Best way to setup new MacBook, use Time Machine backup or do an iMac-to-MacBook transfer?

[Miss Terri]

Thanks! I'll just ask one more question for now, then give it a rest.

1) So I didn't realize I would "put" the OLD mac into any mode at all. I thought it would maybe just be "on"? So you are saying I somehow first tell the OLD mac to be in Migration mode?

2) Fishrrman above said to be SURE to plug the TB cord into the NEW Mac BEFORE even so much as lifting the lid. I guess this is because new Macs turn on all by themselves when you so much as touch the lid, right? And then if it's already on it goes past the point where Setup Assistant comes up? Or were you saying nay on that part?

I guess this means if there is a flaw in the screen, trackpad, or keyboard I won't know about it until after I am transferring my data. So.... erase it all if it needs to be returned. Still seems silly that it turns on without my even turning it on with the On key*.

* That is, until I get my mitts into Terminal and make it stop that behavior. I mean there is an "On" button so no, I don't want it to turn on automatically when I'm not pressing that button at all. I might like to oh, clean the keyboard or something with it off.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

1. The old Mac either needs to be logged in and have Migration Assistant opened (which will quit other apps and prepare it as the source) or needs to be booted into target disk mode. It's not just always ready to transfer
2. This doesn't matter. Setup Assistant is the first thing you see when booting a brand new Mac. It'll do a few basics like set language and choose a Wi-Fi network, but then it'll prompt you to migrate from the old Mac. The Thunderbolt cable can be plugged in to both through this whole process or not, and the old Mac must either have migration assistant running or be in tdm
3. You will be interacting with the new Mac's screen, trackpad, and keyboard, so if there is an obvious flaw, you will know straight away
4. Again, steps are needed on both Macs to place them into 'transmit/receive' mode, it doesn't happen on its own
5. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Disable+Auto+Boot/110034