Switch from PC to MacBook Pro?

RonH · Jan 30, 2012

Hello! I JUST registered as a newbie. I plan to switch from an 8-year old Dell desktop to an Apple MacBook Pro (which I have yet to purchase). What preparatory steps with the Dell PC should I complete before the harddrive data transfer? I am completely in the dark about this and open to advice. Thanks in advance for your patience..I want to do it all right the FIRST time! FYI: I will purchase the Airport Extreme and wireless Lion-compatible printer too. Thanks again!

pigoo3 · Jan 30, 2012

RonH said:
What preparatory steps with the Dell PC should I complete before the harddrive data transfer?

What exactly will you be trying to transfer from your Dell computer?

- Nick

chas_m · Jan 30, 2012

Other than normal routine PC maintenance tasks, I don't think there's anything special you need to do, particularly if you tend to keep your files where they should go (ie pictures in My Pictures, etc).

The Mac will have a built-in PC Migration Assistant that can transfer your stuff over without pain. Obviously your Windows apps will not be transferred, but your data -- email, music, contacts, videos, photos, documents, bookmarks -- should all transfer over just fine.

If you're planning to buy from an Apple Store, ask and perhaps the techs there will do the transfer for you.

Demapples · Jan 31, 2012

In addition to the tips above, keep the PC handy until you are certain everything you need from your Windows life is transferred to the Mac. Or in case you need to redo a transfer. I copied data from the PC to an an external USB hard drive, then when I realized I needed it, connected the hard drive to the Mac and copied it in. After 3-4 months I was comfortable decommissioning the PC.

RonH · Jan 31, 2012

THANKS folks! ALL excellent advice! I'm impressed and printed the "essay for switchers" and "Switch 101" for future referral. I am using Gmail and have privacy concerns about it's Google+ becoming another Facebook (neither of which I use). Afriend who has a new MacAir uses ATT.net and advises I do the same for it's built-in privacy filters as another layer in addition to Apple's security. As of March 1st, Google has notified its gmailusers of it's data integration which I believe will compromise the user's privacy more. If this is not the proper place for this question, please advise this newbie. Still learning. Thanks again!

RonH · Jan 31, 2012

What data to delete before transfer?

pigoo3 said:
What exactly will you be trying to transfer from your Dell computer?

- Nick

I will purchase from the online Apple store and have it all sent to my local Apple store here in Louisville, KY for data migration and pick up. Before I give my PC to them, what data or applications of ANY kind should I first: 1) save on CD/DVD or external hard drive 2) delete altogether. Thanks for asking, but I'm just not sure where to start the prep having never done this swithover before. Thanks again in advance.

Deckyon · Jan 31, 2012

RonH said:
THANKS folks! ALL excellent advice! I'm impressed and printed the "essay for switchers" and "Switch 101" for future referral. I am using Gmail and have privacy concerns about it's Google+ becoming another Facebook (neither of which I use). Afriend who has a new MacAir uses ATT.net and advises I do the same for it's built-in privacy filters as another layer in addition to Apple's security. As of March 1st, Google has notified its gmailusers of it's data integration which I believe will compromise the user's privacy more. If this is not the proper place for this question, please advise this newbie. Still learning. Thanks again!

First, relax about the whole Google Privacy issue. it isnt that huge of a deal overall, it just means that, if you have multiple google apps (gmail, google+, google docs..., your info is shared across all of them. If you want more explanation, a phone call to them can always help sort it out.

Second, why not just set up and use an Apple @me.com that comes with the iCloud? Then, when you get an iPad and and iPhone (which will happen, once you bite into an apple) your Email, Contacts, Calendar, Notes will all be synced up.

Deckyon · Jan 31, 2012

RonH said:
I will purchase from the online Apple store and have it all sent to my local Apple store here in Louisville, KY for data migration and pick up. Before I give my PC to them, what data or applications of ANY kind should I first: 1) save on CD/DVD or external hard drive 2) delete altogether. Thanks for asking, but I'm just not sure where to start the prep having never done this swithover before. Thanks again in advance.

The store in Oxmoor?

I would actually recommend the guys up in St. Matthews off Breckenridge. They also do classes during the week. They have been around for quite a while.

Mac Authority
128 Breckenridge Ln
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 259-5490
MacAuthority | The Southeast's Largest Apple Specialist

Yes, I live in Louisville as well, just inside the Gene Snyder at Westport Road.

No apps will transfer. Just think of that when you are worrying about what to back up. The main thing you will want to do is make sure all your personal data is in the My Documents folder. If you do go to the Mac Authority, they can help you with all of this as well.

Switch from PC to MacBook Pro?

RonH

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pigoo3

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Deckyon

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