which version of windows 7 for virtual?

I'm about to order a MacBook pro, well equipped, and with VMWare Fusion so I can switch into Windows 7 (which I must have).

My use? I'm buying the MacBook to get into app development (I'm a CS prof) and need to be able to run Windows software on it also for work at school. I'll be connecting wirelessly at home and at school. Entertainment, media, that kind of stuff is not important.

There are multiple versions. I know I want *64 bit* (duh) but what about

* OEM vs. Retail? Does it make a difference?
* Home vs. Professional vs. Ultimate?
* Hassle factor? If OEM is more hassle than retail, I'll just buy retail, I'm not interested in burning hours of time to get the OS working or jumping through hoops.

I am not a Mac user, this is my first. Please be gentle.

Thanks.

 

Not tearing you down but honestly, your uses don't qualify the use a Mac computer. Sounds like you won't be using OS X. If the first thing on your mind when buying a Mac is installing Windows then you're paying more for the machine because of it's prettiness and it's not worth it. You won't get support from Apple. I would really suggest an HP Elite series, Dell Latitude or a Sony Vaio system if you want something approaching the quality of a Mac but for use with Windows only, otherwise it's a waste.

 

Clarification: iphone, etc. app development

 

I prefer the Professional X64 as it has all the advanced network features for ADS and domain controllers, if you dont need the advanced encryption of ultimate dont bother.

OEM vs Retail, OEM is supposed to be tied to a SINGLE system for the life of that computer, but MS does not argue much in movng it to another. Retail IS transferable according to the EULA.

why fusion and not just bootcamp it OP?

 

The main difference between OEM and retail is transferability--OEM licenses cannot be transferred from one machine to the next, while full retail licenses can be transferred with the media.

Chart of comparison between Windows 7 editions:
Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows

Professional is the one to go for, although Ultimate is fine too as it's only marginally more expensive.

 

If you're not too concerned about moving to another computer then it would be a lot cheaper to go for an OEM copy of Windows and Ebay or Newegg have good deals on that version.

 

I bought an old retail Windows XP license many years ago and it's on a machine that I don't use anymore so I installed it as a VM on my MacBook Pro. No problems. With an OEM license, you'd probably have to get a new license key from Microsoft. You might be able to talk them into it when moving to another machine.

Note that VMs set up a virtual environment and if the environment changes enough with your VM setups, then you might have to reauthenticate. This could happen with an upgrade of your VM software or moving from one VM to another.

Definitely go with 64-bit.

If you want remote desktop into your Windows VM, get at least Professional.

 

Most of my teaching involves windows software - C#, Vis Basic, etc. To function efficiently I need to be able to rapidly move from one environment to the other, and I'm too impatient for a reboot.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 

> Most of my teaching involves windows software - C#, Vis Basic, etc.

My condolences.

 

not sure on some apps but I know our lead programmer cant do squat with VisBas in Fusion or paralels for some reason. and you also cant test hardware calls through it for testing puropses. hit up the reading on technet and Visual Basic support forums, and MAKE sure it will work for you.

note: why the heck does this forum substitute V_B (minus the underscore of course) for VBullitin?

 

Hello Prof. I'm a CE student.

I like the well equipped 2011 MBP because. I can use VMware to run Win7/XP fluently giving me access to VB, C++, ARM and all other compilers. Only thing I can't run as well is graphics programs. For that I use bootcamp.

I also like the 3x3 MIMO wifi chip, increased connectivity and throughput, when fighting with other students streaming this and that.

Also, workflow through OSX has become faster than WinX with a mouse.

Only thing I wish I had was flawless Linux support, though as always, it's a work in progress.

 

I have to respectfully disagree with this. I've been shopping for months to find the perfect 12"-13" laptop, I like OSX (used macs before) but do not need it at all. See my sig for recent laptop history. Most recently Lenovo X220- I just returned due to loose touchpad, stuck pixel, and ghosting in the LCD. I'm about to just go with the inevitable, MBP 13".

I'm discovering slowly that no PC ultra portable comes close to Apple quality. Dell, even the Latitudes, not even in the same league (owned 2, we also use them in my office). Sony Vaio- the old Z maybe comes close (I did own a Z, pre-VPC era) but that's it. Sony support is awful and driver updates are few and far between. I checked out the new SB at a Sony Store and the displays are not good in my opinion, also the system is way too big/boxy for a 13" machine- they could fit a 14" screen on it. HP Elitebook- also owned an old 2530p, great laptop but had the low voltage cpu so I eventually sold it. The new 2560p looks great, but I HATE the 16:9 screen, it is not enough vertical space.

So in the end, yes I will probably use Windows 50%-75% of the time on the MBP. A Waste? In my opinion no way, the build quality alone is worth it (Edit- maybe prone to scratches or dents= durability may be less than an HP or Lenovo) and Apple support has been great to me in the past....I don't need any Windows tech support so that is a non issue, I'm very familiar with boot camp and fusion. And, even the upgraded MBP 13" is $1499, very competitive with other PC brands- that is, the business grade HP's , Sony, and loaded Lenovo X220.