-= Gametoast.com =-

I have an aluminum one with 4 gigs of DDR3 memory and like an Nvidia 9400 graphics card.

I was thinking about getting a new laptop, but it seems now like either getting W7 or XP would be simpler and less expensive.

My dilemma is whether or not my laptop can handle having two OS.

If you have a MacBook, don't bother buying another computer. Just use BootCamp to set up a partition to run a Windows OS. If you want to mod, though, you should probably install XP just to be sure you won't have any compatibility issues. I just purchased a copy of XP for the exact purpose described here, so I should have everything up and running within a week. If all goes well, I can answer any questions you might have and direct you to the seller I purchased my copy from (up to now he's provided excellent service, so as long as the item arrives in one piece he'll be getting the highest ratings/feedback from me ).

Also, I believe Hebes24 runs Windows 7 on his MacBook for gaming, so he could probably give you all the advice you need.

Here's a bit of discussion regarding BootCamp:
http://www.gametoast.com/forums/viewtop ... 37&t=22667

I think that's out of the question since the laptop is not that fast and 2 OS would slow it down.

He also has a macbook pro, which is like 4x better than mine.

I used to use a laptop. I have it some where, so me give a day or two to find it... It contracted a virus, so I don't use it anymore... been wanting to wipe the HD completely, but I haven't gotten the chance to do so. It was able to run BF and ZE, although the game kinda lagged, but it ran mostly fine most of the time.

Wait, wait, in bootcamp do both OS run at the same time? My dad said I shouldn't have both OS because they both run at the same time and eat up all the memory. I'm looking at how much of the system is using of my activity its only around 7% while anywhere from 80-90% of the comp is idle. Bootcamp seems more and more doable...

SilvaDalek wrote:Wait, wait, in bootcamp do both OS run at the same time? My dad said I shouldn't have both OS because they both run at the same time and eat up all the memory. I'm looking at how much of the system is using of my activity its only around 7% while anywhere from 80-90% of the comp is idle. Bootcamp seems more and more doable...

No; only one OS is running at a time, so they won't slow each other down.

What are the side effects, and is there a possibility of anything going terribly wrong?

BTW, is my avatar lagging the page for people?

You can erase all the data on your computer if you're not careful when first setting up Bootcamp. Happened to a guy I know. Sucked for him. Other than that, no side effects once everything has been installed and partitioned correctly.

Apple provides a guide to using BootCamp that you can print off before you begin (and make sure you do print it off, since it's an important reference). I recommend reading through it before you do anything, since it lays out some important guidelines - for example, you must install a full copy of Windows XP with SP2 or later (so Vista or Windows 7 would be fine). You can't install Windows XP with SP1 and upgrade to SP2 later (unfortunate, because I have an old disc of XP with SP1 lying around the house). Also, upgrade versions of the software won't work since you don't have any previous version of Windows to upgrade from. The user guide for BootCamp does not recommend OEM versions of the software, but as far as I know they can still be installed without a problem.

Whatever you do, just make sure you do your research and know exactly what you're buying.

Just so you know, that is exactly what i've got with mine, except mines a custom built white laptop, not aluminium......

4Gb DDR3 Ram
2.6 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Snow Leopard
NVidia Geforce 9400M 512mb graphics

My games seem to run fine on XP Home, although i've only played LOTR:Battle for Middle Earth 2, running well on Medium settings, and NFS:Undercover on High Graphics. BF2 works smoothly on highest settings, and for just getting a cheap XP install disc, its definitely worth bootcamp instead of another pc. Plus, you can transfer files between the two OS's, which is handy as my wireless internet doesn't work on xp, due to a bad driver.......

Also, you should be fine setting it up, just be careful not to over-write the Mac partition on install of your os, which should be fairly obvious since the partition you set up is a specific size and is called bootcamp......just pay attention at the start and you'll be fine........btw, to change size of the partitions in bootcamp on mac, just drag the centre bar along. That took me a while to figure out

Thanks everyone! So I need to specifically get my hands on Windows XP Service Pack 2. Does it matter which edition?

