Transferring Old to New

[ttibsen]

I have an iMac.
I am going to replace it with a Mac Mini + a Studio Display.
I want to keep my Trackpad.
When it comes time to transfer everything from the iMac to the Mini, can I use the trackpad on both computers to effect the transfer?
In other words, can one trackpad be used to control both the old and the new computer in the transfer process?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

If it's wired, you could pull the plug and switch it back & forth. If wireless, you could keep jettisoning (unpairing) it from Bluetooth on one and then connecting (pairing) it on the other. But that repetition will not be fun.

Practically: it will likely be much easier to just hook up a mouse to either for the transfer. Then one uses the trackpad and the other uses the mouse until migration is complete. At that point, if trackpad is still working with the old, disconnect it in bluetooth (or USB) and connect it to the new Mac to take over for the mouse.

 

[Chuckeee]

Practically: it will likely be much easier to just hook up a mouse to either for the transfer. Then one uses the trackpad and the other uses the mouse until migration is complete. At that point, if trackpad is still working with the old, disconnect it in bluetooth (or USB) and connect it to the new Mac to take over for the mouse

In addition, you might be able to borrow a mouse since many people have extra sitting around in drawers.

Or buy one when you buy the new computers. Do the transfer right away. Keep the packing and use the mouse gently. Then return the the mouse for a refund.

Or just buy a cheap one at the corner store or eBay

 

[ttibsen]

That's great gentlemen - thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my issue. I think I'll go with the unpairing - pairing routine. A bit bothersome to be sure but it will work. Thanks for the answers! I have one more item of interest that I would like cleared up. I have an ancient Time Machine on my iMac (the original 27' iMac 5K first sold in 2014). The Fusion HD info window reads - capacity 3.12 TB - used 547.8 GB. In preparation for the data transfer to the new machine, a Mac Mini, which I have yet to order, I have begun a backup to Time Machine. Since I haven't cabled the Time Machine to the iMac, the backup must be over WiFi and at this rate, I don't know if the backup will be completed in my lifetime. Obviously I am going to have to get a cable between the two to complete the transfer in a reasonable amount of time. My question is - the HD window says I've used 547 GB but the Time Machine window says it's only backing up 247 GB. Why not the entire 547 GB that's on the HD?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Time Machine doesn't backup everything because it doesn't need to back it all up. For example, the next Mac will have macOS on it already and certain things it will need to work with what you migrate (like many apps) can be downloaded fresh as Silicon only versions, etc.

Do a search like "why doesn't time machine size equal drive used size" and start reading many links. You'll find much information on this topic.

 

[ttibsen]

Time Machine doesn't backup everything because it doesn't need to back it all up. For example, the next Mac will have macOS on it already and certain things it will need to work with what you migrate (like many apps) can be downloaded fresh as Silicon only versions, etc.

Do a search like "why doesn't time machine size equal drive used size" and start reading many links. You'll find much information on this topic.

So what I have on this ancient iMac obviously isn't the Silicon version of anything. When these old apps are loaded on to the new Mac Mini from the Time Machine backup disk, will the upgrade to the Silicon versions happen automatically or will it be up to me to effect the upgrade app by app?

 

[ttibsen]

So what I have on this ancient iMac obviously isn't the Silicon version of anything. When these old apps are loaded on to the new Mac Mini from the Time Machine backup disk, will the upgrade to the Silicon versions happen automatically or will it be up to me to effect the upgrade app by app?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

So what I have on this ancient iMac obviously isn't the Silicon version of anything. When these old apps are loaded on to the new Mac Mini from the Time Machine backup disk, will the upgrade to the Silicon versions happen automatically or will it be up to me to effect the upgrade app by app?

Depends on the app. Old Apple apps will become new Silicon versions or alternatives (for example iTunes will become Apple Music, iPhoto becomes Photos, video stuff formerly stored in iTunes will now be in an app called TV). Third party apps MIGHT be downloadable as silicon apps but will probably want an upgrade purchase. Select apps may have no update at all and will- in effect- be orphaned.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

My advice for moving from the old to the new.

DON'T use time machine.
ERASE the tm backup you started, and download SuperDuper from here:

https://shirt-pocket.com/mint/pepper/orderedlist/downloads/download.php?file=https%3A//shirt-pocket.com/downloads/SuperDuper%21.dmg

SuperDuper is FREE to use for the purpose we're going to use it for.
It's also one of the easiest-to-use Mac apps out there.

Just use SD to "clone" the contents of the old Mac to the external drive.

IMPORTANT -- you want to do this backup JUST BEFORE you begin using the NEW Mac -- so the backup will be as "up-to-date" as possible.

When the new Mac comes, take it out of the box.
Set it up on the table, but DO NOT press the power on button yet.
Connect the backup drive first so it's ready to go.
NOW press the power on button.

The Mac will boot and you'll see the initial setup screen (choose your language).
Start clicking through.
Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive.
YES, you do.

"Aim" setup assistant towards the external drive, and give it time to "digest" everything (it will take a while).

Setup assistant will present you with a list of stuff that can be migrated:
- applications
- accounts
- settings
- (user) data

NOW... you have a decision to make.
I don't recall seeing what version of the OS you're using (I didn't read everything).
If it goes 'way back (you haven't updated), the chances are that a lot of apps will be old, and may not run on the new Mini.

So... two options:
a. Migrate ALL the apps, then try each one and delete/upgrade the ones that won't run
or
b. DON'T migrate ANY apps (leave that option unchecked). Then, "test" each app by running it from the cloned backup, and -- if it runs -- you should be able to just copy from the backup to the applications folder on the new Mini, and the app will run (because the additional files associated with the apps got transferred in your user settings).

When a friend migrated from an old 2012 Mini to a new Mac Studio several months' back, he DID NOT migrate the apps, and then tested/migrated them as needed -- it worked well.

Having said this, DO migrate accounts, settings, and data.

Remember that old 32 bit apps won't run at all any more.
Other apps may require "re-activation" (possibly MS Office, etc.).
But others will continue to run ok.

It's your choice.
This is where having the cloned backup really comes in handy.
You CAN'T DO THIS from a time machine backup.

PRINT OUT this post and keep it handy during the migration.

REMEMBER -- most important step of migration -- do not begin the new setup until you've got the backup drive attached.
You want your OLD account "migrated".
You DO NOT want to create a completely "new" account, and then try to migrate your old one, too -- it will cause all kinds of permissions problems.

Good luck!