How do I sync my existing iPhone to a different Mac?

Question

How do I sync my existing iPhone to a different Mac?

I have an iPhone 3G loaded w/ apps, playlists, etc. that is currently synced to my work Macbook. My Macbook has a LOT of apps, many which aren't on my iPhone, only synced as needed.

I want to keep the apps and sync it with my Mac Mini at home. I am willing to lose the calendar and contacts. I probably don't have a simple way to keep the playlists, since each iTunes library accesses songs from different server addresses as well. Mostly I want to keep the apps.

1What's the best way to sync it to Mac Mini and maintain that same app library from my Macbook?

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jun 17, 2010 4:23 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 17, 2010 4:36 PM in response to oldskoolboarder

If you use the same iTunes account with iTunes on each computer, you can transfer your iTunes library from your MacBook to your Mac Mini - the iTunes named folder located in the Music folder. This will retain all iTunes content including 3rd party apps.

If your iTunes library on your Mac Mini includes any content, this will erase and replace it.

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Answer 2

Jun 18, 2010 7:33 AM in response to oldskoolboarder

Unfortunately the destination Mac Mini already has an established itunes library (songs/vids/books/etc) that don't want to overwrite.

So I guess my new question is how best to move all my iPhone apps to a different computer for syncing.

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Answer 3

Jun 18, 2010 7:37 AM in response to oldskoolboarder

If you use the same iTunes account with iTunes on each Mac, with your iPhone connected to the Mac Mini and without syncing, at the iTunes menu bar go to File and select Transfer Purchases From - the name of your iPhone.

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