Parallels 4.0 Promises Significant Performance Improvements

JNRidgway15 · 05:27 AM

Just got an email from the Parallels team offering Parallels 4 upgrade downloading now post pics after I have installed it.

Quote:

Hello, Joshua Ridgway

Thank you for purchasing Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac - the leading solution to run Windows on a Mac.

We are happy to announce that Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac is now available. Easy, fast and powerful Windows on Mac computing just got even better! Learn more about Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac’s 50+ new features and enhancements.

Because you purchased Parallels Desktop 3.0 after September 1, 2008, you qualify for the FREE upgrade grace period program!
Your Upgrade Keys:

Keys
******-******-******-******-******

We welcome you to download Parallels Desktop 4.0 and install it on your Mac.

Please, provide this key to program after the installation.
Note: If you’re doing a fresh installation of Parallels Desktop 4.0 on a Mac then you’ll need an activation key from version 3.0.

If you have any questions about upgrading, please visit our upgrade FAQ page.

Thank you for choosing Parallels Desktop for Mac – the leading solution to run Windows on a Mac!

The Parallels Team

JNRidgway15 · Nov 11, 2008, 04:42 AM

They must of sent the email by mistake its just a new build not version 4

dalvin200 · Nov 11, 2008, 04:45 AM

lol!!

i upgraded my versio of 3.0 last night... i didn't see any mention of 4 though.. although i know 4 has been beta tested etc..

robbieduncan · Nov 11, 2008, 04:48 AM

ars claim it's released and a whole heap faster. Note this is not a free upgrade unless you purchased recently...

dalvin200 · Nov 11, 2008, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbieduncan

ars claim it's released and a whole heap faster. Note this is not a free upgrade unless you purchased recently...

booo.. ars say that

Quote:

The normal retail price will remain the same at $79.99, but existing users of Parallels Desktop 3.0 can upgrade for 50 percent off until the end of November. If you purchased Desktop 3.0 after September 1, you get a free upgrade. Lucky lucky.

i upgraded mine in feb 2008!! so will have to pay to upgrade..

JNRidgway15 · Nov 11, 2008, 04:58 AM

Buggerd if I can find the right download link as the only one I can see is for 3.0 build 5626 November 5th and it has all the 3.0 badging

robbieduncan · Nov 11, 2008, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNRidgway15

Buggerd if I can find the right download link as the only one I can see is for 3.0 build 5626 November 5th and it has all the 3.0 badging

Looks like the NDA/timeframe for the news release passed (as I got similar news on multiple RSS feeds), but the Parallels guys forgot to update their website

LiveForever · Nov 12, 2008, 03:05 AM

Could I run a CAD package on Parallels, such as Solidworks?

I was told it wasn't possible before.

wonza · Nov 12, 2008, 03:45 AM

How will it run CS:S on my original macbook (2.16gh, 2GB Ram) though?
Parralls 3 ran at about 15-20fps at lowest settings.

Josef K. · Nov 12, 2008, 04:23 AM

have anyone tried matlab with parallels? how it works?

currently I'm using matlab with fusion 2, but I'm not very happy with it since fusion seems have problem with matlab & exposè (windows aren't shown correctly)

MacRumors · 12:17 PM

Parallels has announced the immediate availability of Parallels 4.0. Parallels allows Intel-Mac users to run Windows alongside Mac OS X.

The latest update to their Windows-virtualization software for Intel Macs promises new performance, security, backup and power saving features. Performance is said to be "up to 50% faster".

Quote:

Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac introduces support for DirectX 9, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0 and OpenGL 2.0, providing fast video performance, while the Adaptive Hypervisor dynamically allocates resources to meet user needs. The responsiveness to all applications is further enhanced as the virtualization engine has been optimized to consume 15-30% less resources than previous versions.

This release also finally introduces support for up to 8 way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) to take advantage of the multi-core CPUs found in all Macs. Other features include:

Quote:

- Improved Windows and Mac integration, True Drag & Drop and Copy & Paste, SmartX Technologies and Built-in Installation and Migration Tools.
- Adaptive Hypervisor, FastLane Architecture, up to 8 way SMP and 8 GB RAM plus 64-bit support for each VM, HyperBus and support for DirectX 9.0, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0, and OpenGL 2.0.
- Parallels Internet Security powered by Kaspersky, Acronis True Image Home backup and restore, SmartGuard, PowerSaver, Full-hardware ACPI support and Acronis Disk Director Suite disk management.
- eMac OS X Leopard Server and Windows Server OS support, VM Directory, CLI and Scripting support, SDK and API, remote control from iPhone, PXE Boot, improved networking and VM Templates.

