Looking to switch macs

Smalltowntech · Smalltowntech #1 (**permalink**)

01-30-2013, 09:10 PM

I have a mbp 15 I picked up new in May 2012. So far it has been running very well and I am really starting to enjoy the whole shift from pcs to macs. At some point in the near future I am looking at wiping my current computer back to factory start and gifting it to a family member (it is either gift them my current one or buy them a new one) and picking up a 13" air for going back/forth to work and picking up a 21" imac for home for those times I need a beefier machine and want to run some computer games. The questions I have are:

* Where is a good place to start for wiping the computer back to square one with the original OS installed?

* If I do pick up a 13" air is there an easy way to put most of my current apps on it (I don't want them all on there) - does the app store remember which apps I have purchased or would it be more effective to use time machine?

* Based upon the specs of the newer 13"air, they seem to be able to handle most of the day to day programs. Is there any reason not to switch to a lighter laptop and home desktop combo? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

chas_m · chas_m #2 (**permalink**)

01-30-2013, 09:27 PM

Second question first: it would be more efficient to let Migration Assistant move all the apps and then just delete the ones you don't want (I'd suggest using AppCleaner or AppZapper for this).

Third question next: using a program like Chronosync in combination with iCloud, I think you can have the two machines in harmonious sync for a very effective duo.

The easiest way to "wipe the computer back to default" is to use the Recovery Partition that is already part of your Mountain Lion install.

If you do decide to buy your family member a new machine, can I have the 15" MBP?

Smalltowntech · Smalltowntech #3 (**permalink**)

01-30-2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas_m

If you do decide to buy your family member a new machine, can I have the 15" MBP?

Lol, sadly I don't think that would happen.

I do want to thank you for your quick reply. This is one of those things that I am going to have to do some research on before I jump in. But at least on the surface it looks easy enough.

MacInWin · MacInWin #4 (**permalink**)

01-30-2013, 10:53 PM

+1 for Chronosync. Great program for keeping two machines in sync.

chas_m #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 18,107 Mac Specs: Mid-2012 MBP (16GB, 1TB HD), BenQ second monitor, iPhone 5s 32GB, iPad Air 2 64GB	01-30-2013, 09:27 PM Second question first: it would be more efficient to let Migration Assistant move all the apps and then just delete the ones you don't want (I'd suggest using AppCleaner or AppZapper for this). Third question next: using a program like Chronosync in combination with iCloud, I think you can have the two machines in harmonious sync for a very effective duo. The easiest way to "wipe the computer back to default" is to use the Recovery Partition that is already part of your Mountain Lion install. If you do decide to buy your family member a new machine, can I have the 15" MBP? Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies • Keeping your Mac in top form
	QUOTE Thanks

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Smalltowntech #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 05, 2012 Location: Central CA Posts: 73 Mac Specs: MBP 15, 2.2ghz, 4G ram 10.9	01-30-2013, 09:10 PM I have a mbp 15 I picked up new in May 2012. So far it has been running very well and I am really starting to enjoy the whole shift from pcs to macs. At some point in the near future I am looking at wiping my current computer back to factory start and gifting it to a family member (it is either gift them my current one or buy them a new one) and picking up a 13" air for going back/forth to work and picking up a 21" imac for home for those times I need a beefier machine and want to run some computer games. The questions I have are: * Where is a good place to start for wiping the computer back to square one with the original OS installed? * If I do pick up a 13" air is there an easy way to put most of my current apps on it (I don't want them all on there) - does the app store remember which apps I have purchased or would it be more effective to use time machine? * Based upon the specs of the newer 13"air, they seem to be able to handle most of the day to day programs. Is there any reason not to switch to a lighter laptop and home desktop combo? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
	QUOTE Thanks

MacInWin #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 07, 2008 Location: Winchester, VA Posts: 3,579 Mac Specs: 2011 MBP, 2008 iMac, iPhone 5S, iPad mini, 13" MBP and MacMini	01-30-2013, 10:53 PM +1 for Chronosync. Great program for keeping two machines in sync.
	QUOTE Thanks

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