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March 06, 2006
VirtualPC on Intel
Q: I just picked up a new macbook. Since you have been posting about the new iMac, I was wondering if you have installed virtual PC and if so how well it work?
A: Very good question. It doesn't work.... yet....
Check out the statement from Microsoft:
Q. What does the announcement about Intel-based Macs mean for Virtual PC for Mac?
A. Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 is still the best emulation solution for users who have PowerPC-based Macs, but it does not run on Intel-based Macs. We are working with Apple to determine the feasibility of developing Virtual PC for Mac for Intel-based Macs. Virtual PC for Mac is highly dependent on the operating system and hardware and will require additional development to run on Intel-based Macs.
Q. I have an Intel-based Mac, and want to purchase Office 2004. Which version should I get?
A. Your best choices are the Standard version or the Student and Teacher version (if you meet the eligibility qualifications). Because the Professional version includes Virtual PC, and Virtual PC does not run on Intel-based Macs, you cannot take advantage of that extra value in the Professional version on an Intel-based Mac.
Basically, from the comments, I would guess that the next version of Office (Office 2006?) will have something. Office 2006 is due April (or thereabouts) but VPC could lag an additional 6 months (based on what happened with Office 2004).
In the meantime, there are likely to be viable alternatives springing up. I have heard that darwine is close to done (not useful for an end user but a good indicator of technology) and I suspect that someone will have something similar soon.
While you wait, you could use Microsoft Remote Access to connect to an existing PC (if there is one). I currently use that to get the Remedy client (coz the Remedy Web Client sucks and blows at the same time).
Hope that helps and congrats on the new Mac.
Posted by Ozguru at March 6, 2006 06:00 AM
