VMware Fusion

I have been running Fusion with XP Pro on my IMac for over a month now and all I can say is WOW! It's a breeze to setup and install and runs my PC applications flawlessly. Running both OS simultaneously is very convenient and I have not noticed a performance drop off when doing so. No need to reboot between the two OS as with boot camp which can be annoying/inconvenient at times. Similarly, file sharing between Leopard/XP Pro is easy and the overall stability of Fusion is amazing on the Mac hardware. For the flexibility this software affords Mac users I'm shocked how inexpensive Fusion costs. Great Product and literally a steal at this price. Fusion allows you to have the best of both worlds. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it too:)

I have to run Microsoft Office 2007 and a few other Windows applications for school, but I like a lot of the Mac applications, especially the iLife suite. This product was easy to install, and makes it easy for me to run the windows applications side-by-side with my Mac applications.

I bought this and an OEM version of Windows Vista so my wife could run a few of her Windows-only programs on Leopard (iMac 24"). So far, I have only installed the Hallmark Card Maker Deluxe 2008, but installation of Vista and the Card Maker program were very intuitive and easy.

Before getting this, I was worried about what to expect when installing windows, but interestingly, Vista was easier to install with Fusion on the Mac than it is to install on a PC. Fusion handles all the installation questions and reboots. All you do is run the Fusion install, put in the Vista disk when it says, and let it go.

Highly recommended if you want to run Windows and not have to reboot with Boot Camp.

PS - The default hard drive allocation for Vista install is 20gb, but after installing Vista and the card maker program, that took up 15gb. Although you can add another virtual hard drive to the VM, I'd recommend just upping the initial default setting to around 30gb.

I want to start off by saying that I am not a particularly techy guy. I used both a mac an a pc simply because some applications I needed for work wouldn't run on a Mac. Personally, I prefer to use OS. I knew about Parallels but the reports I had had were not emphasising it's ease of use. I've been using fusion for a couple of weeks now and it is great. It's simple to use. No major instructions needed, it is quite common sensical. The installation was painless. I no longer carry two computers. I did keep my pc for games. I haven't been able to run games on the mac yet. But no need, I'm quite happy as is.

There are plenty of long reviews here that will give you the details. But rest assured that if you're not that computer savvy but want to use windows and OS on your mac at once, get this product. It works and it's simple enough to use.

The program is good. I would rate it 5 stars out of 5 were it not for the hassle of the rebate. I do rebates all the time and never ever had any problems except for VMWare (also check internet for more rebate complaints). I think it's time for Amazon to start a Survey Program on Rebates for items purchased through them. Receipt of my rebate was not shown until 3 weeks later, and only after lots of correspondence from me. Suggested rebate time of 6 to 8 weeks is up. Per rebate track status my check was MAILED on 5 August. It's 28 August today and still nothing here. If I had to do it all over again I would have bought PARALLELS without a rebate. In Jan. 2008, Peter Kazanjy - VMWare Fusion Product Marketing - stated in response to a complaint:
"We thank you for your patience and want to let you know that while Rebate Programs TYPICALLY have the taint of hoping that users forget and throwing up (sic) road blocks to fulfillment. This is 100% not the case here."
I think it IS and urge you to stay away from the product with the rebate.