Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

New Parallels bundle aims to ease switch from PC to Mac

Parallels, the makers of Windows virtualization software for Mac, unveiled a new application bundle Tuesday that allows PC users to switch to OS X while retaining their programs and data.

The Parallels Desktop Switch to a Mac Edition allows users to bring their files and familiar applications from a Microsoft Windows-based PC. It relies on the Parallels Desktop 4.0 software to give users the ability to run their PC applications within OS X without running Boot Camp. It is available for $99.99 direct from Parallels.

"The growth in switching is partially due to the ease-of-use and cool capabilities of the Mac," said Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels. "However, users don’t want to lose the data they have accumulated and the applications they are already familiar with. Building on our proven track record of Mac innovation, we have addressed this concern and made learning the new operating system even simpler through interactive on-demand tutorials."

The new edition of Parallels Desktop includes more than two hours of interactive video tutorials, a reference card, the Parallels high speed USB transfer cable and Enhanced Parallels transporter combo for transferring files, and Parallels Desktop for Mac 4.0 all bundled into one package. It requires an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later, and a PC with Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista with a DVD compatible drive.


Seamless Integration: Move back and forth between apps, copy and paste data, drag and drop files.

The new bundle also includes Acronis Disk Director Suite, Acronis True Image Home, and Parallels Internet Security powered by Kaspersky, together worth $180 in value.

Parallels sees the smooth transition of PC users to the Mac as an important part of the switching process. In Apple's June quarter, it was reported that half of all Mac buyers in Apple retail locations were switching from the PC.

Parallels 2
Keep your Windows-only programs: Parallels lets you keep your Windows access without sacrificing anything.

In a recent test, Parallels was found to outperform competitor VMware Fusion, routinely besting it by running 14 percent to 20 percent faster. Parallels can virtualize both Windows XP and Vista in a variety of configurations, allowing users to run Windows software within Mac OS X.

Parallels 3
Get the Windows-only 3D graphics on the Mac: Use the Windows-only technology to run select 3D games and graphics applications right on your Mac.



74 Comments

MacPro 19 Years · 19853 comments

Excellent, more help so the poor Windows users escape to freedom. I have not checked yet but I hope those with 4.0 already can avail themselves of these new tools.

I use both VMWare and Parallels for testing purposes I have to think VMWare will be upgrading soon to match the speed and multicore performance of Parallels 4. I also hope Snow Leopard will further enhance the possibilities of even greater performance.

doyourownthing 16 Years · 371 comments

sounds excellent! i honestly prefer virtualbox to parallels, but this tool sounds great

run for your freedom!

MacPro 19 Years · 19853 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by doyourownthing

sounds excellent! i honestly prefer virtualbox to parallels, but this tool sounds great

run for your freedom!

I will have to check that out as I like to test everything I can get my hands on with our products ... What is it you prefer about it over the other products if I may ask?

bdkennedy1 21 Years · 1458 comments

All of this integration actually confuses new Mac users instead of helping them. I work in an office of switchers and I was constantly being called over to help the user out of a Parallels jam.

Parallels isn't helping the user use Windows, it's helping the user use parts of Windows mixed in with OS X. So now the user isn't just using Windows or OS X, they are using this confusing, integrated combination of both which is just as difficult for them to learn as OS X alone.

We switched to VMWare Fusion where Windows is all contained in one window and I haven't had to help anyone with anything since.

MacPro 19 Years · 19853 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

All of this integration actually confuses new Mac users instead of helping them. I work in an office of switchers and I was constantly being called over to help the user out of a Parallels jam.

Parallels isn't helping the user use Windows, it's helping the user use parts of Windows mixed in with OS X. So now the user isn't just using Windows or OS X, they are using this confusing, integrated combination of both which is just as difficult for them to learn as OS X alone.

We switched to VMWare Fusion where Windows is all contained in one window and I haven't had to help anyone with anything since.

I must admit most switchers I know use Parallels et al as the 'Ok now I can make the switch' excuse but in the end never use or even need Windows again.