Setting up a new MacBook

Computers & Tech
1

I should be receiving (and setting up) my new MacBook next week and will be wanting to transfer files, apps etc to the new machine.

Online advice seems to vary as to which is the best method -

Use Migrate or do a clean installation

Has anyone done this? Which method would you recommend and why?

2

Do you use icloud and sync everything to it?

Have you tweaked the macbook, mouse and keyboard options etc?

3

Yes

Not that I am aware of…

4

just set it up as new then

5

What are the advantages of doing it that way?

6

I just got a new iPad and had it do the auto update thing from iCloud and an hour later everything was loaded onto it so it was ready to go just like my old iPad.

7

there’s nothing to transfer from the old one so it’s easier

8

What about the (non Apple) apps

9

reinstall them via the app store, they will be associated with your icloud account so in the purchases tab

I erase and reinstall my macbook every couple of months, it’s a piece of piss

1 Like
10

For what reason?

11

keep it clean so it doesn’t get bogged down with shit

12

That sounds reasonable, I guess I’ll have to make a note of all of my saved passwords etc.

13

if you’re using icloud they should be stored in your keychain

You can check them in settings > passwords

14

Indeed they are.

Crazy how many exist, in the process of deleting a lot of them now.

15

I’ve not reinstalled MacOS in 15 years or so and am on my fourth Macbook in that time. Have always used the Apple Migration tool and have never once felt the need to reinstall MacOS.

1 Like
16

A touch excessive. It’s not windows, the kernel is far more efficient and isn’t prone to bloatware and expansion of OS due to retained updates etc

I’ve noticed zero degradation in MacBook performance over periods of years. Plus you’re adding unnecessary read / write cycles to the SSD, which hates being used that way.

So you’re actually likely to shorten the life of the SSD and the system with frequent full reinstalls