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Parallels or vmwareFusion on MacBookAir?

I have to use either Parallels or VMwareFusion on a 2GB-MacBookAir.

Please tell me, which of these two software solutions uses up
--> less RAM.

I have checked Parallels, with a 596MB guest OS.

After installation of Parallels, an unknown amount of RAM was used,
because at least one process "PRL_NAPTD" always runs and wastes RAM
(even if I do not use Parallels, very annoying!).

Then
starting Parallels: 67M
using your machines: 7M
choosing one machine: 30M

Then
starting the guest machine: 718M

(all rough values, by using "top")

--> Parallels uses at least 822 MB for a 596MB guest OS,
plus that annoying always-on process "PRL_NAPTD" (and perhaps others?)

What about vmware?
How do these two (vmware vs parallels) compare in relation to their RAM usage?

Very important for MacBookAir users, as stupid-Apple chose to produce a 2GB computer in 2009 which cannot be upgraded to more RAM. Incredible in itself.

Thanks for your hints, opinion, answers.

Andreas

Air 2GB, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 2GB 2GB 2GB

Posted on Feb 4, 2010 8:12 AM

17 replies

Mar 4, 2010 10:38 PM in response to IrelandsNextTopModel

I run VMWare Fusion on my MBA SSD 128GB with Windows7 (before XP) and use standard settings (1GB assigned to VM). In Windows I do normal office taks like Office2007, Visio, Project. I have 2-3 apps open and switch between OSX and Windows7 the whole time.
My experience is that this runs very smooth. Apps launch quite fast both under Windows7 and OSX.
For me there is no limitation noticeable at all.
Works great!

DemetreK

Level 1

0 points

Mar 12, 2010 8:31 AM in response to IrelandsNextTopModel

I use VMware on both my MBA and Mac mini. I have tried Parallels and for me VMware seems to be handling my memory and cpu much better ! In both progs. I had them set up for equal cpu/mem use.

Just my two eurocents worth...

Parallels or vmwareFusion on MacBookAir?