I'm going to buy a MacBook but do I need Bootcamp or Parallels?

Question

I'm going to need to run windows programs such as word, powerpoint, and excel on my Macbook. I also have an mp3 player that requires me to have windows XP or higher. I already own Windows XP software (so I could install it on the mac). When I buy the Macbook, would Bootcamp or Parallels be best? I'm a little lost in this expertise.

Answer 1

having a computer like a mac can cause some trouble ..why don't u just buy a Sony, hp or dell, with Windows Vista OS and forget about compatibilities.?

Answer 2

Hi,

First off Word, PowerPoint and Excel are Macintosh applications, not Windows applications. They started off on the Mac, not on the PC and are still very popular on the Mac as well as on the PC. You don't need Parallels or BootCamp to run the Macintosh version of Microsoft Office on the Mac.

That said, if you already bought and paid for Office for Windows and you want to use that version on your Mac you can do it with Bootcamp (free) or Parallels. In addition, you also have to have a copy of Windows to install, as the Windows operating system is not included with either Bootcamp or Parallels.

Are you sure your mp3 player does not have Mac compatibility already? If it's USB, Firewire or Bluetooth connected then it most likely does work. Give it a try on a Mac and see. If it works then you won't need Windows at all.

-Jim

Answer 3

if you really want a macbook there is a software package through microsoft called virtual pc. this cost around 200 bucks. this will allow you to run windows XP and thus windows products like office.

why would you do that if microsoft makes a mac version of office???

i had a macbook in college not too long ago with microsoft mac office. it is fully compatible with window's version of word, excel, powerpoint and such. it was awesome at the time. i would not recommend buying a windows emulator for a mac because it is costly and servilely bogs down the state of the art computer. i had one before buy the mac office, it sucked up soo much of the mac's resources.

i would just buy a gateway or dell, unless if your a music production/performace or video/tv editing major. if you want one just to be cool, let me tell yea, mac's are not that good. i just got a new gateway with the dual core second generation proceer with windows vista and all the gadgets. it is amazing!!!

Answer 4

There is only one fundamental difference between Parallels Desktop and Bootcamp, both allow you to run Windows XP or Vista. However Bootcamp makes you boot into Windows to use windows programs, if you need to use a Macintosh application you would then need to reboot into OS X. Parallels Desktop allows you to run windows in a window inside of OS X and allows you to switch easily between them. It also offers a mode that makes windows applications seem like they are running in OS X without windows. If you have windows games that you like to play you will most likely have to use boot camp in order to get them to play correctly, you just cant get high enough performance currently in Parallels to play most pc games.

Another thing to think about is how often you are going to be using windows applications on your mac and what type of applications they are. Bootcamp is free and offers better performance in windows than Parallels, but Parallels offers the ability to run both operating systems at the same time. If you are just using productivity type applications Parallels will more than likely be the best solution for you.