Using my Macbook Pro
I have my Macbook Pro upgraded and I created a virtualized Windows 7 environment in VirtualBox. I chose VirtualBox for two reasons; first, I have used VirtualBox and I have found VirtualBox runs very well, and two, VirtualBox is free, I like the idea of virtualizing my work environment on my MacBook Pro, but I also want to be sure it is a workable solution.
On the first day of running Windows 7 within VirtualBox on OS X, I learned that you do not have to run OS X in 64 bit mode to take advantage of over 4 Gig of RAM. In the Windows world, you have to, but OS X is able to address over 4 Gig of RAM without going to 64 bit. In fact, running in 64 bit can cause you more problems than it is worth. For example, in 64 bit, I had many problems with the video display of my virtualized Windows environment. So bad, that I almost went out and purchased another virtualization software product, but I rebooted my Macbook Pro and it automatically switched back to 32 bit mode and the video problems went away.
I have always been a bit annoyed with the lack of certain keys on my Macbook Pro, like home, end, page up, and down, and I still find that a problem, especially when editing. I know I can solve it with an external keyboard, but I have just resisted that temptation to this point. At the office, I do have an extra monitor, so having an extra keyboard might prove helpful between the two screens.
I still need to finish setting up my Windows 7 environment. So far, it only has Microsoft Office 2010, which is what I mainly need for work, but there is other software that needs to be added. As part of the migration, I need to see if I can plug my Black Berry into my Macbook Pro for recharging. That is not a big deal, but it is nice not having to carry around a charger when traveling. Also, I have a Livescribe Pulse Pen and I need to sync that with my Macbook Pro instead of my Dell Latitude. It is getting there, the first day went well. We will see how it goes the rest of the week.
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