MacUpdate Bundle: Parallels and 9 More Mac Apps for $64.99

[mixel]

Oh wow.. This is MUCH more like it..

I already bought Parallels and have been running it flawlessly since 2.0, so that's good to see.. (for other people)

I was going to buy StoryMill, Bannerzest AND typinator, so this is more than worthwhile! Some of the other apps look interesting too! Excellent.

 

[andy721]

um

Rip off! Why can't this be free? Oh wait it is.

 

[Thomas Harte]

I have Parallels and I paid for Parallels. In fact, I don't have any pirated software on my machine, and I think most people in the computer owning population probably don't have pirated software. But the group of people who use technology related forums on the internet is hardly a representative sample and I wouldn't be surprised if pirated software was much more common amongst them.

I agree with the general group that this looks like a much better bundle than the new MacHeist. I guess the main thing I'd be interested in is SoundStudio3 as I've never found a decent sound editor for the Mac that I could afford — does anybody have any views on it? Back in Windows-land I was a big fan of GoldWave but fell out of touch with it when I moved to (PowerPC) Mac a few years ago.

I can't imagine I'll ever use Hazel (as I don't actually have any problems sorting files at the minute), Art Text (as I don't even own a printer), MenuCalendarClock (as I don't use a computer to keep appointments), Leap (as I'm a bit backward and have yet to embrace web 2.0-style tagging, though I know it's probably really useful) or Typinator (as it just doesn't sound useful). So I'll really need SoundStudio3 to be unlocked before I invest.

Has anybody checked out whether Parallels licenses can be resold? I could dump my existing 3.0 license on eBay or something in a month or so and probably make back a third of the cost of this bundle...

EDIT: and what's with the Typinator people charging 20% VAT for all European orders? VAT is 17.5% here in the UK and definitely much less than that in Portugal, the only other EU state I've been to recently. Apart from overcharging on VAT, by charging in Euros at all they're offending the recent rule that Europeans get really cheap shareware because Mr. Bush has run the US dollar into the ground. Grrrr!

 

[soms]

I have Parallels and I paid for Parallels. In fact, I don't have any pirated software on my machine, and I think most people in the computer owning population probably don't have pirated software. But the group of people who use technology related forums on the internet is hardly a representative sample and I wouldn't be surprised if pirated software was much more common amongst them.

I agree with the general group that this looks like a much better bundle than the new MacHeist. I guess the main thing I'd be interested in is SoundStudio3 as I've never found a decent sound editor for the Mac that I could afford — does anybody have any views on it? Back in Windows-land I was a big fan of GoldWave but fell out of touch with it when I moved to (PowerPC) Mac a few years ago.

I can't imagine I'll ever use Hazel (as I don't actually have any problems sorting files at the minute), Art Text (as I don't even own a printer), MenuCalendarClock (as I don't use a computer to keep appointments), Leap (as I'm a bit backward and have yet to embrace web 2.0-style tagging, though I know it's probably really useful) or Typinator (as it just doesn't sound useful). So I'll really need SoundStudio3 to be unlocked before I invest.

Has anybody checked out whether Parallels licenses can be resold? I could dump my existing 3.0 license on eBay or something in a month or so and probably make back a third of the cost of this bundle...

EDIT: and what's with the Typinator people charging 20% VAT for all European orders? VAT is 17.5% here in the UK and definitely much less than that in Portugal, the only other EU state I've been to recently. Apart from overcharging on VAT, by charging in Euros at all they're offending the recent rule that Europeans get really cheap shareware because Mr. Bush has run the US dollar into the ground. Grrrr!

What other kind of computer population is there?

 

[mixel]

Does anyone know whether Parallels 3 can use my Bootcamp XP partition as its virtual machine? (I'd rather not clog my hard drive with two Windows installs.) Or is it VMWare Fusion that does this?

As others have said: Yup, and I've not had any issues with windows activation either, though I know other people did, particularly in earlier versions. It's a great way to get files between the two partitions!

Its faster, and OSX ran smoothly at the same time as XP on a CD 2.0 1GB, unlike with Parallels.

I also had quite a few errors with Parallels, and never had a problem with Fusion.

Nobody should really go by anyone's experiences, but.. Mine with Parallels have been great. The VMWare trial seemed no faster than Parallels on my Macbook, and I've never had problems with errors, crashes.. Etc. XP and Leopard both run nicely at the same time on my CD1.8 2GB machine - i'd imagine it's the RAM which makes the difference.

