Parallels Updates?

[brodel]

I am sure this info has to be somewhere on the site or on the forum, but I haven't been able to find it so I figured I'd make a post. I also tried e-mailing support, but got no response (which honestly kind of scares me) :confused:

I got parallels RC2 the day before it went 1.0 (for OS X) so far I think it's awesome. I want to buy it, but I want to know how long I get updates (if at all) after I buy the program. Depending on the answer I plan on buying today! Thanks in advance!

[tgrogan]

Considering you paid ~$1500 for your mac, ~$100-$200 for windoze, and will have to pay only $39 for Parallels - why are you waiting? For a point of reference the Linux version used the same license for 1.x thru 2.1 so far. It will probably be dictated by how much effort and features they have to put into the mac version releases. Judging from the demands being posted by mac users, version 1.1 will probably need an upgrade fee. ;>)

[brodel]

It's annoying to buy software and then they come out with a new version and leave their customers with an upgrade fee or stuck just buying the new version. If that's how it is then I'll just wait till a version comes out with features I have to have (ACPI bios to run Vista) before putting money into this one and then even more money into a new one. However if there were free upgrades within a year or so after buying the product, then I'd be fine with that.

I guess the bottom line is that I just need an official answer from someone at Parallels...

[John the Geek]

The parallels team has said numerous times in the Mac forums that updates to 2.x will be free, but the 3.x release will be a paid upgrade. They have also confirmed that ACPI will be in v3.0.

So if you need XP, then buy now. You'll continue to get bug fixes for free until v 3.0 comes out.

If you are waiting for Vista support and have no need to run XP. Wait for v 3.0. They said it would likely be near the end of this year. (So, 6 months away, maybe?)

Again, this is all second-hand, so don't quote me on it. Things can change. Now that Q emulator has ACPI (and Vista) the Parallels team may reconsider a BIOS re-write for v2.3? Who knows. Without any true virtualization though, Q is hardly stealing away Parallels customers.

=)

[brodel]

Awesome. Sorry I didn't see any of that before. I personally don't care about Vista, but I did download the beta and tried it in parallels and just noticed it didn't work. I am more interested in just running XP right now and maybe throw a linux distro on there to play around with from time to time. Thanks!

[Andrew @ Parallels]

I can confirm that John the Geek is correct about our update policy.

2.x updates will be free, 3.0 version most likely will be paid.

[jensw]

Hello,

is there already a date for the next windows/linux update?

Thanks and best regards,
Jens

[Andrew @ Parallels]

jensw,

Sorry - I can't give exact date, but it will be quite soon.

[dmtdbear]

Andrew

Will there be any upgrade pricing for 3.0 for Parallels Mac Desktop and Parallels Workstation for Windows/Linux? and what would the prices be for existing Parallels users?

Gerald

[Andrew @ Parallels]

dmtdbear,

Unfortunately I don't know the answer. I guess 2.x customers will have discount for 3.0 update, but it is only my guess. The pricing policy is under concideration and will be announced once we have public build for 3.0. Or maybe earlier.

[Ray]

Andrew,

It's now some 6 weeks since your post, what's the current situation on the Windows/Linux version which gives some of the much needed features which are 'slated for the next update'.

Ray

[constant]

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It's due to be released around the end of the month.
.

[Maccer]

dmtdbear,

Unfortunately I don't know the answer. I guess 2.x customers will have discount for 3.0 update, but it is only my guess. The pricing policy is under concideration and will be announced once we have public build for 3.0. Or maybe earlier.
You don't happen to have any new info on the upgrade pricing? Apple Store in Sweden has a discount on Parallels Desktop that's only valid today, but since Parallels Desktop 3 will probably be released in a couple of months I don't want to pay the full price twice.


EDIT: I saw that you would release a free update with lots of new features a few hours after I had first made this post, so I went ahead and ordered a Parallels Desktop from Apple Store.

But just after I had ordered, I checked my mail and saw the "Parallels holiday special" with free upgrades for one year. That would be a even better deal, but I don't know if I can cancel my Apple Store order anymore (can't cancel via Internet - and the phone service won't be open until monday).

So my next question is: is this "one year of free upgrades" deal only valid for products ordered via the Parallels webshop, or can I apply it somehow to my boxed version ordered from Applestore in case I can't cancel the order?

[shaun3000]

I'm wondering the same thing. I emailed info@parallels.com but haven't recieved a response, yet. I purchased the full license on Monday, with one day left on the trial. I came back today for the new Beta and saw the Holiday offer. I'm going to be mad if I'm excluded when I missed it by less than a week!

