Bootcamp or Parallels

[macdudesir]

Hey all. Been a while since I was on this forum, because it has unfortunately been a while since my last Mac. BUT, I'm back into it! Just ordered a 2017 MBP 13'' TB for school (because I LOATHE my maxed out Surface Pro 4).

Anyways, in preparation for receiving my new MacBook, I am trying to decide whether it will be best for me to run Windows in Bootcamp or in Parallels for my use. Back in the day, (2013 is long ago for a 20 year old lmao) I ran Windows 7 in Bootcamp, so I have experience with that. However, I have never used Parallels.

My Windows needs are pretty simple, I just need to be able to run the Office suite, including Microsoft Access (main problem with just using the OSX version of the office suite). I'll mostly be working with decently sized data sets in Excel. None have been big enough so far to even cause a hiccup in my Surface (when it works). I also may need to run a couple of other programs in the near future, though I'm sure they wont be too intensive.

I am also curious on ways to manage storage as 512GB doesn't sound very big, especially when having two OS's on the computer, but I really wasn't about to pay the extra 400 for 1TB.

Right now I am leaning towards parallels, but I am worried about splitting the MBP's resources between the two since it is a 13" and only has the dual core i5.

MBP specs are:
2017 13" w/ TB
i5 3.1GHz
16GB RAM
512GB SSD

Thanks in advance! Also, sorry if this is in the wrong section, wasn't sure if it should have put it here or in the MBP section.

 

[MacDawg]

You should be fine with Parallels with that configuration

I use Fusion on a 2013 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and run a couple of VMs including Windows 10 with no issues whatsoever
I prefer using VMs instead of Bootcamp because it eliminates the need to reboot, and I can switch easily back and forth
Also, it is easier to resize if you need to

For your needs, you may want to even consider VirtualBox (free) at least as a test to see if it gives you what you want

 

[hesatter]

Parallels should be fine on your mac.

 

[macdudesir]

You should be fine with Parallels with that configuration

I use Fusion on a 2013 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and run a couple of VMs including Windows 10 with no issues whatsoever
I prefer using VMs instead of Bootcamp because it eliminates the need to reboot, and I can switch easily back and forth
Also, it is easier to resize if you need to

For your needs, you may want to even consider VirtualBox (free) at least as a test to see if it gives you what you want

Awesome, thanks! I probably will just stick with Parallels, as my school offers parallels along with "Windows 10 for Parallels with Office Suite" for free (read: $26,000/year)

 

[MacDawg]

Awesome, thanks! I probably will just stick with Parallels, as my school offers parallels along with "Windows 10 for Parallels with Office Suite" for free (read: $26,000/year)

That's a good choice then!
Good luck with it, and let us know if you encounter any issues or have questions

I really like having the ability to use other OS'es and have them readily available
I run my MacBook Pro with 2 large external monitors, with one of them dedicated to Windows 10 in a Fusion VM
Also have a Linux VM running in a desktop behind it on the same monitor
So easy to work in my Mac environment and just pop over to my Windows, like having 3 computers on my desk

Just make sure you set up Parallels giving the right allocation to memory and processors, etc.
You can ask for suggested setups or you can play with the ones that make the most sense for you
If you over allocate or under allocate you might see some performance hits, but you should be able to find your sweet spot