The "mac users don't need Windows!" posts are hilarious too. 3D Studio Max, Virtools dev, just because its not on osX doesn't mean it's inherently bad, there are incredible apps for most OS, and apps like this let us use them!

..
Forgot I already own Soundstudio too, hmm.. It's still a worthwhile bundle, but they're going to run out of good apps at this rate (perhaps they already have *cough* macheist)

 

[andy721]

What other kind of computer population is there?

Yeah really what other kind is there? It's like the guy felt proud of it somehow.

 

[bc008]

I REALLY WANT THIS!!

I would use Parallels, dvd ripper thing, the calender, and the files organizer every day for sure! not even mentioning the other apps!!

im going to wait a couple days to see if 15,000 downloads is really plausible.. do you think it is??

 

[Digital Skunk]

WHAT! why would you want parallels? I take it you have a mac right, what you use parallels for?

To run Windows on my Mac when I need Windows. Mac OS X is nice, but it can't run everything.

Do you mind me asking, what about VMWare Fusion do your prefer to Parallels? I'm a Parallels user myself, but have never tried Fusion...wonder what I'm missing?

I don't know if Parallels runs any slower, but I got VMWare for as a gift and running Windows is quick easy and convenient. It's fast as hell for both Mac and XP, and I can use that feature that let's Windows disappear and the icons appear in the dock.

 

[Trip.Tucker]

Why? I've read every review/comparison I can find, and Parallels seems to be the better choice (for me, who wants platform integration, not isolation). I don't have either, and am going to snatch one or the other up as soon as the elusive new Mac Mini appears. Also, my wife is poking around the edges of writing a novel, so that writing software looks enticing, too.

Then you haven't read every review out there. You'll find the general consensus on these forums is that VMware Fusion is the better product of the two. You're statement on integration vs isolation makes no sense - perhaps your phrasing is misleading. You might want to read the numerous threads on macrumors that well and truly cover the gamut of users experiences with both Parallels and Fusion.

 

[Stike]

I bought it!

I am very optimistic that the sales goal will be reached. The last two MU bundles did it too. And this one is great as well, I already love the apps I have now!

 

[bc008]

once the first goal is reached i think im going to purchase!

 

[xrayzed]

What other kind of computer population is there?

I think you missed Thomas' point. Note the part in bold:

Originally Posted by Thomas Harte
I have Parallels and I paid for Parallels. In fact, I don't have any pirated software on my machine, and I think most people in the computer owning population probably don't have pirated software. But the group of people who use technology related forums on the internet is hardly a representative sample and I wouldn't be surprised if pirated software was much more common amongst them.

At the risk of oversimplifying the point, the issue is not if computer owners = computer population, the question is whether or not tech forum users = computer population.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

I am aware there's a little more than 13 days before the promotion is closed but I do think they aren't selling many at the moment MacUpdate hasn't even sold 1000 packs yet....

IHMO the $49.99 is perfect pricing psychology 64.99 just doesn't seem to have the same appeal.

 

[Digital Skunk]

IHMO the $49.99 is perfect pricing psychology 64.99 just doesn't seem to have the same appeal.

Tell me about it. With such a steep discount already why not just knock it down another $25. $65 does seem a bit of a rip off, especially for apps that not many people seem interested in.

 

[mikey.f]

If I didn't have Parallels already, I would get this. But without a need for Par., I don't see what I would do with the rest of the apps. I could use perhaps one, or two, but all of them would be just a HDD space waste for me I think. I already find myself not using 70% of apps from previous bundles I purchased. Only thing I do with 'em is... well... updating

 

[Digital Skunk]

If I didn't have Parallels already, I would get this. But without a need for Par., I don't see what I would do with the rest of the apps. I could use perhaps one, or two, but all of them would be just a HDD space waste for me I think. I already find myself not using 70% of apps from previous bundles I purchased. Only thing I do with 'em is... well... updating

I used to think that I had to download all of them, but then some wise guy told me that you get to pick and choose which ones you want.

You can buy it, since it's still cheaper than Parallels, and just down load the apps you want.

I haven't even looked at six or seven of the apps from the last bundle... Cha Ching was $40 by itself and the bundle was $49.99, so that app, Snapz Pro ($70) and App Zapper were well worth the price.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

Tell me about it. With such a steep discount already why not just knock it down another $25. $65 does seem a bit of a rip off, especially for apps that not many people seem interested in.

I think it's still a very good value pack, it just from my POV 10 applications for $49.99 seems more of a bargin, $64.99 puts the software pack into a "different" pricing category which most home users I doubt would think of spending on downloadable software.

