Transferring information @ Apple Store

[JDR]

Hello all,

This is my first post here at Mac Rumors. I've been a Mac user since 2005, and have had an iBook G4 (14inch) since then. Although I've had hardware problems in the past (2 failed logic boards and other faulty parts), I love OSX and I'm looking to upgrade to the new MBP when it comes out in the next few days/weeks/months or whenever. I just can't take my iBook's now 20 minute battery life .

I do have a quick question regarding transferring my current computer's information over to it. I have about 44GB of total information on my hard drive, but I only want my iPhoto pictures (8,158 pictures/videos) and my iTunes music (360 songs) transfered to the new computer. I know that the Apple Store has a complementary transfer service when you buy a new computer, but I'm wondering if you can specify what info you want transfered and what info you want omitted.

Most thanks,
JDR

 

[marykay9507]

you are able to specify what you want-- whether it is all your music, mail, pics, movies, etc...or just one thing--

 

[JDR]

Just thought of another question:

I'll probably be walking out of the Apple Store with the new MBP, and I don't exactly want to open it at the Genius Bar. So, could I:

1. Begin to set up the computer at home, and then come back to the Apple Store a day or two later and be able to have them transfer my music and photos.

or

2. When I first turn on the computer at home and get that transfer screen, do the transfer myself? Is it pretty straightforward? Do I need a special cord?

This is actually my second iBook--my first was defected and when I transfered the info I had on it to the one I have now, I remember waiting at the Apple Store for an hour and a half...I would rather do that in the comfort of my own home...if you can see what I mean.

Thanks,
JDR

 

[JNB]

Just get a Firewire cable and use Migration Assistant at home - it's stupid simple.

You're probably better off transferring everything and then cleaning up afterwards; there's no real good way to selectively transfer based on criteria that the data wasn't organized in anticipation of. Either that, or clean up the data first, then execute the transfer.

 

[marykay9507]

Just thought of another question:

I'll probably be walking out of the Apple Store with the new MBP, and I don't exactly want to open it at the Genius Bar. So, could I:

1. Begin to set up the computer at home, and then come back to the Apple Store a day or two later and be able to have them transfer my music and photos.

or

2. When I first turn on the computer at home and get that transfer screen, do the transfer myself? Is it pretty straightforward? Do I need a special cord?

This is actually my second iBook--my first was defected and when I transfered the info I had on it to the one I have now, I remember waiting at the Apple Store for an hour and a half...I would rather do that in the comfort of my own home...if you can see what I mean.

Thanks,
JDR

you can bring it back at a later date if you would like- some stores say within two weeks and it will still be complimentary...after that i think there is a fee--

simple to do transfer yourself-- connect the two computers with firewire cable; turn on old computer in target disk mode and drag and drop to new computer...pretty basic and i am sure there is a more detailed guide somewhere inn this forum

 

[Csmitte]

you can bring it back at a later date if you would like- some stores say within two weeks and it will still be complimentary...after that i think there is a fee--

I am pretty sure in the US its ONE WEEK!

 

[JDR]

you can bring it back at a later date if you would like- some stores say within two weeks and it will still be complimentary...after that i think there is a fee--

Can the computer be configured, or does it have to be on its first power-up?

 

[marykay9507]

cs-- thank you for clarifying

JDR- it does not have to be unopened...it can be configured and they will do the transfer