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Shake'n'Bake

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 30, 2013
4
0
Hi Guys,

Time has come for me to get a new computer, and I am thinking of a MBA (never had mac before), but I need to be able to run a few Windows Programmes (Windows Excel, Kistler Quattro Jump, SigmaPlot, and Catapult Sprint). The majority of work I do is running some specific software for data collection and then analysis via excel and word processing in word.

None of this programmes should be too taxing, not games or anything.

I am looking at the current MBA, i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD. I was wondering if anyone could help me with a few queries.

1. How well does Parallels or equivalent run on a MBA with these specs? I have seen a few people say its fine, others say it runs slow. I would be running windows 7.

2. I realise the computer will run better in bootcamp, but the issue of rebooting to switch between OS's is a bit annoying. So I would rather go with virtulaisation. Has anyone had any issues of some windows programmes not running in virtualisation?

3. How much RAM should I give to the virtulisation?

4. Is it better to install windows through bootcamp and then run it through virtual?

5. In bootcamp you can't copy files from windows to OS X can you? Other than via a cloud or USB?

6. I have heard people talking about keyboard and trackpad problems when working in windows, In excel, this could be annoying, do people have problems with that.

Sorry for all the questions, I hope someone can help.
 
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