Running W7 on MBA with Parallels

Discussion in 'MacBook Air' started by Birone, Aug 18, 2012.

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  1. Birone, Aug 18, 2012

    Birone macrumors newbie

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    #1
    Is it possible to run a full Windows 7 install from a jump drive, using parallels? I have 128GB MBA, and I don't like the idea of partitioning. I didn't see official documentation regarding this, just a rumor that you could theoretically run the entire VM off something like a 32GB flash drive. BTW i'm not itching for windows, just need it come next week to run Virtual Studio 2010 and some other developer windows applications.
     
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  2. KPOM, Aug 18, 2012

    KPOM macrumors G5

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    #2
    You can, but remember that a typical jump drive is pretty slow. If you have a 2012 MacBook Air, I'd suggest getting a USB 3.0 jump drive with a decent write speed (I've seen claimed speeds in the neighborhood of 60-70MB/s).
     
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  3. ayeying, Aug 18, 2012

    ayeying macrumors 601

    ayeying

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    #3
    You could just keep it on your main drive. Since it's running off of Parallels, there would be no need for partitioning.
     
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  4. Birone, Aug 18, 2012

    Birone thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #4
    Its more of a space issue, and my intention is to keep my 128 simply for mac, and have windows 7 just a removable unit when needed, not worrying about keeping it on my system. Do you know where and what size parallels keeps a windows 7 file system?

    I have the newest MBA, and I was eyeing this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226227
    Its rated at 120 read, 70 write. Sounds like it would be adequate to run my intended programs.
     
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  5. KPOM, Aug 18, 2012

    KPOM macrumors G5

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    #5
    That one looks like it would work, once it's back in stock. By comparison, I have a USB 3.0 enclosure with a Seagate hybrid drive (500GB HDD + 4GB SSD cache) and get read and write speeds of about 100MB/s.

    Parallels lets the Windows installation use up however much space is on the drive where it installs the file. It also lets Windows access any other drives connected to the Mac (such as the main drive). What you could do is put a copy of a Windows .iso image onto your desktop, and then while your USB key is plugged in, use Parallels to install Windows onto the key.
     
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  6. ayeying, Aug 18, 2012

    ayeying macrumors 601

    ayeying

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    #6
    You set how big you want windows to be. It can be 10GB or 100GB. Just make sure you have enough space for the programs you wish to install.
     
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  7. ixodes, Aug 18, 2012

    ixodes macrumors 601

    ixodes

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    #7
    You'll be just fine as long as you are very careful to calculate the amount of data you expect to have in OS X & Windows. If you wish to save some money while still enjoying a good experience, I'd suggest VirtualBox. I've used VMWare, as well as Parallels also. Of the three I actually find VirtualBox (it's free) my favorite. There are trial versions which you may want to try before making a final decision. For what it's worth, I've found VirtualBox measurably faster & completely bug free.
     
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