Got a tip for us? Share it...

Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac Released

Parallels today announced the launch of Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac, an updated version of the popular virtualization software that allows Mac users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside OS X. The update reportedly brings over 70 new features to the software package, along with significant performance enhancements.

According to performance research conducted by Crimson Consulting Group, Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac performs 22% faster than the nearest Windows-on-Mac competitor in standard productivity testing of Windows 7 64-bit on a MacBook Pro. In addition, version 5 is up to 300% faster for virtual machine operations than the previous version. For 3D and graphics performance, tested under the industry standard 3Dmark 2006 Professional test suite the new version performs up to 7 times better.

Among the new features in Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac are full Aero support for Windows Vista and 7, the addition of more "Mac-like" features in Windows such as trackpad gestures and horizontal scrolling, copy and paste of formatted text and layouts across operating systems, and multiple monitor support.

Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac is priced at $79.99, with upgrade pricing of $49.99 available for current Parallels users. Customers who purchased Parallels Desktop 4 for Mac on or after October 1st, 2009 are eligible for a free upgrade to the new version.

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

30 months ago
I have a copy of Parallels 1/2 and 3. I might cough up the money after skipping 4.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Looking forward to trying the new features, don't know if they will help the performance of my GMA950 Macbook.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Enhanced trackpad will be really nice.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Hopefully they cleaned up the boot camp importing process a bit, it was messy in Parallels 4.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Hopefully there is a trial available, as I have my system working just as I want it right now.

Shame that they do not make a mac version of AutoCad, until then I will have to live with Parallels.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Now if Apple would just release the Boot Camp for Windows 7 drivers already, things would be groovy.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago

Now if Apple would just release the Boot Camp for Windows 7 drivers already, things would be groovy.

I haven't had any problems running Windows 7 64-bit by just forcing the retail disc Boot Camp 3.0 installer.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Before upgrading, make a snapshot first! My first attempt caused the Windows XP Pro image to BSOD over and over again. It couldn't even go into safe mode. I had to revert back and I am trying again.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago
Yay, free upgrade. But since I bought from a retailer, I have to get the mail-in rebate. :rolleyes:
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
30 months ago

I haven't had any problems running Windows 7 64-bit by just forcing the retail disc Boot Camp 3.0 installer.


Me neither..

I game and the performance is good. I use nVidia's drivers and everything else works fine.. trackpad, tapping, keyboard shortcuts for brightness and sound. USB stuff like game controllers, hard drives etc all work fine too.

Guess there is issues, but I'm not experiencing anything.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives

[ Read All Comments ]