Gratuitous Windows gaming comin' to ya, Mac users! Latest news in the virtualization field has word that the VMware, creators of VMWare Fusion, has kick-started the first stage of the beta program for Fusion 2.0. And with Fusion 2.0 Beta 1 comes a slew of performance improvements - so much that it'll be able to support up to 10 monitors all at once and even play Windows-only games with hefty shader requirements. More at the full story.

For those of us who want insane bang for our buck as far as Apple software bundles are concerned, then here's a special news bulletin: MacUpdate is selling a bundle that's sure to kit out your rig to the extreme, and it only costs US$ 64.99. Check out what you'll be getting, as well as what the catch is, in the full article. This is one deal you can't possibly refuse.

Parallels announced today that Parallels Desktop, its virtualization software for the Mac, has been updated. Parallels Desktop allows users running Intel-powered Apple Macs to run Windows, Linux or any other operating system at the same time as Mac OS X, without re-booting.

This new version of Parallels Desktop is anchored by a completely customizable new feature called Coherence. Coherence allows users to run Windows applications on their Macs like they were native applications.

When users switch to Coherence mode, the Windows desktop disappears, leaving Windows applications, such as Outlook and Internet Explorer, running directly on the Mac desktop and from the Mac application dock.

"When we introduced Parallels Desktop in April, we blurred the lines between the Mac and Windows worlds. With the introduction of Coherence, we completely blow that line away," said Benjamin Rudolph, Director of Communications, Parallels. "This is a game-changing technology that gives users the ability to choose the best application for the job at hand. We intend to expand the Coherence function to help computer users move to a truly operating system-agnostic desktop."

Parallels Desktop also includes a powerful new migration tool called Transporter that gives users the ability to move their entire existing PCs Â? including all of its settings, applications, files and profiles -- directly to a Parallels virtual machine running on their new Macs, without re-installing Windows. Perfect for users who are just switching from a Windows PC to a Mac.

You can grab a copy of Parallels Desktop on the Parallels website for US$ 79.99. A trial version is also available on the website. Kudos to ben for the heads up.

More features after the jump!

From the same guys who brought you Ubuntu right on your OS X desktop, a new guide tackles installing the PC newest flagship OS, Vista Ultimate, into your very own Mac box - more appropriately, your MacBook Pro.

Now the capability of Apple's newer systems to run Windows isn't new news: Apple's move to Intel has made that possibility a lot easier to imagine.

But installing Windows instead of OS X is a lot different from installing Windows on OS X. Simplehelp presents a step-by-step guide for installing an OS over another OS, using a nifty little Virtual Machine (VM) software, called Parallels Desktop for OS X.

It was done before, yes, but this time it's the monster pack Ultimate that gets touchy-feely with its Apple side. Of course, there are problems that will ensue from installing Vista Ultimate on Mac (including hardware requirements).

So run over to the "Read" link and see how to do it. Remember, you will need Parallels Desktop and any Mac similar to a MacBook Pro, so the procedures will pretty much stay the same.

   

So what would happen if you installed Vista on a Mac Pro and ran OS X alongside it? This is possible with the use of a hardware emulator, Parallels Desktop.

After discovering that Vista runs faster than OS X on an Intel Mac Pro, the guys at Gizmodo got curious about how the two operating systems would do when running side by side. They installed Vista on their MacBook Pro and waited to see what happens. It worked, but with assorted problems.

They encountered problems with Vista support in Parallels - describing it as "still quite developmental" - and Aero graphics which was explained by Parallels' inadequate graphics card support. Networking problems (the complete non existence of it) were also encountered. They tried getting a Windows Experience Index score but their plan to compare scores were botched by an error pop up window.

Parallels isn't perfect - atleast not yet. We'll see how it goes in the near future when Parallels updates their Beta. Stay tuned.

The Parallels website announced that Mac users can try the latest build of their Parallels Desktop software. Parallels Desktop for Mac Beta2 (Build 3094) is now available for download, and they are also offering a holiday special that you might want to check out.

A lot of features and enhancements are introduced in this beta, including USB 2.0 support, a full-feature virtual CD/DVD drive, and improved Coherence mode. It also provides better Boot Camp support, but it's important to note that Beta1 (build 3036) users must boot natively into Boot Camp and uninstall Parallels Tools for Boot Camp prior to running it in Beta2.