[Maccer]

Today I got an mail from Apple Store that said that my Parallel Desktop order has now shipped - so it's definitely too late to cancel it. Hopefully Parallels will be kind enough to let us who bought the app from some other source than their webshop to participate in the "one year of free upgrades" offer as well.

By the way, I also mailed info@parallels.com before I posted on the forums.

[ronaldbegg]

Awesome. Sorry I didn't see any of that before. I personally don't care about Vista, but I did download the beta and tried it in parallels and just noticed it didn't work. I am more interested in just running XP right now and maybe throw a linux distro on there to play around with from time to time. Thanks!
Hi, just a brief comment. I also installed Vista under Parallels, works just fine, in fact I am using it right now. I gather it implodes June 2007! Vista looks much better under Boot Camp and XP works more fully under BC, eg recognises iSight camera for Skype, but the convenience of not having to re-boot is such a winner. So I have XP, Vista and Linux loaded up....fantastic

[shaun3000]

It's been nearly two weeks and I've yet to recieve a reply from Parallels. Their customer service is making a pretty crappy impression on me, so far.

[tgrogan]

'Crappy' is in the eye of the beholder. Parallels is not Apple, and you would be much more comfortable if you would approach your interactions with them based on that reality. They don't have a huge staff of people supported by the profits from an overly expensive computer to answer ever person's instantaneous needs. Their product costs very little and they have a stated policy of free upgrades.

From my own perspective, the product's usefullness far exceeds it's initial cost and upgrade costs. Perhaps you should wait until VMware releases their product and see what they will charge you for it. You may find that your sensitivities to your current situation don't seem all that bad.

[COBeav]

They don't have a huge staff of people supported by the profits from an overly expensive computer to answer ever person's instantaneous needs.


Hmmm.......You think two weeks equals instantaneous? It's been my experience that the successful smaller companies usually have superior support vs. larger companies. The successful small companies realize that they must provide excellent support to beat the big guys. You're right, if people don't want to put up with the current situation then they'll have to wait for VMWare. I know many of us that have Parallels are waiting for VMWare in order to have a choice which usually benefits the user.

[tgrogan]

Well, I didn't need a marketplace place analysis. I bet you're used to calling in and getting instant help with your Mac. Don't think you're taking into account the price you pay for that. There are lots of software companies that focus their attention on the development of their product and hope that a superior product will carry them thru the marketplace with forum help. If you need instant support, you can pay a lot and get VMware to provide it. They also rely on their forums for the majority of their support, and really only support large commercial accounts for problems and upgrade determination. Perhaps you should visit their site to better understand.

[COBeav]

Well, I didn't need a marketplace place analysis. I bet you're used to calling in and getting instant help with your Mac. Don't think you're taking into account the price you pay for that. There are lots of software companies that focus their attention on the development of their product and hope that a superior product will carry them thru the marketplace with forum help. If you need instant support, you can pay a lot and get VMware to provide it. They also rely on their forums for the majority of their support, and really only support large commercial accounts for problems and upgrade determination. Perhaps you should visit their site to better understand.

LOL! :) I don't actually need any support. I'll wait patiently until the USB support is fixed. But we all know that Parallels is scrambling like crazy to get as far ahead of VMWare as possible. You and I both know that once VMWare releases their product that the game will change and the winner will be the end users.

[shaun3000]

I don't believe I am out of line expecting a response time of a few days, not weeks (if at all!). I don't expect instant answers. I recently switched to Mac and am from the Windows world am used to looking up answers on Google before asking anyone. However, when it comes to a customer support issue, such as will the free upgrades be offered to those who bought Parallels from another store, or will someone who bought it four days before the special be included, I expect the company to answer me in a timely manner. As far as price is concerned, I've seen PCs more epensive than a Mac with crappier service. That being said, Parallels Desktop isn't a cheap program at $80, especially when the non-Mac version goes for half that price. So I'm sorry if you don't like seeing my posting in multiple threads. But I don't know what you'd like me to do when I am not getting an answer from Parallels.

[preaton]

I That being said, Parallels Desktop isn't a cheap program at $80, especially when the non-Mac version goes for half that price.

The Mac version comes with Compressor bundled. Win/Lin allows you to buy it for another $49. So mac is cheaper. VM Workstation is $189 (with a $50 rebate if you live in Continental US). VM Server is free. Take your pick. My son tells me that the beta v 3 is "Awesome" and certainly blows the opposition out of the water.

Take your choice. 8-)

[tgrogan]

So I'm sorry if you don't like seeing my posting in multiple threads. But I don't know what you'd like me to do when I am not getting an answer from Parallels.

