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Parallels Desktop 4

Macworld Rating

3.5 out of 5 Mice, Dec 17, 2008

Pros

  • Lower CPU usage than prior version
  • SmartMount for using devices in both OSs
  • Support for eight CPUs
  • Modality mode
  • Bundled Windows software
  • Free e-mail and phone tech support

Cons

  • Incomplete DirectX support
  • Bugs in upgrade process and other features
  • $40 upgrade cost
  • All sharing features enabled by default

Software Details

  • Parallels
  • 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard)
  • Intel only
  • $80; upgrade from Parallels 3, $40

Macworld's Parallels Desktop 4 Coverage

  • Review: Parallels 4 build 3540 Parallels 4 offers a number of new features that some users may find compelling. However, it has rough edges that make the software feel as though it was rushed out the door without sufficient testing.
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