yes you can use NF on a MacBook Pro as that's what I do. I use parallels and windows xp. It works as good as any other comp and doesn't seem to crash any more often than anyone else.
A couple of transition notes for you: On a Mac, all F1-12 keys require the function(fn) button (blue at lower left of keyboard usually) So rate of fire (f4) is actually fn+f4. Hopefully that makes sense.
If you use a antivirus program in your parallels windows xp parittion, use AVG. Do not use Norton or Macafee and absolutely do not use Kasparsky. My experience with those and windows based games like strat o matic hockey, baseball and ofc navyfield is less than positive.
Only other transition to remember (that I can think of) is for screen shots use Command+shift+4 (not f4, just the 4 key) Im not sure if NF has a default screenshot keystroke sequence. I've not been playing long enough to find out.