How to Transfer an Old Mac PowerBook Onto a New MacBook Pro

New Macs come with Migration Assistant, which streamlines the process of moving your user data and applications from an old Mac to a new one. The only limitation is that the old Mac use a version of OS X and that both computers be on the same network. Two Mac laptops, such as a PowerBook and a MacBook Pro, can easily share the same WiFi network as both come with AirPort wireless cards. You may also use Ethernet cables to connect, or FireWire if your PowerBook model is capable.

Prepare the PowerBook

• 1

  Plug in and turn on the PowerBook. Select "System Preferences" in the Apple menu.

• 2

  Select "Software Update" in the "System" category. When it opens, click on the "Check Now" button.

• 3

  Install all recommended updates. The utility will continue to check for updates after each installation until it finds no more. Restart your computer if necessary.

• 4

  Select "Network" in the "Internet & Network" category in System Preferences. Make sure AirPort is turned on and that the PowerBook is connected to your network.

  Alternately, make sure that Ethernet is turned on and that you are connected that way. Or plug in a FireWire cable if you can. FireWire will be the fastest method.

On the MacBook Pro

• 1

  Plug in and turn on your MacBook Pro.

  If this is the first time it has ever turned on, you may submit your personal data on the screens that ask for it. Regardless of your choice, continue until you get to the standard desktop.

• 2

  Select "Utilities" in the "Go" menu. In that folder, double-click to open Migration Assistant.

• 3

  Read the introductory information, then click the "Continue" button. If asked to, enter your admin account's name and password, then click the "OK" button.

• 4

  Choose "From another Mac" on the "Migration Method" screen, then click the "Continue" button.

• 5

  Select "Network" in the "Internet & Network" category in System Preferences. Make sure AirPort is turned on and that the MacBook Pro is connected to your network.

  Alternately, make sure that Ethernet is turned on and that you are connected that way, or plug in the FireWire cable.

• 6

  Choose the hard disk and user accounts you wish to transfer from the PowerBook to the MacBook Pro, and choose to transfer files and folders, applications and your Library folder. Choose also to transfer your network, time zone, and Sharing settings. Click the "Transfer" button to initiate the process.

• 7

  Click the "Quit" button when Migration Assistant has finished.