How easy is it to transfer from one device to another?

[abbihaus]

Hi all,


I'm currently computerless and need a device asap so am looking at getting a mac mini m1 now.

I am going to purchase it from Costco due to the 90 day return policy and if there are new mac mini's and they are worth the upgrade, will return the m1.

The only thing is, I'd hate to setup a brand new device with all my apps/workflow only to have to repeat it all shortly.


So how easy is it (should I need to), to swap out mac minis? Would it be as easy as plug and play and downloading my previous device mirror?

Thinking apps, settings, software configs for windows management etc.

Thanks

 

[MisterSavage]

You didn't mention if you have backups or not. I just use migration assistant with my Time Machine backups and it's easy to switch to a new machine.

 

[abbihaus]

I have no backups because my previous setup was a work mac. Now that I'm getting my own, I'd rather manually re-setup.

 

[BrianBaughn]

If you set up a Mac Mini M1 and then purchase a newer Mac Mini you can use Migration Assistant to move from the first Mini to the second…while you still have both Minis.

 

[Fishrrman]

You're better off waiting a few more weeks until the Mini is released.
Less trouble...

 

[xraydoc]

Hi all,


I'm currently computerless and need a device asap so am looking at getting a mac mini m1 now.

I am going to purchase it from Costco due to the 90 day return policy and if there are new mac mini's and they are worth the upgrade, will return the m1.

The only thing is, I'd hate to setup a brand new device with all my apps/workflow only to have to repeat it all shortly.


So how easy is it (should I need to), to swap out mac minis? Would it be as easy as plug and play and downloading my previous device mirror?

Thinking apps, settings, software configs for windows management etc.

Thanks

While it's a little bit of a pain to redo it all in rapid succession, I did it twice about 6 months ago without any issue at all using Migration Assistant. Transferred my M1 MBA to an M1 Pro MBP, then transferred my daughter's Intel MBA to my old M1 MBA. Both times took only around 25 minutes from machine to machine over a Thunderbolt 3/4 cable. Worked great.

Just make sure each machine is up to date on it's macOS version before starting.