Parallels 5 Integrates Windows 7 With Aero Support

Since the release of Windows 7 last week, we’ve already seen a VMWare Fusion update that runs Windows apps inside OS X with full Aero graphical support. Now Parallels is going head-to-head, offering a similarly slick virtualisation package.

Like Fusion, Parallels promises full support for Windows 7’s Aero desktop effects, assuming you’ve got the video horsepower to handle it. Parallels is also touting performance three times as fast, a virtual machine that automatically pauses when no apps ar running, and a “Crystal mode” that makes Windows windows seamless and native-feeling, with support for multi-touch trackpad gesture and Windows apps dropped right in the Dock.

Also like Fusion? It’s not free, or all that cheap: Parallels 5 runs $US80 for a full version, or $US50 for an upgrade from previous Parallels. Gizmodo promises a side-by-side comparison of the two virtualisation apps in the near future, and we’d be eager to see which does a better job of fitting Windows inside a Mac.

Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac [via Gizmodo]