Parallels Desktop 5.0 for Mac shipped today, its developer citing that the latest version of the virtualization software runs 64-bit Windows 7 22% faster than its nearest competitor on a MacBook Pro. Per AppleInsider, the developer said that the tests, conducted by Crimson Consulting Group, also found that the new Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac is up to 300% faster for virtual machine operations than its predecessor. In addition, 3Dmark 2006 Professional test scores perform up to 7 times better for 3D and graphics performance.
The latest version of Parallels Desktop boasts more than 70 new features, including a new “Crystal view” mode, which can make Windows completely disappear. The new software also allows users to enable Apple multitouch trackpad gestures such as pinch, swipe, and rotate within Windows.
Other new features include:
– Full support for Aero in Windows Vista and 7 through Windows WDDM driver, including Aero Flip 3D.
Virtual machine size automatically optimized for best performance with Parallels Compressor.
– Improved performance for Linux guest OS from KVM paravirtualization.
– A more Mac-like experience in Windows applications through Apple trackpad gestures technology, horizontal scrolling and the application of full-screen active corners and curl page effect.
– Copy and paste fidelity for formatted text and complete layouts including images, even between Windows and Linux guest OSes.
– Freedom and flexibility to run Windows and Mac applications across multiple monitors.
– Seven times better graphics performance for games and 3D applications than the previous version with Direct X 9Ex with Shader Model 3 and OpenGL 2.1 support.
– Superior graphics performance for Linux guests through OpenGL 2.1 support.
– Full hardware resources can be utilized with support for 8 virtual CPUs, 64-bit Windows and Snow Leopard Server 64-bit.
– Easily move PCs (including Windows 7) and third-party virtual machines to the Mac with the enhanced Parallels Transporter.
Parallels is also offering users a free trial of the software, which is available now in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, and localized versions in Chinese, Czech, Hungarian, Japanese, Polish and Russian are expected in the coming weeks.
Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac retails for US$79.99, requires Mac OS X 10.4 later to install and run and includes US$175 worth of additional software: Parallels Internet Security 2009 by Kaspersky with a one-year subscription, Acronis Disk Director Suite 10.0, and Acronis True Image Home 2010.
3 replies on “Parallels Desktop 5.0 Released”
attivita’ futura dora
I will never use parallels again, I was virtualizing a WIndows 2008 server with it, ran fine and then one day the networking would stop working. Uninstalled, cleaned out all preferences and still did not work. Here is where I get upset, I called on the phone, not only are their hold times ridiculous , but after half an hour an automated message comes up and says that they are too busy and they hang up on you, no option to do otherwise, this is unacceptable. Bought VMware Fusion, installed it, problem solved. Fusion doesnt have as many features but it works and have support. Never again for Parallels, you lost me and a lot of my customers.
I’m using XP Home in a vm to run Quicken and for isolating my Porno downloads from causing myhem with my Mac. From what I see so far this update is not worth the cost.