Apple Embraces Windows Vista With Boot Camp Update

Boot Camp Version 1.2, available for download from Apple's Web site as a public beta, includes support for 32-bit version of Microsoft's new OS.

"Boot Camp lets you install Windows without moving your Mac data, though you will need to bring your own copy to the table, as Apple does not sell or support Microsoft Windows," Apple explained on its Web site.

Just Like a PC

Boot Camp will burn a CD with all the necessary Windows drivers "so you don't have to scrounge around the Internet looking for them," Apple said, adding that Boot Camp users can choose between running their Mac on Windows or Mac OS X by holding down the option key when starting the computer. "After starting up, your Mac runs Windows natively just like a PC," the company said. "Simply restart to come back to Mac."

While that sounds simple enough, those familiar with virtualization software -- such as Parallels -- will be quick to point out that shutting down and rebooting can be a hassle. Parallels allows Mac users to switch to Windows without shutting down OS X, noted Parallels Marketing Manager Benjamin Rudolph.

"The only edge Boot Camp has [over Parallels] now is that it fully supports 3D graphics which is something we don't have right now," Rudloph told MacNewsWorld. "But we are adding that in a few months."

Because It's a Mac

Nevertheless, Rudolph praised Apple for releasing the Boot Camp update.

"It's just going to make the Mac even more flexible," he declared. "Many Mac users who want to run Windows also want to run Vista. ... Apple always wanted people to buy a Mac because it's a Mac and because Macs are great and you can do a lot of stuff with them.

"People aren't necessarily buying a Mac just because they can run Windows. But this makes the Mac more attractive because it's able to run Windows too and there are a lot of applications out there that are still Windows only."

Boot Camp 1.2 comes with updated drivers, including but not limited to trackpad, AppleTime (synch), audio, graphics, modem and iSight camera, according to Apple. It includes support for Apple Remote and works with both iTunes and Windows Media Player.

Additionally, Version 1.2 includes a new Windows system tray icon "for easy access to Boot Camp information and actions," improved keyboard support for Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, and French Canadian, an improved Windows driver installation experience, updated documentation and Boot Camp on-line help in Windows and more.

Pros and Cons

Boot Camp overcomes some issues for virtualized systems, such as DirectX support for gaming and other applications "assuming Apple is truly committed to driver support," Freeform Dynamics analyst David Perry told MacNewsWorld.

However, Boot Camp "is only really for people whose application use is partitioned because shutting down one OS and starting another is too frustrating to do frequently," he said. On the other hand, Parallels and other virtualization solutions "potentially let you run any OS," including Linux and DOS, as well as Windows and OS X.

To use the new Boot Camp, Mac owners will have to buy "a bona fide full version of Microsoft Windows: XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate," Apple said. Boot Camp will not work with "upgrade or multi-disc versions" of Vista.

Apple's longstanding battle with Microsoft might be waning, especially since Macs with Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) processors can now morph into Windows units, but Apple still manages to get in its digs.

"Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC," according to the Apple site. "That means it'll be subject to the same attacks that plague the Windows world. So be sure to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft Windows security fixes."