I am switching to a macbook from windows based laptop. If I buy the virtulization software (I can get it bundled in with the laptop for good price) can I use the XP operating system files from my old laptop to run XP on the mac? Or do I need to buy a new copy of windows?

If I had to guess, I'd say that porting your old system files is likely to cause some trouble.

I do not run *any* MS software on either of my Macs, though, so I'm no expert.

Don't buy virtualization software, get it for free:

http://www.virtualbox.org/

It's what I'm using now, works fine.

You will need an installable copy, on CD/DVD media, of Windows XP to install it in any virtualization software. If your old laptop came with an installable copy of Windows, then you can use it. You cannot copy/port your installation over, no way that I know of.

I use VirtualBox w/ Windows XP, or I should say, I have it installed, but rarely use it.

A friend has VirtualBox with Windows, Solaris x86, Linux machines that he can use.

Good luck.

I agree with Jim, You will need an installable copy to get windows on your Mac. I run AutoCAD & DataCAD in Windows on my MacBook Pro. I use Parallels. It runs perfectly.

Good stuff. Thanks!

once you go Mac, you'll never go back

I ran my last MacBook Pro with "Parallels" virtualization and installed XP and Windows 7 on it as well. Go ahead and try the install. I used our corporate license to install, a home copy may be different.

My new MacBook is just Snow Leopard, no windows. Runs like a top.

Ordered it last night. 13inch macbook. I went ahead and got the bundle with parallels and Bento 3 for $40 more.

You'll love it.

My Dad asks me about every other week a question on how to make his Dell work right. Last week, he spent over an hour on-line with a service tech to resolve issues. My wife may ask me once a month to check for updates on her iBook, but other than that, she rarely has a problem. Most people that get into a Mac, love them. I would definetly recommend that you go to MacWorld online and look up about switching from PC to Mac. They can make the transition a lot easier.

Love it already.

tpenfield is sooo right, once u go mac u WONT go back. but we need to keep this to ourselfs shhhhhhhh! we have 4 macs from i mac to macbook proS best move i ever made. no hasssle computing. i trashed 2 dell computers. you will love it

That's great! Congrats!