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Mac Mini 2024: The Second Attempt – Transfer and Setup

ByMichael

After experiencing significant Bluetooth issues with my first Mac Mini 2024, Apple Support advised me to exercise my right to exchange and order a new device.

Done and dusted – the new Mac Mini is here, and I immediately got to setting it up.

Here, I would like to share my initial experiences with data transfer and the setup process.

Data Transfer with the Migration Assistant

An exciting feature of the Mac Mini is the ability to easily transfer data from an existing device. The Migration Assistant makes it possible to transfer documents, apps, user accounts, and system settings from an old Mac to the new one. It all works smoothly as long as both devices are on the same network.

Step-by-Step Guide: Here’s How

  • 1. Open Migration Assistant on the new Mac
    • Menu “Apple” → “System Preferences” → “General” → “Transfer or Reset” → “Open Migration Assistant” → “Continue”.
  • 2. Open Migration Assistant on the old Mac
    • Menu “Apple” → “System Preferences” → “General” → “Transfer or Reset” → “Open Migration Assistant” → “Continue” → Option “To another Mac”.
  • 3. Connect devices
    • The new Mac displays the old Mac as a transfer source. After confirming the code on both devices, the devices will be connected.
  • 4. Select data
    • Select which data (apps, user accounts, system settings, etc.) you want to transfer.
  • 5. Start transfer
    • The data transfer begins and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of data.

My Setup

  • Both Macs were connected to the network via a LAN cable, which significantly improved the transfer speed.
  • Since the Migration Assistant needs to be used on both Macs simultaneously, I have provided a separate keyboard and mouse for each Mac. As both Mac Minis were competing for the trackpad paired with the new Mac and I only own one Apple Keyboard, I ultimately connected my PC input devices using USB-C to USB-A adapters for the receivers with the Mac.

First Impressions

The data transfer went smoothly. Within a short time, my new Mac Mini was completely set up – with all my apps, settings, and files. I was particularly impressed by how easy the process was. Apple once again demonstrates how seamlessly the devices can work together.

Microsoft recently failed miserably with the simple reset of Windows 11, so I ended up reinstalling the operating system via USB stick.

Bluetooth: Issues Resolved?

After the data transfer, I reconnected the Bluetooth devices (Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Trackpad). So far, everything looks good:

  • No connection drops
  • The devices respond quickly and reliably.

I will be intensively testing the Bluetooth performance in the coming days and will report on it here in the blog.

Conclusion

The data transfer and setup with the migration assistant made the switch incredibly easy. And thanks to a Voelkner voucher, the new device came with a free 2-year warranty extension. That could be useful again, although I certainly hope it won’t be necessary.

I’m now looking forward to testing the Mac Mini in practice and hopefully working productively without any hurdles.

Stay tuned – more updates are coming!

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