Parallels Desktop for Mac now Available

Today, Parallels makes the announcement that many Mac users have been waiting to hear: Parallels Desktop for Mac is now available!

After a successful multi-stage beta program that involved more than 100,000 testers from 71 countries, Parallels announces the final release version of its Desktop for Mac product. It is currently the only solution available that lets Mac users run Windows and Mac OS X at the same time - without rebooting - on any Intel powered iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook, or MacBook Pro. Parallels near-native performance and stability is driven by its hypervisor-powered virtualization engine, and offers full support for Intel Virtualization Technology.

"Parallels Desktop enables Mac users to access Windows programs without giving up the functionality, power and usability of their Mac OS X desktops," said Nick Dobrovolskiy, CEO of Parallels. "We've broken through the barrier that previously kept Mac and Windows from effectively working together side-by-side, simultaneously, on one computer."

As a special incentive to new customers, the company is extending the $49.99 pricing for 30 days following today's announcement. So if you are the least bit interested, act now, because the product will return to its original asking price of $79.99.

Important features found in Parallels Desktop for Mac include:

• Run any version of Windows at the same time as Mac OS X at near-native speeds, without having to dual-boot or shut down their Mac desktop.


• Users can also run Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, or MS-DOS programs alongside Mac OS X applications.


• Safely share files and "cut and paste" data between Windows and Mac OS X programs.


• Expand a virtual machine to full-screen size on a primary display, or export and expand it on a secondary display.


• Reduce Windows 2000, 2003 and XP virtual machine hard drive size by 50 percent or more with Parallels Compressor technology. This powerful tool, which retails for $179, is included free with each copy of Parallels Desktop for Mac.

If you were one of the early adopters or beta testers and you pre-ordered your copy, you can download the final release version here and register it with your permanent key. To register, go to "Help" on the menu and then click on "Activate Product" and then enter your key. If you pre-ordered but haven't received your permanent key, contact Parallels at lostkey@parallels.com.

Posted by David Marshall on June 15, 2006 07:18 PM