Move iTunes data from XP to Mac

[Fid]

Greetings, I just bought (not delivered, yet) a new MacBook Pro. I want to keep my iPad data and not have to reset or reinstall everything. I also want to transfer all of the music, videos, etc. from the XP iTunes to the new computer. I really don't want to lose the contacts or downloaded content.
Will it be easier to do this on the LAN, or with an external hard drive? After moving to the Mac, I'll be getting rid of the old XP computer. I won't have the old iTunes, so I don't want to miss any of the files.

 

[J. A.]

Here's a link to Apple Support about this: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4527
You might find the part about the Windows Migration Assistant useful.

 

[Fid]

Thank you J. A. That article covers just about everything. It certainly relieved my anxiety.

 

[J. A.]

Glad to help.