Buying a new iMac

3 Sep 2017 09:08:22

Michael Corgan

Two queries:

Will Migration Assistant work to move stuff from an existing MacBook to a new iMac?

And can the MacBook's DVD player be used from the iMac as an external drive?

I would say off the top of my head: yes and yes.

A while ago, I used the option to share my DVD drive to another Mac without one and I assume that that option is still present in Sierra (I don't think you can 'borrow' another Mac's DVD drive if yours has one, even if it's broken, and I seem to remember that the option does not appear in that case).

Migration Assistant still allegedly works (I didn't use it on my current MacBook since I wanted to build it from scratch). You'll need an appropriate connection, that probably means a cable since you'll want to use the fastest connection available. See Apple Support for more info.

Re: Buying a new iMac

3 Sep 2017 22:03:24

Mick Burrell

Migration Assistant can take the data from a Time Machine backup or a clone if that's easier.

In case you're not aware, MA will allow you to choose which users (if there's more than one) you move over but Applications is all or nothing - you can't pick and choose which ones.

Re: Buying a new iMac

4 Sep 2017 11:28:27

Michael Corgan

Thanks. I'll pass your answers on.