Version 4.0 retails for $79.99 and is available as a paid $39.99 upgrade to existing Parallels customers. A free trial is also available.

Update: Parallels is offering a $5 coupon through our affiliate partner.

Article Link: Parallels 4.0 Promises Significant Performance Improvements

themoonisdown09 · Nov 11, 2008, 11:44 AM

I think I might actually buy this version. I've used trial versions of the others, but couldn't get myself to purchase it.

oyebto · Nov 11, 2008, 11:46 AM

is the graphics performance better than fusion?

themoonisdown09 · Nov 11, 2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oyebto

is the graphics performance better than fusion?

I haven't ever used Fusion, but I'm sure once people start downloading the new version, we'll see some comparisons then.

Sky Blue · Nov 11, 2008, 11:49 AM

I'll be sticking with Fusion.

junior · Nov 11, 2008, 11:50 AM

Looks very interesting. Can't wait to try it out.

amusiccale · Nov 11, 2008, 11:46 AM

If it really is that much faster, I might have to go for it.

twoodcc · Nov 11, 2008, 11:58 AM

wow, this seems like a huge update. i might have to buy this version, instead of just using the trials. glad that it's out today also. i wonder if it's in stores?

ChrisA · Nov 11, 2008, 01:25 PM

Don't forget Sun's "Virtual Box". It is not as full featured as Fusion or Parallels but Sun has set the price to zero. The price is hard to beat. http://www.virtualbox.org/

slackpacker · Nov 11, 2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisA

Don't forget Sun's "Virtual Box". It is not as full featured as Fusion or Parallels but Sun has set the price to zero. The price is hard to beat. http://www.virtualbox.org/

But it has virtually no support for graphics...

ajpl · Nov 11, 2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slackpacker

But it [Sun] has virtually no support for graphics...

I've installed v4 and got Vista 64 running pretty easily, bar the graphics.
Perfomance is 1.0 due to lack of graphics performance.

Not been able to work out how best to resolve this issue.
Any suggestions gratefully revealed.

kildjean · Nov 12, 2008, 09:04 AM

Oh god.

Has anyone noticed how parallels, vmware and every joe schmoe is now bundling something with windows on vmware or parallels.

ugh...

contamination starting again...

K.

slackpacker · 09:56 AM

So far I have started with a fresh install of Vista using the Parallels demo.

2 hrs later its still installing...

Parallels is a C**P fest. Fusion at least has a stable install.

Edit - I had to stop Parallels and quit it from OS X and restart the boot process now it seems to work now to test some of my stuff. Ok back again.... I cannot get the Audio working so without that working apps wont launch.... Ah the joys of testing clearly still beta software...

3587 · Nov 12, 2008, 07:19 PM

MacBook Pro 2.4/4GB RAM

Quick, painless, easy! I only had to enter the 4.0 activation code. It installed rather quickly. Updated/Converted XP and Vista without a hitch! I'll check back to give my views on any speed improvements!

In the meantime... I'm a VERY satisfied 4.0 users!

jeffgtr · Nov 12, 2008, 10:13 PM

I'm on the fence post about upgrading from P3 to P4.
I have the standard XP Pro install, all I use it for is Access and Coldfusion. When you run the upgrade does it retain network settings? I'm happy with P3 but as I understand with P4 you can set it so it doesn't try to connect with your ipod or iphone when you plug it in to sync. I'm hesitant to upgrade because of all the horror stories over on the parallels forums, of course the only people that post there are the ones that have problems and it just isn't worth it if I have to change all of my settings

Nov 11, 2008, 04:42 AM	#2
JNRidgway15 Thread Starter macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Australia	They must of sent the email by mistake its just a new build not version 4 Attached Thumbnails __________________ Minimalism is Best

Nov 11, 2008, 04:45 AM	#3
dalvin200 macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nottingham, UK	lol!! i upgraded my versio of 3.0 last night... i didn't see any mention of 4 though.. although i know 4 has been beta tested etc.. __________________ 24" iMac "Penryn"; 2.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 8800GS I luuurrvvveee my iPhone 3G 16GB Search before you post: MRoogle

Nov 11, 2008, 04:48 AM	#4
robbieduncan macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London	ars claim it's released and a whole heap faster. Note this is not a free upgrade unless you purchased recently... __________________ My App Store Apps: DLR Times

