I'm shocked. Microsoft delaying a Mac-specific release of a product once they acquire a company? Everyone remember the Halo fiasco?

Seriously, it will be nice to finally get VPC running on my G5.

PC users won't be able to use their software on G5s. Not good news for potential switchers. MS isn't in any hurry to help switchers, next they'll hold off until Tiger is ready.

It's not like virtual PC ever worked that well to begin with. Is there anyone out there who actually uses it and depends on it for something? I've always thought of it as a sort of toy.

Just by a crappy PC. I've got 2 sitting here in my office that run XP that I got for FREE. Virtual PC, bleh.

Nothing I like more than moving a Windows tower with me while I'm on the train or plane. Come on folks, get a clue.

Running VPC 6 on a 1.5 15" PB with 1.5GB of memory. Had to have it for one proprietary app that I sell (demo it on a PB!). I have also started using it for my accounting software (until I can convert to the mac version of MYOB) because XP is more stable on my Mac that it is on the 2 year old Dull I was using. (Hear that RC? XP is more stable on a Mac!)

Basic comments on VPC:

1. It's slow, but it was slower on the old 667 PB I was using. It is, however, fast enough that i use it for demos.

2. Limited memory. You can only allocate 512MB of memory (and 16MB ov VRAM)to VPC. I'm sitting on 1.5GB in my PB and believe VPC could be speeded up a lot by allowing it to take all available memory while it is in use, automatically returning it if the program is minimized or the user switches to another program. Dynamic memory allocation would be a major help.

3. VPC 6 cannot capture the card slot on a PB - something that MBU should address.

4. When I loaded VPC on my new PB I also loaded Office 2003. When I reinstalled XP on my Dull it refused to load Office 2003 and I had to go back to Office 2000. Should have been pissed, but all I could do is laugh.

In general, if MBU takes care of the memory issue, makes it compatible with the G5 (duals yet) and provides for the capture of the PC card slot then I'll be impressed. I have a feeling that their (MBU, not MS) pride will be such that it will be a very good version. If it is significantly faster then I would consider it a more stable and safer way to use Windows than a WinTel box.

kenaustus >>> I have also started using it for my accounting software (until I can convert to the mac version of MYOB)

Response >>> I bought an upgrade to AccountEdge 2004 and immediately returned it. They have installed a new verification system that I found unacceptable.

The first time you use it, then ever three or four months thereafter, the file, not the application, has to register with MYOB (by Internet or telephone). If the registration does not take place, the file becomes read-only.

I wrote several e-mails to the president of MYOB and her replies basically claimed that this is being done to protect my interests from those who would use pirated copies of their software. I made several objections, some of which have since been addressed on their Web site.

http://www.myob.com/us/products/product_activation.htm

Basically, I do not want my access to my file dependent on the future promises of others. If MYOB were to go out of business, or decided to force upgrades (something their Web page denies), then I am stuck.

They do claim their are looking at having a reliable third party make the activation codes available for six years. They feel that six years is a reasonable time for you to have access to your files. What you feel is irrelevant.

MYOB was acquired by Intuit, a company known for dropping the Macintosh in the past. Additionally, one month after Nolo Software announced a "marketing alliance" with Intuit, it stopped supporting the Macintosh (it is a good thing my WillMaker 7 documents did not go read-only after three or four months).

That's some crazy ****. Funny as heck!

:: djmacdaddy ::

...why we have to wait "a few months" for the standalone, upgrade and 2000 versions? That makes no sense to me.

And the Microsoft Business Unit wonders why we give them a hard time.

...back when Perforce had a nice GUI for their Windows version but a command-line version for Macs. Once they and third parties developed graphical versions, I stopped using it for anything other than Solitaire.

And, yes, Solitaire works great on it.

Microsoft is incompetent--don't take it personally. There only a year+ late on Virtual PC (well, that's if they meet this deadline) but there already like 2-3 years late on Longhorn. Although I would have to say--could MS care less about a product then Virtual PC on the Mac?

It's really hard to believe that they make so much money with such sloppy regard for schedules--and its not like you got something superior when they finally ship--its usually buggy and unfinished when MS finally gets a product out the door.

Pretty hard to condemn Apple when Microsoft is around.