Sidenote: MacPromo should have included the Business Card Composer it seems far more useful than a couple of the other applications.

 

[Duff-Man]

Duff-man says...I just don't understand all the "negatives" surrounding this thread/bundle. If you've already got a couple of the apps then maybe yeah, it ain't for you but that does not make it a bad deal. And then there are those that say "oh, buy Parallels 4 is coming out and it'll cost me to upgrade" - to them I say well that does not mean that Parallels 3 stops working and doing what it does *very* well - I've used it since v1 and think it's superior for my needs that VMware.

I think it is a super bundle, and I will have a look at *all* the packages and how I may use them, think about getting that extra license for parallels so I can run it on both my computers before I make my decision to buy, but as a "vote" it is plainly obvious that it's a great deal and a positive for most users....oh yeah!

 

[mperkins37]

I just bought it, Art Text is an awesome little Program & I was going to buy it sooner or later anyway. I miss Typestyler & They never made it for OSX. Art Text does everything it did pretty much. Sound studio rocks also, I used the 2.o demo before I got Soundtrack Pro.DVD remaster is also very useful if you don't have Toast 9.Worth it to me...
I Hope the other products get unlocked.

 

[Jiddick ExRex]

Argh. The amount of bundles sold is going amazingly slow! We won't reach 15.000 sold if this keeps up. Buy people! BUY!

 

[tveric]

Duff-man says...I just don't understand all the "negatives" surrounding this thread/bundle.

I could be wrong, but all the "negative" ratings on this "news" story might be a quiet comment on how many of us don't think this is news, or a rumor... in other words, we see it as a blatant advertisement that belongs with the other ads. Take a look at the positive/negative ratio on the last MacHeist deal - it's even more negatively-rated.

People don't mind ads so much, but when they're presented this way it comes off as sleazy. And please, all the MacRumors Superfans, spare me your rationalizations and save yourself some typing... we've heard your fanboyism before.

 

[Nordichund]

I could be wrong, but all the "negative" ratings on this "news" story might be a quiet comment on how many of us don't think this is news, or a rumor... in other words, we see it as a blatant advertisement that belongs with the other ads. Take a look at the positive/negative ratio on the last MacHeist deal - it's even more negatively-rated.

People don't mind ads so much, but when they're presented this way it comes off as sleazy. And please, all the MacRumors Superfans, spare me your rationalizations and save yourself some typing... we've heard your fanboyism before.

LOL Your starting to sound like Marvin the Robot.

I think this bundle is ok. For a new Mac user it's brilliant.
I run Parallels 3.0. I don't know what the updates in 4.0 will bring, but for what I use Windows for, it certainly suits my needs very well (I don't intend to upgrade). Here in Norway Parallels 3.0 alone will set you back about 140 dollars, so if it is unlocked and you live in this part of the world, this is good news .

 

[darwinian]

Argh. The amount of bundles sold is going amazingly slow! We won't reach 15.000 sold if this keeps up. Buy people! BUY!

I wonder if anyone's actually done a mathematical model of the behavior of consumers in a situation like this. Perceived value changes as a function of time, number of purchasers, and expectation of attaining the unlocked items. Invariably, the rate of purchasing seems to rise as the deadline nears. An interesting question therefore would be to see how the initial price and perhaps the bundle's contents, if a value could be accurately assigned in some meaningful way, affect the final outcome of the sale. Thus far we have not seen any of these bundles outright fail; my intuition is that one will finally falter and not meet the goals of the original design ...

Oh, the point was that the closer we get to the deadline, the faster the number of buyers seems to grow, eBay auction style in a sense, so I wouldn't worry (yet).

 

[rshanahan]

The Macheist bundle isn't doing very well either. Just over 1000 sold so far. For those of us that bought the last bundles from these two make the current offerings a real stretch.

I'm still on the fence on buying both, still need to download the 'few' things that interest me. I'm a Fusion user and have never tried Parallels. I need a 2nd 'virtual pc' license for my other Mac so this is enticing for me to get Parallels, but not unless the other apps add value.

Like everyone has said, the bundles work for some and not for others, but I agree that bumping up the price to $65 does make one think twice about it.

 

[pgwalsh]

Funny how many don't particularly like this bundle and I think it looks pretty good. I already have two copies of parallels, so that's not very enticing, but DVDRemaster looks pretty cool as well as SoundStudio3. I'm unfamiliar with both. Anyone have a review of hese two products?