New MBP purchase imminent, how bad is it to restore backup from outgoing Macbook?

[snerkler]

I've been waiting for the M1 MBP's to come out and now that they've been announced I'm pretty sure I'll be buying one. Ordinarily I know that it's always best to set up as new, but how bad is it to use a time machine backup to 'restore' the new machine?

The reason I ask is for two reasons:-

1) Firstly some software and logic plugins that I use are not Big Sur compatible (some I'm not sure are M1 compatible tbh)

2) I have many Logic Projects, many plugins, many lightroom projects and catalogues etc etc and their files are all over the place, and as a result I'm not sure I'd install them all in right place and so software, plugins, etc might not work properly and I might lose certain instruments. I used to know where everything went such as Library > Application Support > Logic >Plugins etc, however since the big update some time ago that changed how Macs work 'behind the scenes' they seem to be split all over the place. I now have (and maybe always have had) two libraries that I can access, each with very similar sub folders etc.

What's the best advice please? If it's still to set up as new can you install a fresh copy of Catalina on the M1 machines?

 

[Darth.Titan]

The newest M1 Macs announced today will ship with Monterey. No Mac can run an OS older than the one it shipped with, so installing Catalina on your new Mac is out of the question.

 

[snerkler]

The newest M1 Macs announced today will ship with Monterey. No Mac can run an OS older than the one it shipped with, so installing Catalina on your new Mac is out of the question.

Oh, didn’t realise that. I guess that’s answered that question then. I guess it will be a while before software developers catch up with Monterey too so it might be best to wait a while.

 

[Realityck]

Oh, didn’t realise that. I guess that’s answered that question then. I guess it will be a while before software developers catch up with Monterey too so it might be best to wait a while.

Just check the list on the OP of this thread.

macOS Monterey Working/Not Working Apps

Let's use this post to capture the working and not working apps. I am currently installing and will update shortly. Working Apps 1Blocker 1Password 7.9 (70900001) A Better Finder Renamer A Better Finder Attributes Acronis Cyber Protect Home AdBlock for Safari Adguard (works but may cause...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[snerkler]

Just check the list on the OP of this thread.

macOS Monterey Working/Not Working Apps

Let's use this post to capture the working and not working apps. I am currently installing and will update shortly. Working Apps 1Blocker 1Password 7.9 (70900001) A Better Finder Renamer A Better Finder Attributes Acronis Cyber Protect Home AdBlock for Safari Adguard (works but may cause...

forums.macrumors.com

Thanks for this, I didn't realise there was already a compatibility list.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Firstly some software and logic plugins that I use are not Big Sur compatible (some I'm not sure are M1 compatible tbh)"

If you have software/plugins that you absolutely depend upon, the best advice I can give you is DO NOT BUY A NEW MACHINE WITH THE NEW OS UNTIL you know that ALL the software you require is going to work with the new OS.

This is particularly important for audio production folks. Otherwise, you may have the new Mac, and then discover that the stuff you rely upon won't run on it.

If you can't find enough info here, I'd recommend a website that is dedicated to audio/video gearheads:
gearslutz.com (may now be called "gearspace.com").

If what you have now (hardware and software) "works for you", be sure that new hardware is going to work before you take the plunge.
Look before you leap!

 

[snerkler]

OP wrote:
"Firstly some software and logic plugins that I use are not Big Sur compatible (some I'm not sure are M1 compatible tbh)"

If you have software/plugins that you absolutely depend upon, the best advice I can give you is DO NOT BUY A NEW MACHINE WITH THE NEW OS UNTIL you know that ALL the software you require is going to work with the new OS.

This is particularly important for audio production folks. Otherwise, you may have the new Mac, and then discover that the stuff you rely upon won't run on it.

If you can't find enough info here, I'd recommend a website that is dedicated to audio/video gearheads:
gearslutz.com (may now be called "gearspace.com").

If what you have now (hardware and software) "works for you", be sure that new hardware is going to work before you take the plunge.
Look before you leap!

Thanks for the advice. I don't absolutely depend on any as it's only a hobby, but I think I will wait. Most have said they are working on it, but none have an ETA.

 

[snerkler]

I've just had a response from one of the plugin developers saying that their software will run on Monterey because of Rosetta 2, however my understanding is that Rosetta 'compensates' for the Apple Silicon chip and not for the OS so I believe the response they have given me is incorrect. Am I right?

 

[Eauboy]

I’m interested in this thread. My new machine will arrive next Tuesday. It will replace a 2014 that I’m not sure will be able to run Monterey. Isn’t there a way to restore just the files and apps without disturbing the OS?