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Would you use a Mac if there was no BootCamp / Virtualization?

Would you use a Mac if there was no BootCamp / Virtualization?

  • Never use Windows apps on my Mac

    Votes: 57 41.9%

  • Use BootCamp / Virtualization but could live without it

    Votes: 51 37.5%

  • Need BootCamp / Virtualization: wouldn't own a Mac without it

    Votes: 19 14.0%

  • Must also have a dedicated Windows PC

    Votes: 9 6.6%
  • Total voters
    136
D

DaveF

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 29, 2007
851
63
NoVA
I think Apple's move to use Intel CPUs, and the subsequent BootCamp option and virtualization apps (Parallels, Fusion) made the Mac a viable option to many people who previously eschewed Macs. But it may not be a perceived safety net, it might be necessary to run Windows apps despite the features of OS X.

So would you use a Mac / OS X without the ability to run Windows apps?

I'm a switcher brought over by the safety net of BootCamp and Parallels. I've since found that almost all of my Windows use ceased after the first month. But I use BootCamp for some gaming; life would be less fun without that. But I still require Parallels / Windows XP for personal finance, VPN access to work, and some use of IE for accessing my 401k website.

So for now, I'm still chained to Windows; but having access makes a Mac viable.
 
We moved completely off Windows and to an iMac at home. Don't miss a thing.

Bought a MB for work. I access 2 applications that are "Windows only". One is going web based soon, so I'll be down to 1. I take care of servers and use that app via RDP. So I don't miss it at all. Office 08 is great, as are the other apps that come with OS X.
 
In October of last year we bought our first mac, and on monday I bought a MacBook. I absolutely love OSX, and I do have bootcamp set up for Windows XP, but I almost never use it...it's only there if I absolutely need to use a program only made for Windows.
 
Started running MacOS X back when I bought my first one, eMac, and haven't looked back since. All what I need is available on MacOS X, either the actual title or there is a superior version available.
 
i just got my first mac, a macbook, and love it!
i would rather just use a dedicated windows pc, because sharing becomes easier and hard drive space isnt lost to another operating system on your mac.
 
I've used Macs at home for over 20 years. Never used BootCamp or any type of Windows OS on my personal computer, and only for work when it was absolutely, positively, unavoidable. :p

I've worked in higher ed and the arts for a lot of my professional life, so it's been rare that it's absolutely, positively, unavoidable. :apple:
 
I'm in the same boat as you, iwuzbord. I don't wanna use space on my mac for Windows, but for me to spend another $1000 on a Windows laptop that I could game on is pointless, and I don't wanna spend $500 for a cheep windows laptop and $500 for a mediocre gaming machine.

The Dell 1318 does look really interesting though, right size for me as well.
 
thejadedmonkey said:
I'm in the same boat as you, iwuzbord. I don't wanna use space on my mac for Windows, but for me to spend another $1000 on a Windows laptop that I could game on is pointless, and I don't wanna spend $500 for a cheep windows laptop and $500 for a mediocre gaming machine.

The Dell 1318 does look really interesting though, right size for me as well.
Click to expand...

If it is a game, a games console might even be cheaper.
 
I use the Macs since 1998. At my work I have to use some applications "only for Windows". Before Intel Macs, I have a second computer (PC) at home. Last year I bought MBP, Parallels and sold PC. Mac and visualization software gives me enormous flexibility. I'm happy now and don't look back.
 
The Intel chip also helped convince me to switch. Now, it seems like I run Windows about once a week, merely to update the antivirus software! I wish I had not spent the money on a copy of XP and Fusion. Apple was smart to do this. What a great way to encourage switching and gain market share.
 
I voted for the "Use Virtualization but could live without it". I should have chose that I've never used Windows apps on my Mac because I have been using the Mac OS cold turkey since I left Windows 98 where it belongs, in the Recycle Bin.
I do have Windows via VMware Fusion but only for testing purposes but I keep forgetting that I have it installed because I hardly ever use Windows. I think the problem is that many people think that Windows is the "standard" and there's no way anything else would have any real software. It's unfortunate that myth still lives on. Many people are perfectly happy with Linux (I could never be) but it shows that Windows is not "needed" in our lives.

IMHO I think it's sort of a copout that in order to switch to a Mac they have to be able to install Windows on them natively. When I switched I didn't need that. It's nothing new anyway, Macs could always run Windows. I say it's a copout because there are 3 major companies that create game consoles that offer some incredible titles with better graphics than a desktop computer can offer without constantly changing the GPU. I don't need my computer to do EVERYTHING (talking about gaming) because there are better options out there.
I don't think anyone that buys a computer to do any real work is so concerned about gaming on it that they would refuse to switch to a Mac if they couldn't install Windows, I think that concern is dedicated to a certain age of audience. Everyone of my friends that switched from Windows to Mac aren't interested in playing a single game.
I do however play COD and Quake but on the Mac OS.
 
I really wanted to try and get away from Windows completely. I still have my 2002 Dell that I use for Arles Gallery Maker since I can't seem to find anything I like for my Mac to replace that--but that's about it really. I'm able to do everything else just fine on my iMac.
 
i like choices, and i really like OSX, and XP is still useful for things i need to do.

