Setting Up New MacBook Pro

So you got that new MacBook Pro ... and wondering where to start. This how-to is for those who actually have an older Mac that they are replacing -- but if you never used or had a Mac simply go ahead and start up the new one and once the account is set manually import your files from your Windows/Linux PC, connect your wireless/wired and you are ready to go. If you separately purchased extra memory then continue reading.

Typical scenario: you just bought a new MacBook Pro (although some of this, especially later parts, is applicable to any new Mac setup) and also extra memory; you also have an older Mac OS X system with lots of files and applications, maybe also a MobileMe (.mac) account, lots of personalized settings, etc. Anyways, to reduce the amount of work and time spent, I usually approach to setting up a new machine this way: 

1. software updates on old Mac and make some type of backup (I used built-in Time Machine)
2. before even starting up the new Mac (in this case MacBook Pro with the built date March 2011) I first installed the new memory -- I recommend to max out your new Mac with RAM right away (right now the max is 8 GB). Follow Apple guidelines how to do it, but in short it looks like this:
   
   
   The entire procedure of replacing/adding more RAM is quite simple and probably the most difficult part is not to lose the tiny Phillips screws. Although Apple recommends removing the 10 screws and lifting the bottom cover, I unscrew them but try to keep them in their holes together with the bottom cover -- this way you don't have to think about, say, where the longer screws go.
   
   Important - Detailed Info:
   Apple's guide on how to remove/install memory in MacBook Pro
   
   The challenge, again, is not to drop/lose those tiny screws. The memory/RAM chips in this notebook are stacked up into two slots (one above the other). The replacement (8 GB) is 2x4 GB -- make sure you get the compatible memory. I used this replacement memory kit available at Amazon.com for about $75:
   Corsair 8 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory Kit CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9  
3. Once done, power up your new Mac and stop at the point where you need to decide whether to import or not -- if you don't have anything or much to transfer to the new machine, simply continue without a transfer option and create a new account and later simply copy documents from the old machine to the new one. However, if you have lots of files, applications, settings, etc., it will save you lots of time later if you transfer from your old machine. If you decide to transfer later -- you'll end up with two accounts on the new machine which most people don't need. Remember: the transferred account can't have the same name as the one used on the new machine (I'm mentioning this because people tend or prefer to keep using the same account/user name over and again).
   
   Important - Detailed Info:
   Apple's detailed guide to Migration Assistant
   
   Benefits of transferring/importing: (1) about 90+% of apps will work right away on the new machine. The rest will simply need to be "reactivated" (like many Adobe programs) which is usually a single click on a button procedure. With some apps, like the apps bought at Mac App Store it will just require you to sign in your Apple account that you used to purchase these apps. In a very few cases (and I haven't encounter any yet) you'll need to actually reinstall the program not working; (2) settings for most of your apps will be transferred and usable right away (email, MobileMe, iTunes, Dropbox, connections to iPad, iPhone, etc.); (3) your desktop and files organization will be the same as on your old Mac, cutting the time spent on re-familiarizing with the folders, files and general organizational structure of your new Mac.

Overall, the entire process of adding/replacing RAM and transferring accounts, files, apps, etc. is about easy-to-medium difficulty. Replacing RAM takes about 10 - 15 minutes while the accounts migration time will depend on the total size of the files that needs to be transferred. I'd recommend not using wireless if you have more than a few GBs of files. Also, make sure to temporary disable the power saving settings on both Macs in order to prevent the two machines going to sleep during the migration process.