I need to get a new laptop and I'm strictly a windows kind of guy. Never enjoyed an Apple computer from an OS point of view. Yet I like the design of the MacBooks, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the new 13" with retina display looks like when it comes out. I'm seriously considering getting one, wiping it and installing windows on it. Has anyone had experience doing this? Are there any issues, for example with drivers for peripherals, etc when running windows on macs? Thanks.
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Experiences with running Windows on a MacBook
- Thread starter rooster133
- Start date
Hi Rooster
I have not heard of anyone who has done this, what you can do is set it up so that it will dual boot both Windows and OS X.
I have been using PCs for the best part of 20 years, and purchased my first Mac around 3 years ago.
On a daily basis I use both a MacBook and a Windows 7 PC, and have had no issues running all the programs I want on both devices.
I would recommend you try out Apple's OS X to see what you think of it, Windows 7 and OS X are not very different to be honest, and there really are not that many programs any more that you cannot get on both platforms, apart from some custom Windows software.
I hope this helps
I have not heard of anyone who has done this, what you can do is set it up so that it will dual boot both Windows and OS X.
I have been using PCs for the best part of 20 years, and purchased my first Mac around 3 years ago.
On a daily basis I use both a MacBook and a Windows 7 PC, and have had no issues running all the programs I want on both devices.
I would recommend you try out Apple's OS X to see what you think of it, Windows 7 and OS X are not very different to be honest, and there really are not that many programs any more that you cannot get on both platforms, apart from some custom Windows software.
I hope this helps
If your only going to use windows get a PC! If it's all about aesthetics there are a few nicer looking PC laptops about. Running windows on a mac (called boot camp) will run down your battery in about 3 hours, and the laptop will run very hot, but it does work.
However the Mac OS is very nice and easy to learn.
However the Mac OS is very nice and easy to learn.
Well, I've been using windows forever and I'm simply not going to switch. So that's not an option. Have looked at many PCs and nothing grabs my attention hardware-wise (specs, looks, feel, weight, size, etc). I investigated a few before zeroing-in on the MacBook. Then I heard about the boot camps you can install on these things to run windows and that got me thinking...
Now, the point about battery life is the kind of feedback I was looking for... Is that a well-known issue and do you know why that is the case?
Now, the point about battery life is the kind of feedback I was looking for... Is that a well-known issue and do you know why that is the case?
I have a 2011 (latest) MacBook Air and run windows 7 on it exclusively. Works like a charm: apart from having to run a small utility to remap a few keys there is basically no downsides I can see except Battery life is about 20% less under windows. So on the MBA I get about 5.5 hours under windows7.
Simply run a boot camp software, the battery life will be reduced as if you were running multiple apps/software.
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/guide/windows
See the link for information.
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/guide/windows
See the link for information.
My 2012 MacBook pro probably has about 35% less battery life when running boot camp. I think it's because apple (deliberately) did not optimize the PC drivers.
Rooster
have a look at this article where they tested Windows 7 on the new 15 inch Retina MBP, this should give you an idea of what you can expect when running Windows on it.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/windows-7-tested-on-retina-display-macbook-pro-how-good-is-it
I hope this helps.
:cheers:
have a look at this article where they tested Windows 7 on the new 15 inch Retina MBP, this should give you an idea of what you can expect when running Windows on it.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/windows-7-tested-on-retina-display-macbook-pro-how-good-is-it
I hope this helps.
:cheers:
Simply install Win7 on bootcamp and run OSX and Win7 at the same time with the Parallel Desktops App. I would never go back to a PC.
madcatlancelot
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@Roo: Win7 works perfectly on a macbook pro 13", mine was the 2011 macbook pro that has a MacOSX Snow Leopard DVD installers.
What I did is to change the HDD with a 750GB first (you can get a 1TB nowadays), wipe out the existing install, partition the hdd into two, and do a separate clean install for the Win7 and MacOSX. All the Win7 drivers are inside the Snow Leopard DVD installer so everything's working.
I followed this guide that I found from youtube on how to replace the HDD and re-install the MacOSX.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HS6ELFwD3A"]MacBook Pro 13" 2010 Hard Drive Upgrade Tutorial - YouTube[/ame]
What I did is to change the HDD with a 750GB first (you can get a 1TB nowadays), wipe out the existing install, partition the hdd into two, and do a separate clean install for the Win7 and MacOSX. All the Win7 drivers are inside the Snow Leopard DVD installer so everything's working.
I followed this guide that I found from youtube on how to replace the HDD and re-install the MacOSX.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HS6ELFwD3A"]MacBook Pro 13" 2010 Hard Drive Upgrade Tutorial - YouTube[/ame]
It's definitely doable. Apple uses the same GPUs and GPAs as windows based computers. The only difference is physical design and build of the cases and build quality. The apple magic is all in the software. Many guys have hacked Windows onto Macs and vice versa. Some builds even allow you to opt for your preferred OS at start up (Mac OS one day and Windows the next). am a windows guy, but if you want a Mac, why run windows at all??? If you need to run windows on it at all? If you need to run windows apps for work, you can access them using Citrix (go to my PC) or some other virtual hosting service. Unless you are hacker that likes to make your gadgets do things just because you can, don't try to hack windows onto your mac. Nothing good will come of it other possibly bricking your machine and voiding your warranty.
Mad, I read your post after writing my own. That's the hack I was describing. That hack doesn't work on all mac books--and it won't work on any of the MBA's (unless you're comfortable cracking the aluminum cases open and are an expert with a soldering iron).
Interesting how whenever someone brings up the whole Windows vs Apple thing, whether directly or indirectly, people always feel the need to come in a express their own preference. A bit of a Beatles vs The Rolling Stones thing going on... Funny that. I don't mean it as a criticism by the way. Just an observation.
Yeah, I run Windows Se7en on my MacBook Pro on a daily basis for work related software. No problems at all.
I have also done it backwards and run Apples OS on a few Hackintosh Computers I home built in the past. Apple OS on a non-Apple device is when all the fun kicks in
Here is a vid I had to put up years ago as proof. Note the crossbones on the lid. Had that handle since the phone phreaking days.
http://youtu.be/IUrZ5oqnsCw
PM me if you need anything Mate
I have also done it backwards and run Apples OS on a few Hackintosh Computers I home built in the past. Apple OS on a non-Apple device is when all the fun kicks in
Here is a vid I had to put up years ago as proof. Note the crossbones on the lid. Had that handle since the phone phreaking days.
http://youtu.be/IUrZ5oqnsCw
PM me if you need anything Mate
LOL, this is so true. The Beatles were revolutionary, whereas the Stones were a great band. There's a difference.
I am an android, windows guy, but I use apple products also. They both serve their purpose. I am not passionate about one over the other. It's a matter of tastes and needs.
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