Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac
Virtualization is an essential tool these days for cross-platform development and testing. Parallels is a piece of software that allows you to create virtual machines that can run a variety of operating systems such as Linux and Windows. I use a MacBook Pro, so in order to run other operating systems, Parallels is the way to go.
Version 3.0 of Parallels Desktop for the Mac is on the verge of being released this June. If you are currently a Parallels Desktop for Mac customer, you can upgrade for only $40 before June 6th. That's 50% off! Whoo!
Here's a list of new features:
Completely Seamless User Experience:
- Cross OS application & file integration with Parallels SmartSelect
- Offline access to virtual machine files with Paralles Explorer
- Coherence 2.0, including shared folders and UI enhancements
- Linux Tools for seamless integration betwen Mac OS X and Linux
Native Hardware Experience
- 3D graphics support to play the hottest games and run the most popular applications
- Expanded support for USB 2.0 devices
- USB connection assistant quickly connects you to your OS of choice
- Shared printers for cross OS printing
- Significantly enhancements performance and audio quality
Protection against Mishaps
- Hit a problem? Quickly and easily go back in time to a clean VM state
- Bulletproof your VMs with SnapShots
- Control the levels of integration and isolation with Security Manager
- Make your virtual machine read-only
- Get virus and spyware protection with a FREE 6-month Kaspersky
subscription trial
They claim that 3D graphics are supported now, so you can run your favorite Windows games. I assume that you can run other 3D applications such as Autodesk Inventor or 3D Studio Max. I am curious if 3D acceleration is supported for Linux VMs.
I've already pre-ordered my upgrade. If you have a Intel-based Mac, you should seriously consider giving Parallels a try.
Comments
Parallels with Autodesk Inventor
I am loolking at buying a Mac Book Pro (verses Dell Latitude) but HAVE to be able to run Autodesk Inventor (3D parametric modeling). I have seen a lot of traffic on the subject in other forums, but no definitive yes or no. I am looking at buying the 17" Mac Book Pro, 2.4 GHz, 4 GB Ram etc. I need to be able to work with models with a few hundred parts, not huge but sizable.
Is any body successfully running Inventor?
Thanks,
TOM
Parallels 3D performance
Based on my experience with playing Guild Wars in it will probably work, it will just be slow if you maximize the window.
For starters, I got my 15" MacBook Pro back in January 2007 and it has the ATI video card which is not a great 3D card. The new laptops have the nVidia chip which is far superior. Secondly, Parallels has released another version since I tested it which was said to improve 3D performance.
So, you'll have to give it a try. If you can, allocate 2GB of RAM to the VM. You probably can't go above 2GB, but it doesn't matter since 32-bit XP can't see above 2GB anyways (unless you enable PAE, but you are still capped at 2GB per process). I don't remember if you can specify an real hard drive partition or you need to use a file to hold the VM's data. If you can only do a file, then you are best allocating the entire disc space upfront and not using the expanding file. The expanding file kills performance.
Good luck and I'd be curious what your results are.
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