Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac 7.0 with Windows XP Professional review:4 stars (Does what I need it to do.) - VPC allows me to run Windows XP on my PowerBook G4. I use my PowerBook primarily when I consult, but occasionaly a client needs some work done that requires I run PC software, and VPC allows me to do this without lugging two laptops around. VPC is not fast. I have a 1.5 Ghz PB with 1 Gig RAM, which gives me a 300MHz emulation of a PC. This is fast enough for my work, but I would not want to do development, or play games on such a machine. In addition, I am able to run XP in one window and 2000 in another, so it is useful when I test across different systems.4 stars (IE blows, but VPC for Mac is excellent) - I had but one reason for purchasing VPC for Mac and that reason is simply to have the immediate ability to check my design work in a Windows environment. Period.

My platform is a G5 dual processor with 8gb of RAM.

1 - Installation was simple and fast.
2 - I have NOT experienced a speed issue on start up - VPC starts almost immediately.
3 - Loading web pages is somewhat slow, DSL speed.
4 - Navigating the Windows interface is also button click fast.

This program does exactly what I need it to do.

Not to mention, for the first time since I received The Complete National Geographic CDrom collection 7 years ago, I was able to use it... on a Mac. 2 stars (Slowwww.....) - I purchased MS Virtual PC 7.0 w/Windows XP about six months ago for use on my 1.33 Ghz G4 iBook.

Setup was relatively easy and took about an hour and a half to complete. Unfortunately, it was all down hill from there.

My main reason for buying Virtual PC was to run MS Money 2005 Deluxe on my Mac (Quicken for Mac is terrible, but that's another story). It took about 5 minutes to open my Money file. This was followed by an endless series of painfully long wait times between key strokes. Eventually it locked up completely. After about six more attempts I gave up.

I tried playing several games like Rise of Nations and Age of Empires but they were just as tedious and often locked up during the initial loading. I strongly recommend against attempting to play and games on Virtual PC!

One main problem with this program is that Virtual PC does not allow your computer to use its onboard video card. Instead it attempts to emulate an old 16MB S3 Trio video card with software only.

Additionally, the maximum amount of System RAM Virtual PC will allow you to allocate is limited to 512 MB despite the fact that I have 1.25 GB of RAM available.

Hopefully the next version removes the RAM limit and allows your system to use its video card instead of the painfully slow emulator. This program promises so much, but disappoints at nearly every junction. It's just far too tedious for everyday use in it's current form.
Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac 7.0 with Windows XP Professional Features:
Computer software (programs)
Utilities
Back up (Backup Backing)
File Conversion (Convert)
File Compression (Decompression)
CD
Easily shut down virtual PC and relaunch right where it left off
G5 support; simple, intuitive installation process; use PC and Mac peripherals
Access PC-only software, files, networks, and devices with your Mac
Zero-configuration printing; better graphics handling; expanded preferences
Cut and paste between platforms; share folders and other media between platforms

Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac 7.0 with Windows XP Professional is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 219.99USD.