Now the last obstacle is my father who claims it's a bad idea because PC magazine mentioned something about running 2 OS being bad...even though in bootcamp only one is running at a time...

SilvaDalek wrote:Thanks everyone! So I need to specifically get my hands on Windows XP Service Pack 2. Does it matter which edition?

Now the last obstacle is my father who claims it's a bad idea because PC magazine mentioned something about running 2 OS being bad...even though in bootcamp only one is running at a time...

Windows XP Home or Pro edition with SP2 or later (meaning SP3 is fine). You'll want a full version, not an upgrade version. Ideally, you should stay away from OEM versions since Apple's user guide recommends against it, but realistically they should be fine. The only copies of XP I could find for a reasonable price were OEM, and from everything I've heard they work just fine. The copy I ordered is OEM and should arrive within a few days, so I'll let you know if I have any issues with it.

As for your dad - just have him read through the user guide for BootCamp and any information you find on the web. A simple Google search for "bootcamp" will yield tons of forum discussions that cover just about any concern you or your dad might have.

Thanks everyone! Now I just have to ask the tech department at my school (which probably won't know what bootcamp even is) if it's fine that I install a software I'm purchasing on my own laptop (my dad just won't give in on this lol)

I'm assuming if I buy a $300 XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2 that I won't have any troubles.

Old post: Here's a link to what I bought: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0513962511

I have it up and running on a MacBook Pro and it works just fine. Battlefront II runs great on high settings. I haven't tested the mod tools or any other games yet, but I'm not expecting any problems. If you're willing to purchase an OEM copy, I highly recommend this seller. He offers a good price, fast shipping, and excellent customer service.

Edit: I just don't like how hot my computer gets while running the game, though. I'm not sure if it's getting dangerously hot, but I'm thinking about getting a cooler pad for it just to be safe. It wouldn't hurt, and from a quick price check they're way cheaper than I thought they would be.

Okay, tell me if ZE works and it munges fine, then I'll get it. Why does apple not recomend the OEM versions (and what is OEM anyway lol)?

SilvaDalek wrote:Okay, tell me if ZE works and it munges fine, then I'll get it. Why does apple not recomend the OEM versions (and what is OEM anyway lol)?

OEM= Original Equipment Manufacturer. In this case, it means Microsoft sells it to the computer companies at a discount in order for them to install it once on a new computer for resale.

Pure speculation here, but OEM software, especially operating systems, is designed for single use. If you screw up with installing the software or you buy a new Mac, you will not be able to reinstall the copy of Windows. There is absolutely no difference between OEM and non-OEM other than the number of activations permitted.

Here's a place to buy a copy of XP for sub-$100... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

jedikiller32 wrote:Here's a place to buy a copy of XP for sub-$100... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Home edition

So if I bought a non-OEM edition I could use it to install multiple times?

SilvaDalek wrote:

jedikiller32 wrote:Here's a place to buy a copy of XP for sub-$100... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Home edition

So if I bought a non-OEM edition I could use it to install multiple times?

Yes. With OEM copies, you install it one time on one computer and that's it. If your computer dies or something goes bad with the OS, you're out of luck and you'll have to buy another copy of the software.

SilvaDalek wrote:

jedikiller32 wrote:Here's a place to buy a copy of XP for sub-$100... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Home edition

You won't notice a difference unless you're a power user, and even then it's not really anything special. Just buy the home edition. Cheaper and it does everything you want.

I don't even know what edition of XP I have (either Pro or Media Center). It really makes absolutely no difference to the end user.

jedikiller32 wrote:

SilvaDalek wrote:

jedikiller32 wrote:Here's a place to buy a copy of XP for sub-$100... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

Home edition

You won't notice a difference unless you're a power user, and even then it's not really anything special. Just buy the home edition. Cheaper and it does everything you want.

I don't even know what edition of XP I have (either Pro or Media Center). It really makes absolutely no difference to the end user.

lol, it's just one of the terms with my dad is that if I get XP, I get the pro edition