Transferring files to a new Mac: Start fresh, or copy everything over?

[MacAztec]

I am moving my system over to a new MBP, from an older MBP. The old system has Snow Leopard (installed when it came out), quite a few files, but I keep it fairly clean (I run Onyx once a month).

If you were starting fresh with a brand new computer, would you hook the machines up via FireWire, and let OS X copy everything (basically cloning your hard drive), or would you back everything up, reinstall all the applications, and then copy over your data files?

Thanks!

 

[Tomple]

I like to start totally new, and then use dropbox to transfer the documents/preference files I need. I enjoy the feeling of starting totally anew 😀

 

[MacAztec]

Do you think it makes a difference in system speed?

 

[smithrh]

I start all over again.

Over time, too much cruft will build up. Downloads, trial programs, documents, you name it.

It's nice starting with a clean slate. Note, I normally hang on to my old Mac for a while, so if I do remember I need something from it, I just go get it.

I'm beginning to start putting as much as I can onto a central Mac mini server (iTunes content, docs, photos, etc) so I don't try to sync that much, which makes starting clean a pretty easy affair.

 

[Annerz]

Copy it over or make a backup so you have it

 

[smithrh]

Do you think it makes a difference in system speed?

Not especially.

I don't know how customized the kernels might be for the different CPU types. Perhaps someone with some insight could chime in...