Beta2 also includes a bundled copy of Parallels Transporter Beta2. Please note that Beta1 users must upgrade their Transporter package on their Windows source machine before using Parallels Transporter in Beta2. You may end up with a system crash or experience possible loss of data if you fail to do so.

New users need to get a trial key to use the software, but if you're a current Parallels Desktop for Mac user, you can use your existing activation key to install this update.

Recently we posted the release of Parallels Desktop for Mac build 3036 Beta. The amazing software allows Apple users to run Windows side by side with Mac OS X in a secure, isolated, virtual machine. Since its release, word-of-mouth buzz says the app is quite a killer. Video blogger Michael Verdi took Parallel Desktop for a test drive and it's safe to say he is now a fan calling it "super cool."

Using a MacBook Pro 2GHz core duo, system 10.4.8 with 2GB RAM, Verdi launched Parallels with several other programs including one that recorded the screencast. In the screencast Verdi demos Firefox and IE, Notepad, and copying from Windows to Mac and vice versa. Watch the screencast and see for yourself.

By the way if you haven't downloaded Parallels, you can do so right here. But remember this is just a beta version. Do not install it into the production environment and it is highly recommended to make a backup of your virtual machines before trying it out.

Download: [Parallels Desktop Screencast]

Parallels has released Parallels Desktop for Mac build 3036 Beta. Parallels Desktop for Mac (US$79.99) gives Apple users the ability to run Windows side by side with Mac OS X in a secure, isolated, virtual machine. The software runs on Intel-powered Apples, including iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook, and MacBook Pro.

Download Parallels Desktop for Mac Beta Build 3036. It will be a FREE update once it becomes generally available. However, this is beta software, and you know what that means, right? No? Well it means you should treat it very carefully. Do not install this beta into the production environment yet. Do backup your virtual machines before starting them.

IMPORTANT:
Resume and shut down all suspended Virtual Machines prior to upgrade.

You can read the list of features of the Parallels Desktop for Mac build 3036 Beta after the jump (that means you click on the "Full Article" link to see the full article).

Download: [Parallels Desktop for Mac build 3036 Beta]

The Unofficial Apple Blog's David Chartier managed to get Microsoft Windows Vista running on his MacBook Pro in both a copy of Parallels Desktop and Boot Camp, and he has graciously made a tutorial on how to do the former.

According to him, Vista runs OK in Parallels Desktop. Just plain OK, as opposed to "'really well' or 'it made an un-switcher out of me'." Mr. Chartier also reports that it doesn't seem to fully support high-end graphics cards yet, so it's still a no go on all of the fancy 3d effects, or what he calls "Translucent Everything TechnologyÂ? (TET)", that Vista boasts.

Click on the 'read' link below for the full walkthrough on setting up, installing, and running Vista on an Intel Mac via Parallels Desktop. The walkthrough also includes some things to watch out for as well as just how far the more-or-less Beta-status Vista software can be pushed.

Do you believe that you deserve nothing but the best? Is that the reason why you got yourself a pretty and powerful MacBook? If so, here's a round up of the best accessories to compliment your already blinging MacBook. More bling, what else?

If you want to look sleek and sharp on your way to that very important meeting with the investors, this Incase Nylon notebook sleeve is the one for you. It doesn't only have room to house your MacBook but it also has enough space to put your papers and whatnots in. No more clutter. It also has a detachable shoulder strap in the package. It is available through the Apple Store in a variety of colors - Burnt Orange, Black and Platinum Gray - and sells for $49.95.

One of the most important bling of all is an upgrade. So why not make those applications run faster and smoother, and upgrade your existing RAM to a 2GB one? Available through Other World Computing for $215.

Young professionals will have a field day with this stylish and sporty shoulder bag named Alley from STM. It has a padded shoulder strap, contoured rubber handle, secure velcro closure system, extra pockets for your other accessories and is made from 600D rip-stop polyester. It is available for 13"-15" displays and comes in Olive and Carbon. Price ranges from $39.95 to $44.95.

Incase Nylon Sleeve

OWC 2GB RAM Upgrade

STM Alley

More blings for MacBooks after the jump!