Parallels or BootCamp?

[sch7]

I have a MacBook ProBootCamp installed but do find it a bit of a nuisance to re-boot to access XP. I have switched Photoshop CS2 to Mac, so about the only thing I need Windows for anymore is the office apps.
So I am wondering at this point if I would be better off with Parallels instead of BootCamp?
Some questions are:
Will Parallels be using up ram even if it is not running?
Will I be able to use my Bluetooth mouse and keyboard in Windows with Parallels?
Is there an issue with USB or firewire peripherals with Parallels?
Can I print from Parallels?
Can I hook up an external hard drive and access ti through Parallels?
If I do switch to Parallels, any advice on how to get my Windows apps transferred over from BootCamp?
Thanks so much!

 

[chilun]

I have been using Parallels for few days. I can answer some of your questions: (as follows)

Some questions are:
Will Parallels be using up ram even if it is not running?
Will I be able to use my Bluetooth mouse and keyboard in Windows with Parallels?
Is there an issue with USB or firewire peripherals with Parallels?
Can I print from Parallels?
Can I hook up an external hard drive and access ti through Parallels?
If I do switch to Parallels, any advice on how to get my Windows apps transferred over from BootCamp?
Thanks so much!

Will Parallels be using up ram even if it is not running? --> not sure
Will I be able to use my Bluetooth mouse and keyboard in Windows with Parallels? --> Yes.
Is there an issue with USB or firewire peripherals with Parallels? --> There's no problems with USB disk and wireless networking.. only Webcam (isight) is not working in Parallels.
Can I print from Parallels? --> Yes.
Can I hook up an external hard drive and access ti through Parallels? --> Yes.
If I do switch to Parallels, any advice on how to get my Windows apps transferred over from BootCamp? --> The latest version of Parallels enable users to use bootcamp partition through Parallels. You can have the same desktop and apps in Parallels as in Bootcamp.

 

[Purplish]

Parallels does not use RAM when it is not running.

The new Beta release permits Parallels to access your Bootbcamp Partition and run it under OS/X. However, you should be aware that this is BETA code and should not be attempted unless you can handle the headaches that that may entail. However, if you can wait a few weeks??, the BETA will be released as a supported new release.