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Transfer from old Mac Mini using WiFi and one monitor or using my backup drive?
- Thread starter bladerunner616
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What model and specs of “old” mini? What are the specs of your WiFi router? What are the specs of your HD enclosure? Also, what is meant by “work better”? Do you mean “fastest” data transfer? HD typically fastest. You make reader make lots of assumptions.
I predict that using your backup drive will go faster and be easier.
Do you have the new Mac yet?
Suggestions:
On the day the NEW Mac is scheduled to arrive, run "a last backup" on the OLD Mac.
When the new one is there, take it out of the box and set it up.
Connect your backup BEFORE you press the power on button for the first time.
Begin setup. When setup assistant asks if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive, YES, you do.
"Point the way" to the backup drive and give SA time to "digest" things.
OK, here's something to consider:
You haven't told us HOW OLD the "old" Mini is, or what version of the OS is running.
If it's VERY old (say, 2014 or earlier), you probably want to leave most of your old applications behind, as they may not work on the new Mac. So... I would UNCHECK the option to "migrate" all the apps, and reinstall them later as needed.
If the version of the OS you're using is more "recent", you might migrate the apps along with everything else. But be aware that some still might not work with the new Mac.
Once you have this decided, I'd migrate everything else.
Just turn setup assistant loose and let it do the job.
When done, you should see your old login screen, just as before.
Good luck.
Do you have the new Mac yet?
Suggestions:
On the day the NEW Mac is scheduled to arrive, run "a last backup" on the OLD Mac.
When the new one is there, take it out of the box and set it up.
Connect your backup BEFORE you press the power on button for the first time.
Begin setup. When setup assistant asks if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive, YES, you do.
"Point the way" to the backup drive and give SA time to "digest" things.
OK, here's something to consider:
You haven't told us HOW OLD the "old" Mini is, or what version of the OS is running.
If it's VERY old (say, 2014 or earlier), you probably want to leave most of your old applications behind, as they may not work on the new Mac. So... I would UNCHECK the option to "migrate" all the apps, and reinstall them later as needed.
If the version of the OS you're using is more "recent", you might migrate the apps along with everything else. But be aware that some still might not work with the new Mac.
Once you have this decided, I'd migrate everything else.
Just turn setup assistant loose and let it do the job.
When done, you should see your old login screen, just as before.
Good luck.
2.6GHz Mini, 1TB
Mac mini (Late 2014) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
Here is my T-Mobile gateway
Technical Specifications - T-Mobile 5G21-12W-A User Manual [Page 45]
T-Mobile 5G21-12W-A Manual Online: Technical Specifications. Dimensions Model Part Numbers TAC IMEI Operating environment SIM card Power Power Classes Power input Battery Battery Dimensions Theoretical power consumption Wi-Fi connectivity Security T-Mobile High-Speed Internet Gateway...
www.manualslib.com
Work better means a combination of speed and ease.
Thanks.
Migrating from a fresh backup is definitely the easiest solution. @Fishrrman has it right on the money.
If it is a Time Machine backup, the process is easy and very fast. But if you must use WiFi because, for example, the ports are different on the old and new Macs and you don't have the correct cable, then you could use an Eithernet cable between the two Macs. That would be better than WiFi.