Parallels vs CrossOver Mac

[vi2867]

I am currently using Boot Camp, but it's getting kind of fustrating to reboot, and hold down the option key every time I have to use a Windows Application.

I'm thinking about getting Parallels Desktop, but I came across a software called CrossOver Mac made by CodeWeavers. What i've read is that this application allows you to install Windows Applications on Mac OS X.

Has anybody used this software yet?

 

[Eidorian]

What kind of programs are you trying to run?

 

[vi2867]

I currently have Photoshop CS2 for PC version, and Microsoft Access.

 

[slackersonly]

Parallels runs very smoothly. Main limitation is lack of full graphics support. So, unless you are playing games, it seems to work great.

CrossOver has significant problems with a large number of programs (to just pick one, it supports Quicken 2004 great but is very buggy with 2006 version). Go to their website and view the supported App. If it has a silver or above rating, you should be fine.

 

[Bill Gates]

CrossOver Mac is in its infancy, so application support is lacking at the moment. Give it time and it should improve. Currently, Parallels is a much better solution but somewhat costly.

 

[balamw]

Parallels runs very smoothly. Main limitation is lack of full graphics support. So, unless you are playing games, it seems to work great.

Parallels has fewer compatibility issues than Crossover ever will, but in the end it's quite a bit more expensive thanks to the license of Windows you need.

Other limitations of Parallels include:

• No direct CD/DVD-R access: burning and ripping don't work well
• Limited USB device support: Unlike Boot Camp you can't get all your Windows only hardware to work

All in all though it is extremely good and Windows and Windows apps run really smoothly unless you try to exceed Parallels' limitations...

B

 

[vi2867]

That's exactly why I hate having to buy a software, and not being sure that it will do what I want.

burning cd/dvd is a must for me...

Thanks for the suggetions...

 

[balamw]

burning cd/dvd is a must for me...

You can still burn cds from OS X, just not under Windows in Parallels, though Parallels is supposedly working on fixing that.

Note too that Parallels has a free trial period where you can kick the tires.

B

 

[vi2867]

That's exactly what I am planning to do.

I am going to use Parallels 30 day trial period, and CrossOver Mac 60 day trial period, too.

Hopefully, Leopard OS X will have some type of virtual software built in.

 

[archdelux]

That's exactly what I am planning to do.

I am going to use Parallels 30 day trial period, and CrossOver Mac 60 day trial period, too.

Hopefully, Leopard OS X will have some type of virtual software built in.

bump...so what's the new verdict? Anyone care to comment on parallels 5.0 vs. CrossOver (if you are just going to be using it for 1 application (ie OneNote))