Nov 11, 2008, 04:58 AM	#6
JNRidgway15 Thread Starter macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Australia	Buggerd if I can find the right download link as the only one I can see is for 3.0 build 5626 November 5th and it has all the 3.0 badging __________________ Minimalism is Best

Nov 12, 2008, 04:23 AM	#10
Josef K. macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2008	matlab? have anyone tried matlab with parallels? how it works? currently I'm using matlab with fusion 2, but I'm not very happy with it since fusion seems have problem with matlab & exposè (windows aren't shown correctly)

Nov 12, 2008, 03:05 AM	#8
LiveForever macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2007	Could I run a CAD package on Parallels, such as Solidworks? I was told it wasn't possible before.

Nov 12, 2008, 03:45 AM	#9
wonza macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2008	How will it run CS:S on my original macbook (2.16gh, 2GB Ram) though? Parralls 3 ran at about 15-20fps at lowest settings.

Nov 11, 2008, 11:44 AM	#12
themoonisdown09 macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Georgia, USA	I think I might actually buy this version. I've used trial versions of the others, but couldn't get myself to purchase it.

Nov 11, 2008, 11:46 AM	#13
oyebto macrumors member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Singapore	is the graphics performance better than fusion?

Nov 11, 2008, 11:49 AM	#15
Sky Blue macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2005	I'll be sticking with Fusion. __________________ "The case is so square that it easily stands at attention as if begging for treats."

Nov 11, 2008, 11:50 AM	#16
junior macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2003	Looks very interesting. Can't wait to try it out.

Nov 11, 2008, 11:46 AM	#17
amusiccale macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: PA	If it really is that much faster, I might have to go for it. __________________ Macbook Pro SR 2.2, 200 gb 7200, 4 gb RAM, 10.6.1 \|\| Dell Mini 10v N280 1.66 160 gb 5400, 2 gb RAM, RC3 OS X 10.6.1

Nov 11, 2008, 11:58 AM	#18
twoodcc macrumors 603 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Right side of wrong	wow, this seems like a huge update. i might have to buy this version, instead of just using the trials. glad that it's out today also. i wonder if it's in stores? __________________ tville pump Smarter than the average bear

Nov 11, 2008, 01:25 PM	#19
ChrisA macrumors 601 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Redondo Beach, California	Don't forget Sun's "Virtual Box". It is not as full featured as Fusion or Parallels but Sun has set the price to zero. The price is hard to beat. http://www.virtualbox.org/

Nov 12, 2008, 09:04 AM	#22
kildjean macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2005	Escaping the world of Windows Bubdles Oh god. Has anyone noticed how parallels, vmware and every joe schmoe is now bundling something with windows on vmware or parallels. ugh... contamination starting again... K.

Nov 12, 2008, 09:33 AM	#23
slackpacker macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: An Island off the East coast of the USA	So far I have started with a fresh install of Vista using the Parallels demo. 2 hrs later its still installing... Parallels is a C*P fest. Fusion at least has a stable install. Edit - I had to stop Parallels and quit it from OS X and restart the boot process now it seems to work now to test some of my stuff. Ok back again.... I cannot get the Audio working so without that working apps wont launch.... Ah the joys of testing clearly still beta software... __________________ MP 2.8 Octo,MBP 2.53 LATE 2008,MBP 2.3,iPhone www.thealienheads.com Last edited by slackpacker : Nov 12, 2008 at 09:56 AM.*

Nov 12, 2008, 07:19 PM	#24
3587 macrumors member Join Date: Mar 2008	Upgraded from 3.0 to 4.0 MacBook Pro 2.4/4GB RAM Quick, painless, easy! I only had to enter the 4.0 activation code. It installed rather quickly. Updated/Converted XP and Vista without a hitch! I'll check back to give my views on any speed improvements! In the meantime... I'm a VERY satisfied 4.0 users!

Nov 12, 2008, 10:13 PM	#25
jeffgtr macrumors member Join Date: May 2005	Upgrade P3 to P4 Network settings need reset? I'm on the fence post about upgrading from P3 to P4. I have the standard XP Pro install, all I use it for is Access and Coldfusion. When you run the upgrade does it retain network settings? I'm happy with P3 but as I understand with P4 you can set it so it doesn't try to connect with your ipod or iphone when you plug it in to sync. I'm hesitant to upgrade because of all the horror stories over on the parallels forums, of course the only people that post there are the ones that have problems and it just isn't worth it if I have to change all of my settings

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