So it really creates a less messy situation as far as multiple computers go.
Its not too much of a big deal to restart into either OS if need to and with virtualization it makes that even easier.

that was one of the main reasons i wanted to get transitioned into a Mac, was the ability to continue to use my same XP set up and also become familiar with the mac.

They both provide very different environments but some of the same functionality but there are some functions in XP im just to prone to using and will probably remain that way.


So based on that, (since i sold my custom pcs for a mac its alittle jaded in that perspective) but now that im completely relaxed with OSX and familiar withit and really use its convenient utilities im not really too partial anymore, but with or without bootcamp/virtualization support it would be a little inconvenient to have to work on two seperate machines doing projects when i have a all in one esque box to work from.


All in all its made things easier. and really reaches out to those who still enjoy and like to use windows.


smart choice for it.
:D
 
Never have had or need Windows on my Mac. Either as Virtual PC or now with the Intel processors. I just don't want it or need it.
 
I design and support Windows based infrastructure for a living, so I use Fusion and boot camp for that. Couldn't use a Mac if it didn't have Intel processors due to that requirement. Although out of work I very seldom have either boot camp or Fusion running.
 
Whilst it was the deciding factor in purchasing my macbook, I haven't had Windows on it in literally years now.

So I couldn't care less if bootcamp and VMWare vanished overnight, it wouldn't affect me in the slightest. :)
 
Ntombi said:
I've used Macs at home for over 20 years. Never used BootCamp or any type of Windows OS on my personal computer, and only for work when it was absolutely, positively, unavoidable. :p

I've worked in higher ed and the arts for a lot of my professional life, so it's been rare that it's absolutely, positively, unavoidable. :apple:
Click to expand...
I'm only considering personal use for my case. Professionally, Macs are not an option. But even in grad school, we moved from Macs to Windows around 1997. Certain programs were only available for Windows. I could see using Macs full time now in grad school, with Virtualization.

HLdan said:
IMHO I think it's sort of a copout that in order to switch to a Mac they have to be able to install Windows on them natively. ... because there are 3 major companies that create game consoles that offer some incredible titles ...

I don't think anyone that buys a computer to do any real work ...
Click to expand...
I don't want to start the Consoles vs. PC religious war :) But I'll note that if you think console games are the same as PC games, then you're not a gamer. :) (both are great. but they can be quite different.)

But there's an obvious financial motivation: a console costs $400+. Bootcamp is $79 for OEM Windows.

And don't get me started on the "real work" canard :D

I'm hoping to reduce my use of Windows. If Quicken Financial Life is robust enough, my Parallels use will plummet. And if work provided an OS X VPN client, then I'd have no need for virtualization. I'd only need BootCamp for some gaming.
 
Since I used macs for over 20 years without bootcamp, and I don't use it yet because I haven't moved to intel, I'd have to say yes, I would.

I do use windows at work because it's pretty much all they have, but I've never had a problem switching between the two.
 
DaveF said:
I'm only considering personal use for my case. Professionally, Macs are not an option. But even in grad school, we moved from Macs to Windows around 1997. Certain programs were only available for Windows. I could see using Macs full time now in grad school, with Virtualization.

I don't want to start the Consoles vs. PC religious war :) But I'll note that if you think console games are the same as PC games, then you're not a gamer. :) (both are great. but they can be quite different.)

And don't get me started on the "real work" canard :D
Click to expand...

Dave, Dave, Dave, it's always you and me in these friendly debates.:D I do agree that console gaming is different from computer gaming but I don't count people that game at home as real "Gamers". You shouldn't have that much time on your hands. If you are talking about real gamers then I only consider the ones that are in PC gaming competitions. Again, you shouldn't have that much time on your hands at home if gaming is that much of necessity.
I don't know what your pun meant in regards to "real work". It might be different than what I was talking about.

You say professionally Macs are not an option, okay keep in mind that there's more to the word "professional" then just for corporate enterprise. Music professionals prefer only Macintosh. That's an area where the Windows world is quite scarce and graphic design as well. Yes, so for enterprise professionals, Windows but for Artist professionals, Macs.

This is one of the reasons why having the bootcamp option is good but again I don't use it much.
 
Well I just sold my G5, and have been stuck on my ibm laptop and i remember why i hate windows so much.

I can't wait for the new mac that should arrive tomorrow...
(it isn't an intel, so i still won't be using windows on it):D
 
While I use XP on my MBP for gaming I could easily live without it. In fact, I think I might prefer not to have my mac partitioned but right now it is the best gaming machine I have. A little later down the line I would like to have both a mac and a PC for gaming just because they can be upgraded easier.
 
DaveF said:
I'm a switcher brought over by the safety net of BootCamp and Parallels. I've since found that almost all of my Windows use ceased after the first month. But I still require Parallels / Windows XP for personal finance.

So for now, I'm still chained to Windows; but having access makes a Mac viable.
Click to expand...
+1. I use windows for dvd ripping, personal finance, and WMP for syncing my daughters media player. Personal and business finance through Quicken is the one hurdle that I have not been able to clear and makes it necessary to use parallels daily.
 
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