Migrating Data to New iMac

[kitjv26]

I will be migrating all of the data from my old MacBook Pro to a new iMac 27. My question concerns the best way (in terms of reliability) to do this.

Connecting the 2 Mac via Thunderbolt-to-Firewire 800 cable appears to be problematic. The iMac has Thunderbolt3 ports. Unfortunately, Apple's Thunderbolt-to-Firewire adapter can only be used with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 ports. Although there is a Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt3 adapter, I am not confident that using 2 adapters simultaneously is a good idea. And, besides, they are relatively expensive.

Although recommended by Apple's support page, I am skeptical about using wifi for the migration because of reliability reasons.

So, my best option seems to be connecting my USB external backup volume (from the old Mac) to the new Mac and transferring the data via Migration Assistant at the initial startup. I assume that Migration Assistant will NOT transfer the old OS from the old Mac. Also, I assume that the USB cable from the external backup volume will fit the USB3 port on the new Mac.

I would appreciate your thoughts or suggestions. Thank you so much

 

[pigoo3]

Although recommended by Apple's support page, I am skeptical about using wifi for the migration because of reliability reasons.

WiFi is fine. I've done it a number of times...it's just slower. WiFi is how Apple's Time Capsule does backup's...and it works great.

But if you still don't want to use WiFi...use an ethernet cable. Done & done.

- Nick

 

[kitjv26]

WiFi is fine. I've done it a number of times...it's just slower. WiFi is how Apple's Time Capsule does backup's...and it works great.

But if you still don't want to use WiFi...use an ethernet cable. Done & done.

- Nick

Thanks, Nick. Migrating between Macs is something I don't do every day. So when I inquire, I seem to get the entire range of migration options. Everybody seems to have their own preferences. But your point is well-taken since Apple's support document also recommends WiFi.

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks, Nick. Migrating between Macs is something I don't do every day. So when I inquire, I seem to get the entire range of migration options. Everybody seems to have their own preferences. But your point is well-taken since Apple's support document also recommends WiFi.

Hey...I don't do it everyday either...just have done it a bunch of times over the years. I also try to keep things as simple & logical as possible.

WiFi is slower...but also maybe a little more convenient (don't have to worry about any cables). The time it takes also depends on how much data you have to migrate. And if you don't already have the cables...then doing it via WiFi doesn't cost anything.

I think that Migration Assistant is pretty intelligent...and if the transfer (WiFi or cable) was interupted for some unknown reason...I think Migration Assistant can start where it left off before the disruption.

- Nick

 

[kitjv26]

Hey...I don't do it everyday either...just have done it a bunch of times over the years. I also try to keep things as simple & logical as possible.

WiFi is slower...but also maybe a little more convenient (don't have to worry about any cables). The time it takes also depends on how much data you have to migrate. And if you don't already have the cables...then doing it via WiFi doesn't cost anything.

I think that Migration Assistant is pretty intelligent...and if the transfer (WiFi or cable) was interupted for some unknown reason...I think Migration Assistant can start where it left off before the disruption.

- Nick

Thanks, Nick.

 

[ferrarr]

I’ve noticed, smaller sized files, vs larger file sizes tend to copy faster, ie one 2gb folder with hundreds of files will copy faster than one 2gb file.