I'm a windows .net developer (visual Studio + SQL Server) looking to buy a new laptop in order to host virtual machines.
I currently use a multi monitor setup with an i7 920 Desktop, using vmware workstation with my virtual machines stored on a SSD.
I use windows 8.1 as a host operating system, but I just install vmware workstation (currently using version 9), and do all my work inside the virtual machines.
The multi monitor support, snapshots and abilty to just copy the whole vmware files online for backups is great.
I'm looking to get a new laptop to host these virtual machines - so that I can use them away from the office.
But I'm currently undecided on whether to go Mac Book Pro and vmware Fusion vs Windows and Workstation.
I'm looking for any useful experience people may have had with moving between workstations and fusion.
OSX/Vmware Fusion
- Are there any issues remaining with Retina Displays, or multi monitor setups
- Are there any heat/performance issues running vmware on a macbook pro - my old late 2009 model with vmware fusion 1 used to run too hot, but I think a lot has changed.
- Is OSX a good host environment for windows virtual machines?, I see the track pad gestures/desktops as big improvement, but not sure on the windows keys?
- The added benefit of having OSX, for XCode but also for testing .NET code in OSX.
Windows/Vmware Workstation
- I know it works, and works well.
- Easy to backup/image whole machine using Terebyte winimage (although I'm sure there must be similar imaging approaches for OSX)
- Can get a laptop with better performance, more RAM, and much more drive space, for cheaper.
- But miss out on proper OSX install.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Also does vmware use integrated graphics or discrete graphics card?
For reference I'm considering the following laptops:
Macbook Pro Retina
i7 4770HQ Processor (CPU MARK 9433)
16GB Ram (max)
Intel Iris Pro 5200
Retina Screen
1TB SSD (great as PCIe - but no chance of adding more, shame they removed the CD-ROM, as 2nd drive there would be perfect)
polished UI experience in OSX, and the lovely trackpad.
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB GDDR5 memory
vs
Clevo Laptop (P650SG or P150SM)
i7 4710HQ Processor (CpuMark 7949), or 4910MQ - CpuMark 9763)
Intel® HD Graphics 4600
32GB Ram
Space for 2xStandard 2.5Inch SDD + 2x M.2 SSD Drive
options from 1080 to QHD Screen.
Nividia 970M with 3GB RAM or 6GB Ram