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Q: What cables are necessary for the fastest transfer of data from MacBook Pro to MacBook Air

What cables are necessary for the fastest transfer of data from MacBook Pro to MacBook Air

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009), iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Dec 26, 2013 4:07 PM

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Q: What cables are necessary for the fastest transfer of data from MacBook Pro to MacBook Air

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  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 26, 2013 4:15 PM in response to jimgravely
    Level 9 (52,108 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 26, 2013 4:15 PM in response to jimgravely

    Firewire 800.

     

    Ciao.

     

    If the MBA is a newer model, a Thunderbolt/ Firewire adapter will be needed in addition to the Firewire cable.

     

    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD464ZM/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapte r

     

    Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 26, 2013 4:49 PM in response to jimgravely
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 26, 2013 4:49 PM in response to jimgravely

    Remove the drive from the older system and connect it directly to the newer system with a SATA to USB adapter.

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 26, 2013 4:54 PM in response to LowLuster
    Level 9 (52,108 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 26, 2013 4:54 PM in response to LowLuster

    LowLuster wrote:

     

    Remove the drive from the older system and connect it directly to the newer system with a SATA to USB adapter.

    That will not be the 'fastest transfer of data' as requested by the OP.  Firewire is theoretically twice as fast as USB 2.

     

    Ciao.

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 26, 2013 5:04 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 26, 2013 5:04 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    But the newest Mac notebooks do not have a firewire port.

     

    So he may need a TB to FW adapter, $29, a FW 400 or 800 cable, $??, and then a FW 400 to 800 cable/port adapter (If the old Mac only has a FW 400 port), $??.

    It is unknown if the old Mac has a FW 400 or 800 port.

     

    When all he needs to do a one time transfer from the old drive to the new system is a $20-$30 SATA to USB adapter which he can then use for years to come with many different systems and types of drives. Instead of sticking all those cables and adapters in a draw never to see the light of day again.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 27, 2013 2:50 AM in response to LowLuster
    Level 9 (52,108 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 27, 2013 2:50 AM in response to LowLuster

    LowLuster wrote:

     

    But the newest Mac notebooks do not have a firewire port.

     

    So he may need a TB to FW adapter, $29, a FW 400 or 800 cable, $??, and then a FW 400 to 800 cable/port adapter (If the old Mac only has a FW 400 port), $??.

    It is unknown if the old Mac has a FW 400 or 800 port.

    In what way is a Firewire 400 connection relevant in this instance?  A 2009 MBP has a Firewire 800 port but NO Firwewire 400 port.

     

    Ciao.

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 27, 2013 3:28 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 3:28 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    As I posted "it is an Unknown", at least to me, what type FW port is on the OPs older Mac.

     

     

     

    But the newest Mac notebooks do not have a firewire port.

     

    So he may need a TB to FW adapter, $29, a FW 400 or 800 cable, $??, and then a FW 400 to 800 cable/port adapter (If the old Mac only has a FW 400 port), $??.

    It is unknown if the old Mac has a FW 400 or 800 port.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 27, 2013 3:37 AM in response to LowLuster
    Level 9 (52,108 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 27, 2013 3:37 AM in response to LowLuster

    LowLuster wrote:

     

    As I posted "it is an Unknown", at least to me, what type FW port is on the OPs older Mac.

    By doing some research, an 'unknown' becomes a 'known'.

    But the newest Mac notebooks do not have a firewire port.

    That is true and has already been addressed.  Please note the link in my initial response.

     

    Ciao.

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 27, 2013 3:42 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 3:42 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    I'm sorry your point is What? Other than to increase your post count?

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Dec 27, 2013 3:49 AM in response to LowLuster
    Level 9 (52,108 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 27, 2013 3:49 AM in response to LowLuster

    LowLuster wrote:

     

    As I posted "it is an Unknown", at least to me, what type FW port is on the OPs older Mac.

    Sorry for the apparently obtuse response.  The point I was trying to make is if you do not know what connections a given MBP has, then you first should find out (research) before you offer advice.  Without definitive information, the risk of offering incorrect or confusing information becomes a real possibility. 

     

    Ciao.

  • by LowLuster,

    LowLuster LowLuster Dec 27, 2013 4:03 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 6 (12,074 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 4:03 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Why? Your suggestion to use a FW connection, a One Time Use, I found to be the worst, least logical, for transferring data from a older Mac to a newer one that does not even have a FW port.

     

    FW is a DEAD technology. All cables, adapters and what not bought for FW will be placed in a draw, closet, wherever, until they are then finally thrown in the trash and a land fill.

     

    There was not any confusion in what I posted in my original reply. That was to use a SATA to USB adapter to connect to extracted drive from the old Mac to the new one directly.

     

    It was only after you Rebutted my reply that you may have confused the OP.