Mac Mini Upgrade/Migrate

[qtrim]

I have a 2010 Mac Mini and I'm thinking of getting a 2011 with a bigger HD. I have a bootable backup of my 2010 system on an external HD (made with CCC). If I get a new Mini, can I connect the external HD, boot to it, and then clone it back to the new Mini's HD and have everything work okay?

 

[CausticPuppy]

In theory, yes... but why not just use the migration assistant? Much easier and much faster.

 

[qtrim]

In theory, yes... but why not just use the migration assistant? Much easier and much faster.

Well I'm new to Mac since last Nov, so I hadn't heard of that. Does it bring over everything, including settings and scripts?

 

[SR45]

OP, is there a reason you won't wait for the new 2012 MacMini model to come out first to make your upgrade ? Only a few short months left until it arrives if the time table is correct.

Buyers guide link. Scroll down to see machine timeline

https://buyersguide.macrumors.com//

 

[qtrim]

I usually buy last years version or refurbed to save $$

 

[jabbawok]

Providing the version of Mac OS is more recent than your new mac then no problem. If your OS is older than the new mac then it may not have the required kexts (drivers) for the hardware in the new one.
When you first boot up your mac will offer to coppy all your settings and files from another hdd anyway.

I've done this kind of thing many times and I'm not a fan of migration assistant. It tends to lead to a sluggish system and occasional issues with permissions on files. My preferred method is a clean install then copy what you need from your old hdd.

 

[qtrim]

Thanks.

 

[TheMTtakeover]

Providing the version of Mac OS is more recent than your new mac then no problem. If your OS is older than the new mac then it may not have the required kexts (drivers) for the hardware in the new one.
When you first boot up your mac will offer to coppy all your settings and files from another hdd anyway.

I've done this kind of thing many times and I'm not a fan of migration assistant. It tends to lead to a sluggish system and occasional issues with permissions on files. My preferred method is a clean install then copy what you need from your old hdd.

This

 

[Fishrrman]

"I usually buy last years version or refurbed to save $$"

That's a good buying policy -- I used it on my last two desktop Mac purchases.

But ...
If you're considering the Mini, wait just a little longer. Prices on both refurbs and "last year's Mini" will drop a little more when the new models are introduced (which will be soon).

One thing VERY important about the soon-to-be-released models, however. They're going to come with USB3. This will become a SIGNIFICANT upgrade "looking towards the future"....

 

[qtrim]

If the USB 3 Is true, I'll go that way.

One thing VERY important about the soon-to-be-released models, however. They're going to come with USB3. This will become a SIGNIFICANT upgrade "looking towards the future"....