How to prep for new iMac?

[flowbe209]

I'm currently rocking a 24 inch Early 2009 iMac with OS X 10.9.5 and plan to buy the Apple silicon iMac as soon as it is released. What do I need to prepare for it? I have Time Machine backups but the only thing I care about are my photos. I have iPhoto '09 version 8.1.2 (424) and would like to get these pictures onto the new iMac when the time comes.

Also, what size SSD do you think I should get? My current computer has 640 GB capacity with 266 GB available. Do you think 256 GB is enough (assuming it stays the standard) or should I get the 512 GB?

Thanks for your help and I'm excited about this new machine, whenever they arrive.

 

[velocityg4]

Update to High Sierra then migrate your iPhoto library to Photos. Then make your Time Machine backup.

Notes on Migrating an iPhoto Library from… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Then I'd consider syncing your photos to iCloud and other files. That way when you get the new Mac. You just need to connect to iCloud.

Be aware of you do use Time Machine to restore to the new Mac. You'll need to be concerned about your iPhoto and Photos libraries taking up space. If the iMac can't fit both. You'll want to delete the old iPhoto library. Then make a new backup to restore from.

Also all your 32 bit apps will have to go. I wouldn't transfer any of them. Just make clean new installs of 64 bit Intel or better yet ARM versions if available.

Your old peripherals and printers may not be compatible.

As for size. I Think you need at least 512GB. If your picture library is most of that space taken. You may want to consider 1TB or external storage for pictures. As file sizes are just getting bigger.

 

[DeltaMac]

Early 2009, 24-inch iMac is limited to El Capitan. Not sure if it would be worth the time to do an unsupported install of High Sierra, or if that would even be necessary.

 

[velocityg4]

I forgot that the early 2009 had such a different max OS than the late 2009. Everything should be the same as outlined with El Capitan.

 

[Fishrrman]

You don't really need to do anything to "prep for it".
Just go on using your Mac like you use it now.
Keep a good backup.

When the time comes, get the new iMac.
Then MAKE SURE you take the right steps to migrate your data after you first turn on the new iMac.

That means:
- before you take the new iMac out of the box, run a tm backup on the old one.
- set the new Mac on the table, but DON'T TURN IT ON YET
- connect the tm backup to the NEW iMac
- NOW press the power-on button
- At the right moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate data
- YES, you want to do this
- Point the way for setup assistant to find the new drive, and give it time to read and "digest" everything.
- Then, let setup assistant "do its thing". Everything should be "brought over".