Product Description

Parallels Desktop 4.0 Mac

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #326 in Software
• Brand: Parallels
• Released on: 2009-01-07
• Platform: Mac OS X
• Format: CD-ROM
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.57" h x 5.51" w x 7.87" l, .20 pounds

Manufacturer's Description

The programs you need. The computer you want. The best of both worlds.

Already the world’s No. 1 selling Mac system utility, Parallels Desktop for Mac now has more than 1.5 million users worldwide and counting. Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac provides the complete suite of essentials to run Windows on Mac the easy, fast and powerful way.

Run Windows-only applications on your Mac
Access key Windows applications from the comfort of your Mac. Run your favourite software on your favourite hardware.

Run selected 3D games and graphics applications.
Explore a whole new world of Windows-only 3D games and graphics applications right on your Mac.

Use your favourite Windows-only devices.
Use your favourite in-demand USB 2.0 devices, even if they’re Windows-only. Connect your phone, camera and MP3 player to your Mac!

Run OS X, Windows and Linux at the same time.
Run your favourite applications at the same time, regardless of the OS! No more rebooting to switch between OSs to use the applications you need.

Bring your PC with you!
Move an entire physical or virtual Windows system to your new Mac in just a few simple steps. No losing data, reinstalling software or re-customizing your computer.

Manage and secure Windows with over £100 worth of complementary software including Acronis Disk Director Suite, Acronis True Image Home and Parallels Internet Security powered by Kaspersky.

Magazine Reviews:

In version 4, Parallels has pulled way ahead of Fusion (MacUser UK)

Box Contains
Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac CD ROM
Additional bonus software including Parallels Internet Security by Kaspersky, Acronis True Image and Acronis Disk Director

Customer Reviews

Better and better
I've been using version 3.0 of parallels since it came out, and with the latest release (v4), there seems to be plenty of improvement. Although v3 already allowed me to run a variety of windows applications on a Mac, it seems that in v4, everything is easier, faster and more reliable (what more could anyone want?), and it even looks more glossy! I use it with both Windows XP (with Boot Camp) and Vista, and both work fine. It means that I can run two windows-only applications (Microsoft Office and 3D Studio MAX) without needing a separate PC, and without having to reboot constantly.
My only reason for giving this 4 stars rather than 5 is that I would like to see extended directX support in the future, just so I can get unparalleled performance (excuse the pun) when doing 3D work.

Before You Buy--Wait! Parallels, A Critical Review (Buy VMWare Fusion instead)
Aug 2009, Revised Review

I sold my copy of Parallels and bought VMFusion. For more than a year now, I have never had one problem with Fusion. There's considerable confusion about the quality of Parallels 4.0-- still many, many problems. Just go to Amazon.com (US) and look at the reviews of people who've actually bought Parallels 4.0. The return rate is very high. Complaints about customer service (or the lack of it) is very high.

Let me offer a suggestion, since there is some confusion.

1. There is no need to buy Parallels (or any Virtual software) if you're only going to use Apple's proprietary system Bootcamp. All you have to do is install Windows on Bootcamp. Now, there's the hassle of coming in and out of Bootcamp to access your Mac side.

2. I've now been using VMWare Fusion for almost one (1) full year. I have never, never once had to reset it. Or, lost any work because of the glitches that were (and, apparently) still are a problem with Parallels. I bought VMWare, just like I bought Parallels with my own money: not a promotional gift, so I have no reason to slander any company for any reason. VMWare FUSION--JUST WORKS! Period. 12 months--NO Problems whatsoever! If you need more verification, just go to Amazon.com (US) read some of the testimonials from VMWare Fusion owners. It's just that simple. Great product. (When you got to see the reviews by current owners of Parallels for Mac 4.0, keep in mind what I wrote here.) Nothing's changed. Unfortunately.



1.0 out of 5 stars Parallels--A revised, Critical Review- Jan. 16, 2008,

I wrote an early review of Parallels Desktop, roughly about 7 months ago. It was one of the first softwares I bought for my new MacBook Pro for the express intent of bringing some of my Windows only applications to my laptop and to have access to Internet Explorer-- which, I know, is near the bottom of the barrel, but many secured sites will only give access to IE.

I installed it and after installing Windows XP Home, no problem for several weeks. Then the virtual system for no apparent reason would start to drag. After several frustrating days of constantly hitting the "reset" arrow. I directed my complaints to the Parallels Support-email. They got back to me in 3 days. BTW, they do offer telephone support but you don't want to know the cost.

I had to end up taking Parallels off the entire system and then re-installing it, fresh. Including Photoshop Elements. All well for a couple of more months, now it refuses to open up any software and doesn't recognize the wireless remote.

I originally gave it a cautious 4 stars. Now after 7 months, I'm at the point of washing my hands of it and going over to VMware Fusion. My Windows needs are very slim, so I need something that just works: and Parallels just doesn't do it for me.

Excellent
I am using a 2.4 ghz I-Mac with 4g ram and I have not used a previous version of Parallels, nor have i used any of its competitors but this product is excellent.

Now Leopard comes with an application called Bootcamp which allows you to install Windows XP or Vista to your computer. However, you have to restart to access it, so you can use only windows separately to OS X. What Parallels does is allow you to use Windows and Windows applications from your mac desktop. You can even keep applications like Microsoft Office 2007 in your dock! No need to restart and switch between operating systems. Parallels 4 also comes with helpful programs to keep Windows working effectively.

If you were unimpressed with Mac Office 2008 and have tried I-work but still feel that they are no where near as good as Windows Office then you need this product! Simply install which takes 30 mins to install the application and windows. I am now deleting Mac Office.

Overall, the application is smooth and efficient. It works extremely well. It means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds but in the knowledge that you are still primarily using the best operating system available, Mac OS X Leopard.

One word of warning, you will probably need an antivirus program on your Windows partition. From what I know, the Windows frailties can leave your Mac open to viruses.