I tested tweaking the shared video memory of the VM, it had 256 MB, these were the results :
With 256 MB, startup time: 34 seconds
With 512 MB, startup time: 10 seconds
With 768 MB, startup time: 10 seconds
With 1024 MB, startup time: 10 seconds
So there is a benefit increasing video memory but 10 seconds are still slow for a demo like this.
Changing tabs was better but still noticeable.
Maximizing now is Fast
Restoring window has still a noticeable delay repainting the title.
I can of course test with a customer, but I'm not optimistic after seeing the numbers that the results will be any better, I'll report back then; What worries me the most are the customers using windows terminal server but then again I need to test, I really like the components and the work TMS is doing supporting Lazarus and I'll gladly buy them but these demos are the only way I have to test, they don't have a Lazarus trial, and the Delphi trial is for XE7 onwards.
Thank you for your feedback