Restore TM backup to 2 separate systems?

[Ifti]

I have a 16" MBP M1 Max, on which I take regular TM backups.
This is my main machine and lives on my desk at home - it is never moved.
Used for FCPX editing, and general day to day stuff.

I was considering an iPad Pro as an every day general machine, that I can carry around with me, use around the house, keep in my bag etc,
However, I'm now leaning towards a M2 MBA instead considering it gives me full flexibility.

If I were to buy a MBA can I restore the account and settings from the TM backup taken on the existing MBP, even though I would be keeping the existing system and running that too?
I'm not bothered about the applications - but I would like to replicate my account, email accounts, settings, printers, etc. across both systems.
Or is this asking for trouble??......

 

[0128672]

If you're asking if you can use the existing TM backups as a source in Migration Assistant on the new machine, yes you can do that.

If you want to then use that TM drive as the TM drive for the new machine and not lose those existing backups, you have to claim the existing backups (and no longer using that TM drive on the old machine). That's easy to do when going into TM preferences (on the new machine). You'll see a red exclamation point next to that drive name, and by clicking on that you'll be prompted to claim the existing backups.

If you only want to use that TM backup initially with Migration Assistant to set up the MBA, you can do that and then get another drive to use for its TM backups.

There may be a way to use one TM drive to backup multiple machines over a network, but I don't have experience with that. Maybe someone else will chime in if that's part of your question.

 

[Ifti]

Thank you - I'm not looking at the backing up (that will be to a separate disk) - it's just the restore, as I would in effect be running the same settings etc on two machines. So taking a TM backup of one, and restoring all settings (not applications) to a second laptop, then running both systems together.
Other then change the computer name, I'm assuming everything else would be OK?

 

[0128672]

Thank you - I'm not looking at the backing up (that will be to a separate disk) - it's just the restore, as I would in effect be running the same settings etc on two machines. So taking a TM backup of one, and restoring all settings (not applications) to a second laptop, then running both systems together.
Other then change the computer name, I'm assuming everything else would be OK?

Yes, you'll be fine. You might want to read more about Migration Assistant. Here's a screen I took from it. It will automatically start when you set up the new machine. Note there's an option to start it from your MBP too. It's found in Applications > Utilities.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

Use Migration Assistant to copy your files from another computer.

support.apple.com