Using Windows on Macbook

How easy is it to install Windows xp or Vista on a Macbook or Macbook pro?

I am thinking of an Apple Macbook with the recent drop in prices. I saw them on display at the Atria Mall in Mumbai and they look gorgeous and pretty sleek. Since most of the applications/programs I use are Windows based, I am wondering if the Macbbook would be compatible?

Yes, you can install Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista on you MacBook provided it has the new Mac OS X Leopard.

Just start up Boot Camp, now included with Leopard. Boot Camp Assistant sets up your hard drive for you. It leaves all your Mac data in place while it creates a separate partition on your drive for Windows, and then begins the installation process.

Boot Camp supports the most popular 32-bit releases of Windows XP and Windows Vista. When you use either operating system on your Mac, your Windows applications will run at native speed. Windows applications have full access to multiple processors and multiple cores, accelerated 3D graphics, and high-speed connections like USB, FireWire, Wi-Fi, and Gigabit Ethernet.

After you’ve installed Windows using Boot Camp, you can start up your Mac using either operating system. Simply hold down the Option key when you power up and choose one or the other.

Windows on a MacBook!!!

Its time to relook at buying notebooks again! Should check out the MacBook. If I can have both OS in a single notebook it would be great.

With reasonable prices for the MacBook in India now, all PC users should consider checking out the MacBook.

Although the Boot Camp allows you to use most run of the mill Windows based applications, it is always best to check with the MacBook dealer with the feasibility of running a particular windows application.

So far I have had no problems with the Boot Camp.

Just got an email today introducing the NEW Macbook Pro in India. WIll check them soon.

Hre is the The Apple Store (India) - MacBook Air

You could also try VMware Fusion, this lets you work in Win and Mac OS X simultaneously!!

Boot Camp has an advantage over VMware Fusion because it consumes less system resources. Running Windows through VMware Fusion will require more resources to run than Boot Camp because when using VMware Fusion the computer has to run both OSes simultaneously, while in Boot Camp only one OS is in operation. Gaming will be more enjoyable in Boot Camp as more RAM and graphics can be diverted to gaming, whereas in VMware Fusion those resources would be used in running Windows virtually.

The disadvantage of Boot Camp is VMware Fusion's advantage. Since VMware Fusion can quickly launch Windows in a window, users can quickly access Windows and return to Mac OS X. In Boot Camp, the user would have to restart the computer to boot Windows and restart again to return into Mac OS X.

If you like or need to run a Windows application alongside a Mac application (such as Photoshop on the Mac while running Office 2007 on Windows), VMware is for you. But to run VMware Fusion, you need at least 2 GB of RAM and not forgetting the cost of VMware Fusion on top of the price of a Windows license.

If your work needs you to run Windows and you prefer to run Mac OS X at home you may be enjoy Boot Camp where you have a PC at work and a Mac at home without the need for more RAM or to purchase the VMware software. But you will lose the flexibility of running Windows programs alongside Mac programs as well as the ability to quickly launch Windows and return to Mac OS X.

In Boot Camp, if you decide you need to boot into Windows, you will have to restart the computer to boot into Windows, and restart again to return to Mac OS X.

This should help to clarify the pros and cons of both.

Well said, totally agree with Arun.

In these days of cheaper memory and high capacity HDs, it may be worthwhile for the long run to use VMware, if you are an avid bi-OSer.

I am a new member on this board.

I require to buy a notebook mainly for Internet trading, browsing and email messaging. My last notebook was Compaq Presario V4440US (that is 4000 series). It gave way with in one and a half years. The machine was made in China. Otherwise too, there has been poor experience with goods made in China, so any thing of that type is written off.

Does Mac any advantage over Windows OS. Which machine should be preferred?

Shall be thankful for advice.