Parallels for Mac 4.0 Released
Parallels for Mac has just released its latest version, 4.0. For those not familiar with it, Parallels allows you to run a copy of Windows (or Linux, or whatever) inside the Mac operating system. You can run the OSes side-by-side if you want, and have access to Windows programs on your Mac.
I've used Parallels in the past, but prefer VMware's "Windows on Mac" product, Fusion. I've found it to be faster and easier to use (although lots of folks love Parallels). A number of new features intrigue me, however, forcing me to revisit Parallels:
- A new interface, which looks a lot cleaner.
- The ability to share screenshots between OSes.
- The ability to run Apple's Leopard Server inside the VM. I don't know anyone who actually uses Leopard Server, but I'd like to see what it can do.
- Better performance. Parallels claims a performance bump of 50 percent, 20 percent battery life savings, and better support for 3D graphics. If all these are true, or even close to true, this is a serious upgrade.
- And my favorite new feature of all -- iPhone access. Parallels says you can control a VM from an iPhone. This I gotta try.
On the surface, it looks like a fantastic upgrade. We'll put it to the test. Parallels for Mac 4.0 is $79.99, and $39.99 for an upgrade from a previous version. A free trial version is also available.
Posted by Keith Ward on 11/12/2008 at 12:48 PM