Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Allows You to Run Windows and Even Another Copy of Lion

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Running Windows 7 and OS X Lion

Parallels has announced version 7 of their popular virtualization software that allows Mac users to run Windows on their machines alongside Mac OS X. The new version is said to include 90 new features and enhancements including:

- Lion integration and support, including Launchpad and Mission Control for Windows programs
- Shared iSight and FaceTime HD cameras in both Windows and Mac
- Up to 1GB of video memory, for ultra-high resolutions
- Improved graphics performance, up to 45% faster 3D
- 60% faster resuming Windows
- Windows on Demand - purchase and automatically install Windows on your Mac from Parallels Desktop 7 in the U.S.

Parallels 7 supports running OS X Lion as a "guest" operating system under virtualization, meaning you can run a completely separate copy of Lion within your main copy of Lion. In July, we reported that Apple had changed the license agreement in OS X Lion that allowed users to run up to 2 additional copies of Lion on a single machine without the need for extra licenses.

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iOS app on iPad

Parallels also released a update to their Universal iOS app that allows you to control your Mac, virtual machines, and all their applications.

Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac will be available today as an upgrade for current Parallels Desktop version 5 and 6 users for $49.99. Full price will be $79.99 with student version at $39.99. Parallels 7 will be available for download and in retail starting on September 6th.

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Top Rated Comments

Silentwave Avatar
176 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
duffy666 Avatar
176 months ago
Yo dawg, I herd you like Os X Lion, so I put a Parallels in your Os X Lion so you can use Os X Lion while you are using Os X Lion.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Feek Avatar
176 months ago
I like Parallels and I've been a [registered] user for quite a few versions now but I don't really like their pricing upgrade structure.

It's also frustrating because I know that I could buy this upgrade and then in a few months time it'll be included in one of the bundles, probably for less than I have to pay for the upgrade :(

I know I'm not being forced to buy the upgrade as Parallels 6 works perfectly well and this time I may just wait for whatever bundle it is this time to come along.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lostngone Avatar
176 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?

No, but the memory manufactures would really love you...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shivetya Avatar
176 months ago
Upgrade price is obnoxious.

I like 6, but damn if I am going to give them $50 to upgrade to 7.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VulchR Avatar
176 months ago
So, if we were to run a copy of Windows 7 in Parallels on Lion in a Parallels VM in Lion...which was itself being run in a Parallels VM on Lion as well, would Leo DiCaprio show up?
Ouch. My head hurts.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)