Process going from iMac to Mac Mini

[robjulo]

I'm contemplating going from my iMac to a Mac Mini. I will probably do the trade in at the Apple store. Since I will be trading, I think that is going to require me to use my Time Machine backup to get all of my items over to my Mac Mini, since I'll have to trade in at the same time I buy the mini (unless I sold the iMac on my own).

My question is (assuming I do the swap), since the Mini's hard drive is so small and I will be using an external drive for the bulk of the data, does the re-install of the Time Machine backup allow me to choose where to put things (ie photos, videos, music and documents should go to the backup drive).

Also, will Time Machine backup both the SSD and the external drive to the Time Machine drive.

Thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

Fishrrman's "you can do it!" routine for migrating to a new Mac:

If you follow my instructions below, I guarantee a success rate of 98%:
PRINT OUT these instructions and check them off as you go along.

1. BEFORE you do anything else, run a "final" backup on your old Mac. It can be either TM or a cloned backup using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. I prefer CCC.
2. Shut down the old Mac and disconnect the USB drive
3. Take the new Mac out of the box and set it up on the table. DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON until step 8 (read on). You don't want to begin setup until "the right moment".
4. Connect the display using the usb-c/VGA adapter/cable that you have
5. Connect the keyboard and mouse. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you connect them DIRECTLY to the Mini.
6. If you use a hub, leave it DISCONNECTED for now
7. Connect your cloned backup or TM backup drive -- use the usb-c adapter if needed.

OK, we're ready-to-go, so let's get goin':
8. Press the power on button for the first time.
9. The new Mac may ask for help "finding" the keyboard, just follow instructions.
10. Begin setup. At the appropriate moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive. YES, you want to do this.
11. "Aim" setup assistant at the external backup. Setup assistant will need a little time to "digest it all" (be patient)
12. You will now see a list of things that can be migrated, such as applications, accounts, settings and data.
13. I suggest that you select ALL of them.
14. Let setup assistant "do its thing". It's going to TAKE A WHILE to move things over. Again, be patient.
15. When done, you should see the login screen. Go ahead and login.
16. Once logged in, things should look pretty much as they looked on your old Mac.
17. You should check all your apps. Some may not run, and may require upgrading.
18. You can set aside the old backup, or ... "repurpose it" to become the backup for the new Mac. I'd keep the old one around for a week or so, at least.

 

[robjulo]

Thank you Fishrrman....how will the new Mac deal with the fact that it has only a small internal hard drive and much of the data will need to be put to an external?

 

[TETENAL]

You can put the photos library and other big stuff onto an external drive now while you still have the iMac. Until everything on the internal drive is (well) small enough to fit into the Mac Mini's drive. Then make a new Time Machine backup of this smaller state. You can then restore from that to the Mac Mini.

I also would make sure you have two copies of everything at all times. So also make a backup of the external drive, and make a second backup of the internal drive.

 

[Fishrrman]

"how will the new Mac deal with the fact that it has only a small internal hard drive and much of the data will need to be put to an external?"

I believe setup assistant lets you "go inside" your home folder, and "un-check" stuff you don't want to migrate.
If "size is an issue" (moving from a large-capacity drive to a smaller one), I would choose to leave behind "movies", "music", "pictures" -- at least for now. Also, the "documents" folder could be left behind, if it contains a lot of "stuff".
You can then "move things manually" later on.

 

[robjulo]

Thanks, I found a few other threads on that as well. I appreciate the help.

"how will the new Mac deal with the fact that it has only a small internal hard drive and much of the data will need to be put to an external?"

I believe setup assistant lets you "go inside" your home folder, and "un-check" stuff you don't want to migrate.
If "size is an issue" (moving from a large-capacity drive to a smaller one), I would choose to leave behind "movies", "music", "pictures" -- at least for now. Also, the "documents" folder could be left behind, if it contains a lot of "stuff".
You can then "move things manually" later on.

 

[NaimNut]

I switched over yesterday from an iMac to Mac Mini 2018.

I used time machine to ensure everything was backed up, unplugged the backup drive and put it away.
All data for me is clouded between OneDrive/iCloud/Lightroom so data I wanted on my MacMini was retrieved remotely after my setup was complete.

Also, I used no assistants. Clean install.
Worked out perfect and love my new computer. I'm sure you will too.