It's not me that doesn't like it. Every email forum on the entire web requests this courtesy of it's participants. Punishing other users with your problem doesn't serve any other purpose besides gratifying your own need to vent.

BTW: Did you ever post your problem on the proper list here?

[shaun3000]

What list? And I don't see how it's punishing anyone. I posted in threads created by others about the same topic and no one is forcing anyone to read it. (Obviously, as I still don't have a damn response from Parallels) I'm not venting, I'm posting in Parallel's forum in hopes someone from the company will respond.

Not that I need to defend myself, no one made you click on this thread.

[constant]

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The thing is, that tgrogan, and others, spend some of their free time reading these forums in the hope of being able to help others. Reading the same thing over and over again, wastes their time.

And after all, it's people with problems, hoping for their help. Please don't make it difficult for them to help others.
.

[drscience]

...a trollin' we will go. Hi ho the dairy-o

PDNFTT

[joem]

I don't believe I am out of line expecting a response time of a few days, not weeks (if at all!).
[SNIP]
So I'm sorry if you don't like seeing my posting in multiple threads. But I don't know what you'd like me to do when I am not getting an answer from Parallels.
Actually, expecting an answer to a question here from the Parallels team is unreasonable.

This is a USER forum, where users help each other. The Parallels folks read the forums as an aid to their development and marketing efforts, and not as a service to us. When they have time, they post to be helpful, but that isn't the purpose of the forum, and assuming that it is will invariably lead to the disappointment of unmet expectations. Sorry folks, but real life just is.

Since this is a USER forum, posting ANYTHING that isn't of general interest to the user community such as personal attacks, general complaints about anything USERS can't help with or any other off topic subject is a waste of everyone's time and entirely inappropriate.

The contention that people don't have to read a trolling or off topic post is just silly. It is nearly impossible to find the useful posts without looking at every thread.

So let's have an end to the sarcasm, the venting that helps no one, and other off topic posts. If you have a question that a user can answer, that's actually about Parallels, by all means post it. If you have the answer to a question, post it. If you have a comment you want the Parallels folks to read, post it ONCE.

If you post a question and no one answers, it is overwhelmingly probable that no one actually KNOWS the answer, so asking again, or in another thread is seldom helpful and WILL annoy regulars (who are the ones with experience who actually can sometimes help you and whom you don't want to piss off).

So let's drop this useless thread, and keep the forums technical.

TIA

[Atmosphere]

Hi,

This is my 1st post to this forum. In my humble little opinion, i think Shaun3000 is correct in requesting a reply for something as simple as "What do the upgrades cost?"

We are after all "Beyond 2000" now, and people who are on the internet are VERY well aware of and require software updates. Especially if you are using your computer as part of work.

I am a recent windows user - and have my very 1st mac, but as it happens 4 out of 5 programmes i need for work - indluding firewire ports, usb-serial devices, wifi-network adapters and external audio cards actually NEED windows to work... now where this is certainly not Parallels' fault - but rather the lack of development from hardware companies i interface with.... i am wanting to purchase this device legally and honorably...

And not having had probably enough money to buy a mac in the FIRST place - the extra $80 with the exchange rate is quite an issue for me.

Now where i wouldnt' do this - i've found that with esp pc based systems, is that when the companies are not really forthcoming, or ridiculously priced, some clever it guy would write a parallels keygenerator and post it on some p2p site.

Now if i had to buy 8 different versions of parallels before they support my x or y device - surely it would make more sense (to me as a poor bastard) to go looking on warez sites...??

And with regards to this being a "User" forum... that's all good and well - but it's still a subdomain of parallels.com ... which means (to me) that it's owned by parallels.

So i'm PRETTY sure there are at least maybe ONE person who could say what upgrade costs are for this.

Anyway - i'm not gonna go looking for a p2p option for this, so please don't go accusing me of anything etc etc... that's really not what i'm after seeing that it's a really great program and that most of my hardware incl garmin gps units are working so far.

[joem]

Well, a search of the forums would reveal that Parallels has indicated that minor upgrades will be free and major upgrades will incur a cost not yet decided. The current development, in beta now, will qualify as minor.

I would not expect a response HERE from Parallels about anything they have already addressed, since this really is a USER forum, with the Parallels folks posting now and then when they have something to say. They are busy being developers.

Expectations of entitlement will lead inevitably to disappointment. The way we think the world SHOULD be and the way it actually IS are often different, and we all often disagree on how it should be.

And of course, forum search is your friend.