Darq

Thanks for the help. After playing around with trail versions I ended up giving him these options. Take VMware Fusion and get inhouse support for a product Take Parallels and run things about 30% faster, get the Ipad support and it now comes with free anti-virus from Kasperksy. However VM macines and the ability to join the network may not be supported if there are any issues.

Has anyone here used Parallels vs VMWare Fusion on a OSX environment? I have experience using VMware (vSphere, ESX, etc) on a windows environment, however I have never set it up on an OSX environment. While I have read they are basically similar and the only difference between the two of them are the performance (parallels is suppose to be faster) and stability (Fusion is suppose to be more stable), I am unsure which to recommend to one of my VPs. I gave him my initial recommendation of "Go with VMware since we use it here and I will be able to set your new systems (He purchased a new Mac book pro and iMac systems)." He however has read that parallels 6 will allow him to use VM machines from his iPad and wants to know by call of business tomorrow which one he should use. I have to draft up a proposal for him (I know good use of company time) on the pros and cons of both. While I have downloaded trail versions of both, I am unable to tell any difference between either of them. I don't own any of the new processors (i7) nor any of the devices (iphone/ipad) that he owns. My duo seems to run fine, but I have read that both VmWare and Parallels have issues with the new processors. Anyone with experience with Parallels (version 5 or 6) and/or comparison information mind sharing it with me. I have already compiled data showing one is faster and the other is more stable, but I want to make sure all my bases are covered. Thank you in advance

For some reason this statement annoys me. I know it is your opinion and I am not saying it is wrong, but a devices usability is limited to usually the person's imagination and dedication to the device. One of my main desktops at home is a server that triple boots five different OSs. (Edited to clarify: Windows 7, OSX, Linux x 3 distros) I agree with you about the track pad, but the MBP sitting in the office graphics room has a replaceable battery, Perhaps the newer ones don't have a replaceable battery, that I am unsure of. I do know they do onsite repairs at the Apple store, which is right around the corner from my office. But you make a few very valid points that has actually made me reconsider dell because of what you said. Thank you again Vako

Astromech_Kuhns, Actually the CIO was the one telling me to get a Mac. We use all three systems where I work (Mac/Linux/PC) where I work. Usually most of the IT people i work with hate macs, however as of late many of them have been liking the fact that VMware runs smoothly on them. Granted ours is one first systems that I have ever seen stripped down to the core in terms of what is installed on the system. The HP Envy in my opinion is a blatant rip off of the mac book pro, however I've had an issue with the HP tablet in the office that we use as a presentation tool. It is the only device that I know that when it idles the fan sounds like a mini jet engine. If it shuts off you actually have to heat the board up with a heat gun to get it to turn on. We discovered this was due to bad solder joints when we got the 3rd replacement. I was hesitant of the Envy, but after reading the reviews on them they sound pretty much like the top of the line versions (Similar to Acura is to Honda). One of my main concerns though is putting the money down (Even if its 20%) and not getting at least two or three years out of it. The other concern is that, like I said, I ride a motorcycle most of the year and its an hour commute so that means even if the laptop is rapped in neoprene and plastic its still going to be sitting on my back in 90+ weather or 30 or below weather. I know how cold and heat have an effect on plastics. Thats why I asked so many questions. Thank you though for your input. It makes me feel better about submitting my request in by next week Thursday.

Well, my current laptop has been remade 3x. right now I have two pieces of copper wire soldered to the pcb and the main board so that it will function. The laptop itself can not move and is pretty much on its last leg, so I feel good that I got 10 years out of a 2k laptop. Thanks again for the input.

First I would like to thank MrGrim, Infiltrator, and Vako for taking time to help. I appreciate the suggestions and have made a note of them. Infiltrator I have to say I have never dealt with any ASUS laptops, however the specs are nice on it and I have to say I love the keyboard (big fan of the chick-let style keyboards). Have you ever used them or had any experiences with them? I know this is a weird question to ask but is the plastic cheap or soft? I ride a motorcycle and have to place the laptop into a backpack, so I don't want an investment to become ruined because of weak plastics.

I'm in the market for a new Laptop. The problem is that I have not purchased a new laptop in almost 10 years. I have a few nice computers that I have built, but I have found myself lately wanting to sit in bed and code, or browse the web while I am on the couch. That and the demand for me to bring my work home with me has doubled in the past two months so I have decided and break down and replace my old laptop since it struggles to run Kbuntu/Windows. What I am looking for: 13-15 inch screen (preferably 15) Weight : No more than 5-6lbs as I would like to travel with it without it breaking my back or throwing my weight off as I ride. Decent battery Something that will last for a while What I will be doing with it: Primarily coding for work (compiling modules in C#, C++, Java, Web Design) Writing reports (SQL, Crystal Reports, Power point,etc) Graphics (I draw and do 3d art for fun on my current desktops) Gaming (New Final Fantasy, Star Craft 2, MMORPG) Web Surfing Testing out what I learn from here What has been suggested to me: Mac Book Pro HP Envy Sony 15inch (Forgot the model number) Dell Studio 15 Any help and suggestions would be more than welcome. I am also curious to what most people use now of days. The operating system does not bother me at all since I am pretty good in Windows/Linux/OSX. I will be running virtual environments no matter what system I use (VMWare). Money isn't really a huge concern. I am always looking to save a dollar, but since this is work related they will be picking up 80% of the bill. Again thank you for any help or directions that you can lead me.