Parallel Desktop on iMac 21.5

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NetDude

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Guys,

I have just received a quote for a decent PC, at least according to what I intend using it for. :) It will cost me about R13-14k. For this price range I had to consider iMac 21.5. If I go for entry level iMac quoted R12k on ZAStore. I want to be able to run some Win software on this iMac.

Do I need Parallel Desktops? Why? Why not?

Buy Win 7 for about R1.3k?

I think the magic trackpad is cool? :love: R699? Is it worth it?

I currently have a legal MS Office 2010 on my PC - can uninstall and install on this iMac legally?

Anything else I should consider? Your comments/critic will be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Sounds like the PC will be a better option for you since you got Windows software already. Just get the PC.
 
Depends what you need the PC for, I have the 21.5" iMac and don't have any need for windows software. 13-14k must be buying you some really serious kit, if you need that kit then go for the PC.
 
NetDude said:
Guys,

I have just received a quote for a decent PC, at least according to what I intend using it for. :) It will cost me about R13-14k. For this price range I had to consider iMac 21.5. If I go for entry level iMac quoted R12k on ZAStore. I want to be able to run some Win software on this iMac.

Do I need Parallel Desktops? Why? Why not?

Buy Win 7 for about R1.3k?

I think the magic trackpad is cool? :love: R699? Is it worth it?

I currently have a legal MS Office 2010 on my PC - can uninstall and install on this iMac legally?

Anything else I should consider? Your comments/critic will be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Yep, it would depend on what you're planning to do... If the apps you are going to be running are resource intensive, dual booting (Boot Camp) is a better option. If not, Parallels will be just fine for running Windows and OSX at the same time.

The trackpad is a fantastic piece of kit... Take some time and learn the gestures if that is the way you decide to go.

Not sure 'bout Office... I'd assume you could load and run it on a Windows partition. I guess it would come down to the software having multiple licenses for users to load it on two or three machines. Office for Mac is also out there as is iWork which can save files as .doc, .xls and so on.

Finally, I'm always going to shout for Mac... Thing is, if you're going to be spending R12-R14k on any machine, make sure it's the one YOU really want.
 
I would also go for the Mac. There really isn't anything a PC can do that a Mac can't do better other than gaming.

Worst case scenario you just dual boot and you have the best of both worlds :)
 
Parallels runs perfectly for me. I use it to run Corel Draw X5 Suite because I prefer it to Adobe's Photoshop/CS suite. It runs 100% like it would on a PC, no lag. Other than that, I have no use for any other windows software. Since Office for Mac 2011 came out, I've done away with running Office for Windows in Parallels. Entourage was just a disaster.
 
What exactly is the purpose of the machine? Dont have the trackpad with my iMac but i do love having it on my laptop... Have been considering getting one from the iMac, but nothing a mouse cant do.
 
I use my mac for iOS development, and then Parallels on top of that for some PC development, CAD work (PCB design) and the odd databasing stuff. No lag. No mess. No fuss. Just works. Worth it.
 
phiber said:
What exactly is the purpose of the machine? Dont have the trackpad with my iMac but i do love having it on my laptop... Have been considering getting one from the iMac, but nothing a mouse cant do.
Click to expand...

Just the basics: I use MS Office a lot, browsing, forums, etc. I have recently taken interest in photography and will probably start using Photoshop. I have also got a Windows only software which is not available for mac. I also do a bit of video editing now and then when I've got time to kill. Hence I'm considering parallel desktops.

I appreciate all the comments. :)
 
NetDude said:
Just the basics: I use MS Office a lot, browsing, forums, etc. I have recently taken interest in photography and will probably start using Photoshop. I have also got a Windows only software which is not available for mac. I also do a bit of video editing now and then when I've got time to kill. Hence I'm considering parallel desktops.

I appreciate all the comments. :)
Click to expand...

You should really have a look at Aperture as well. I much, much prefer it to Adobe (and it doesn't use gigs and gigs... and gigs of hard drive space when you install it).
iMovie (which will be on the machine already) is cool for basic video editing but if you get more serious you'll probably want to have a look at Final Cut.
The switch can be a little daunting 'cos you don't know what to expect... It's a new OS after all.
Most people I know who make the switch want to take a couple of Windows apps with them simply because it's what they are used to and, having not spent time on a Mac before, they haven't realised that there is a Mac equivalent for most Windows apps.
That said, Parallels sounds like it will work for you. You'll be able to run your Windows specific software as well as your copy of Office no problems.
 
Derailing my own thread... Since I got all of you Mac fans here.. May I ask, best place to buy the iMac? :) Thanks for your inputs.
 
NetDude said:
Derailing my own thread... Since I got all of you Mac fans here.. May I ask, best place to buy the iMac? :) Thanks for your inputs.
Click to expand...

Joburg? Cape Town? Just head off to an iStore if you're in the burg (I like the one off Alice in Sandton). If you're in Cape Town there's also DigiCape.
Rather that than Incredible, after all, if you're going to take the plunge might as well get the full experience.
 
Got really good service from iStore in Clearwater mall, only one in jhb that picked up their phone when i tried to call.
 
NetDude said:
Just the basics: I use MS Office a lot, browsing, forums, etc. I have recently taken interest in photography and will probably start using Photoshop. I have also got a Windows only software which is not available for mac. I also do a bit of video editing now and then when I've got time to kill. Hence I'm considering parallel desktops.

I appreciate all the comments. :)
Click to expand...

I get away with google docs, but you can get office 2011 for mac, i hear its pretty good. Browsing, forums etc is perfect on a mac. Photoshop runs really well on the iMac, and i think most editors prefer apple for their photoshop work. Depends what level of video editing you do, but as mentioned Final cut is probably one of the better applications out there.

Depending on what software you use, you might be able to find an OS X replacement, this forum would be a good place to ask :)
 
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