PD7: A few questions before I buy

I would like to get Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, but I have a few questions:

1. What are the system requirements? Will it run on Snow Leopard?

2. PD7 can download a Chrome OS. Nice, PD5 can do that, too, but PD5 always gets the same old version of Chrome OS dated 2009. Can I get new, continually updated versions through PD7?

 

Caution regarding compatibility

This is very important and it's good you ask before you buy.

P-D-7 for Mac requires a 64-bit operating system capability. That is your Mac has to be new enough to support 64-bit (not the VM capability). The newest Parallels Desktop version is assuming you are running LION and this also requires a 64-bit capable system. So, it is natural for the Parallels people to assume they will be compatible.

So, be sure to check your System Profile pages (under the About this Mac... dialog) and check whether your machine can handle the bits. If it looks anything like the text below, then you can't and shouldn't upgrade.

System Software Overview:
System Version: Mac OS X 10.6.8 (10K549)
Kernel Version: Darwin 10.8.0
Boot Volume: yada yada
Boot Mode: Normal
Computer Name: Computer
User Name: xx.xx.xx
Secure Virtual Memory: Enabled
64-bit Kernel and Extensions: No

I have never tried to run Chrome as a VM, so I can't help you there. I should think the newer version is good for 64-bit operation and would run nicely in P-D-7.

But I'm not experienced in that particular VM.

Cheers!

 

Not sure that is true at all, I run PD7 using the 32 bit kernel.

 

Also Lion works fine using a 32 bit kernel, it doesn't have to run 64 bit kernel.

 

Where my confusion begins...

I appreciate you reporting your disagreement with my assessment, and I appreciate another chance to make my point.

I've been in contact with Tech Support here at Parallels and with someone a little higher up the chain to have this confirmed for me. But I am ready to accept that this is unique to my particular situation, as I may be running a CPU which is older than yours might be. I'll include some system items at the end of this message.

What puzzled me at the start was when I attempted to run the installation package and got a dialogue box.



I think the language there is quite specific and not written by me. And I've had this confirmed. Should anyone from Parallels development be watching this thread they might weigh in with more details. I would certainly like to know more.

This is the summary of my machine from the Profiler;

Hardware Overview:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,2
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP12.0061.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.5f10
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

Cheers, Dave