Mac / Win 7 Bootcamp Recommendation

[Dean]

Howzit Mac people

I have a client who is insistent on getting an iMac, but only using Windows 7 on it - no MacOS. This Windows-only story is unfortunately non-negotiable to him.

The way I see it, there are two options:

A) Reformat, repartition, make one Windows-only partition

B) Bootcamp, making a huge Bootcamp/Windows 7 partition

Option B is the regular option, which also leaves room for future Mac-OS stuff... which is nice. However, I've heard of people having issues in the past with Bootcamp.

These issues have ranged from slowness, to compatibility to crashing etc.
I never really paid too much attention to the exact problems, but those come to mind.

My questions are as follows:

1) If I take the Bootcamp route, option B, are there any possible trade-offs in terms of performance or reliability? The client has experience with Windows 7, so if there's a performance trade-off, he'll notice it immediately.

2) I don't see why there would be, but I've never done it before, so would there be any problem with doing option A? Obviously it's less desirable but I'm trying to get an idea of all the options.

3) If we take option A, are all the drivers still available for the new iMac?

TIA!

 

[bwana]

Bootcamp creates a dedicated windows partition and since it then runs window natively there shouldn't be any performance issues.

 

[surfs-up]

Windows 7 runs very well on an iMac - probably better than on most other PC's. I would go with option B, leave OSX on there - it would seem a pity to dump it. But configure the iMac to boot up straight to the Windows 7 sector on startup. If he ever wants to explore OSX, he can then switch sectors by holding down the alt key while booting up.

 

[macboer]

I agree with surfs-up. Just make OSX partition small. This client sounds like an idiot

PS.i forgot that that is one of the prerequisites of being a client.

 

[burn]

Go regular option. It'll work just fine

What does your client want an iMac for? The aesthetic features? Makes no sense More bucks than brains it seems

 

[ponder]

I agree with surfs-up. Just make OSX partition small.

+1 Which will allow you to do firmware updates etc. Alternatively wipe the entire drive, install Win7 and install OSX on a external drive.

 

[Dean]

Go regular option. It'll work just fine

What does your client want an iMac for? The aesthetic features? Makes no sense More bucks than brains it seems

Yes :|

Thanks for the quick responses peeps!

 

[doc_msk]

I use Windows 7 with Parallels 5 Desktop on my MacBook Pro, works very well.

 

[adsl3g]

Bootcamp option ... runs like a dream with Windows 7 on an iMac -

 

[fxit_man]

Bootcamp. Been doin that for years, stable as a rock.

 

[bwana]

What does your client want an iMac for? The aesthetic features? Makes no sense More bucks than brains it seems

Nothing wrong with that, it's a fine looking machine. Unless you can show me a similarly spec'd PC with the same form factor?

 

[Synaesthesia]

It's still the best all-in-one PC, even if you do run Windows on it.

 

[Acydebyte]

I am currently running a dual boot setup for my iMac through Bootcamp..

My only problem is that Win 7 takes some time to boot (normally around 2min) but OSx boots instantly.

 

[fxit_man]

I am currently running a dual boot setup for my iMac through Bootcamp..

My only problem is that Win 7 takes some time to boot (normally around 2min) but OSx boots instantly.

Does the cursor stay flashing on the black DOS screen for that time?

If so, are you running a pirated copy of Windows? I know one of the activation cracks caused a longer bootup time on Macs.. You should use a new one (Daz Loader, etc)

Here's what i'm talking bout

 

[Dean]

I am currently running a dual boot setup for my iMac through Bootcamp..

My only problem is that Win 7 takes some time to boot (normally around 2min) but OSx boots instantly.

Anyone else experienced this problem? Or know the cause?


(Incase fixit_man's diagonsis doesn't apply)

 

[Acydebyte]

The screen stays blank for about 1.5 min and then the cursor blips on the screen for another 30sec before Win 7 evenutally loads.

I will try your suggestion tonight and get back to you...

Thanks for the response

 

[fxit_man]

The screen stays blank for about 1.5 min and then the cursor blips on the screen for another 30sec before Win 7 evenutally loads.

I will try your suggestion tonight and get back to you...

Thanks for the response

Cool lemme know

 

[purejimcn]

havent had any probs with win7 on my macbook pro aside from it being a bit hotter than running snow leopard. boot up time is fast, no probs at all aside from the usual restart windows needs once in a while