Bootcamp, which Windows and Precision Sculptor

Okay, after my G5 died on me, I got a new Intel Mac and am loving it. Second Life runs great so far.

I've never used Bootcamp, but one of the big draws for me to the Intel Macs was the ability to run Windows. I've always puttered around on VIrtual PC, which worked, but obviously was slow and most of the time like trying to walk with an elephant on my back.

I don't remember which version of Windows I used with VPC, I *think* XP, and probably not the SP2. So I'll either have to buy a fresh copy of Windows or upgrade. I have to find my old CDs if I can. Blah.

First, I'm wondering what version of Windows I should get. I'm leaning towards sticking with XP until there's a reason to upgrade. And where's the cheapest place to buy it?

What I'll use Windows for: I run a couple of minor little add-on apps for 3D work that have no Mac equivalent. My apps run just fine on XP. People who ran Vista seemed to complain a lot, so I decided not to upgrade to that unless I absolutely had to. I'm leery for the same reason of Windows 7, plus I have no idea how long it will take for the software to be updated.

Second, I'd really like to try Precision Sculptor

https://uncensored.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1457513

I'm wondering if anyone has experience using this under Bootcamp. You have to run it IN Second Life, so obviously I'll be running Second Life under Windows for that purpose. This says it runs on an up-to-date version of XP/Vista/7.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks!

Nic

I haven't used Precision Sculptor.... so I can't speak to that, but I do run both OSX and Windows on a variety of Macs.

I used to run just XP Pro on a MacBook Pro 15", but have recently aquired a MacBook 13" Unibody (just before they were called "pro" too.) I jumped right to Windows 7 64bit, and on that particular machine, it just *worked* with the exception of the 64bit drivers from Apple, that took a little googling to get installed.

SL worked without a hitch, even with the stock nVidia drivers.

This weekend, I boogered up the trusty MacBook Pro that had XP on it, and decided to make the leap to Win 7 64 on it as well. Far more fussy about getting it installed (Won't be a problem on a recent Macbook, this model isn't officially supported by Apple for Win 7.)

I wouldn't be afraid of Win 7 32bit. 64bit might be a little bleeding edge... especially when it comes to graphic drivers. Had to fight with those a bit to get the 15" to play nice in SL.

Recently installed Win 7 32bit on a Mac Mini (the older one with an Intel 945 chipset) and it worked with no problems at all, short of the crappy performance of the 945.

Thanks, Phate. This is VERY helpful info!!!

Nic

FYI Bootcamp will support Windows 7 out of the box before the end of the year.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3920