Parallels does not at least not yet.


from the parallels website

the caveat about USB support

"NOTE! Current Build 3094 doesn’t support isochronous devices such as web cameras, microphones, etc."

I am guessing USB modems fall into that category. Parallels is improving the previous versions could not even see the USB Modem now it can but can't properly communicate with them.

[ghporter]

It appears that the latest version of Parallels DOES support just about everything USB...see the second post inthis thread

[mark.s]

Originally Posted by The Godfather 

I can attest that Parallels is pretty stable. Never a crash here.

Yep. Parallels has been really stable for me too.

And the latest beta with coherence / windows app icons in the Dock is getting close to a seamless level of transparency when running apps.

[nickw311]

I have both on my MacBook and both are stable and run relatively fast. I do however prefer the Coherence mode on Parallels but at $80, I find it to be quite pricey.