Switching from PC to Mac...

[MoonlitSonata]

I'm hoping to be moving from PC to Mac in the near future. How would I transition my iPad smoothly (minimal to no data loss)?

 

[twerppoet]

Sounds like Windows Migration Assistant would be your best solution.

Here is Apples page on the subject. The link to the above solution is included.

iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer

That will get your iTunes library (and other stuff) moved.


After that, you may need to do a bit more to get iTunes to accept the iPad, or not. I'm not sure. But just incase here is how I usually recommend moving the iPad to a new computer. Go through it if iTunes threatens to erase all you iPad's contents.



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Here is Apple's recommendations on how to transfer all your stuff to a new iPhone. With a few modifications it works very well for moving your iPad to a new computer. Wish I could find one as well written for the actual task.

How to back up your data and set up as a new device

Start by going into iTunes Preferences (before connecting the iPad) and turning off auto-sync. It is under the Devices tab. This will prevent any unwanted syncing before you are ready.

Do only the parts that apply to your information/situation (i.e.; if you are syncing contacts with Google, don't do the Personal Information Manager part. Stop when you get to the Restore step.

It would be wise, after the Transfer Purchases option to go through iTunes and make sure everything (media, app, book) got transferred. If not you may have a few more steps to insure all your stuff gets safely backed up on the computer.

NOTE: If you have picture albums in the Photos app, and they are not backed up somewhere other than the iPad, you need to save them first before doing anything else. The first sync will remove them. The PhotoSync app works well for this, and you can use it before starting any of the other procedures.

The quality of the pictures recovered this way will probably not match the originals. iTunes optimizes photos for viewing on the iPad when it syncs them.

 

[MoonlitSonata]

Thanks a mil, twerppoet!

 

[twerppoet]

No problem. Good luck with the switch.

 

[MoonlitSonata]

This thread will be invaluable to me next week when i finally make the switch. Thanks again, twerppoet!

 

[twerppoet]

Cool. Keep us updated.

 

[MoonlitSonata]

Will do. It's coming on the 19th,

 

[MoonlitSonata]

It got here early! I have moved everything but my iPad over so far. VERY painless transition.

 

[twerppoet]

Cool. Don't forget to go into iTune on your old computer and deauthorize it; under the Store menu. Unless you are going to keep using it.

It will save you some time/trouble if you ever push your 5 computer limit.

You'll want to authorize the new computer/iTunes too.

 

[MoonlitSonata]

Cool. Don't forget to go into iTune on your old computer and deauthorize it; under the Store menu. Unless you are going to keep using it.

It will save you some time/trouble if you ever push your 5 computer limit.

You'll want to authorize the new computer/iTunes too.

Thanks for the reminder!