Comments on: Using Parallels to run Windows on my Mac mini

By: mary heck

mary heck — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:19:46 +0000

I have a macbook pro with 1GB RAM and cannot even get Windows to open and run correctly…I am very frustrated as Apple Care has no tech-person who knows how to troubleshoot Parallels. I am left to re-read the manuals with no professional assistance, even though I have a protection plan.

By: Gene Keats

Gene Keats — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 20:31:19 +0000

We run QuickBooks under WinXP Pro via Parallels on a Mac mini (2GB RAM) and it works pretty well. The main issue is network response - noticably slower than a “real” PC - for the shared company file, which is on a server. File transfers are OK, but transaction-heavy sessions suffer. Another thing to note is that WinXP’s network connection status reveals 100Mbps whereas OS X reflects the 1000Mbps physical link.

By: Don W

Don W — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:00:32 +0000

I too have a Mac Mini and yes, you do need 2 gig of RAM. I also have eliminated the need to run a PC in my office. I now run my payroll(through a web based Payroll Company(, and QuickBooks Pro, through Parallels and XP.
The only challenge so far has been connecting my Garmin GPS through serial with a USB adapter. No success yet.
Parallels starts up quickly and runs smoothly although it does suck up a lot of RAM so I shut it down when not using it.
Waiting and looking forward to version 3.