How do I create a unified set up for MacBook alongside Mac mini?

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Level 1

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How do I create a unified set up for MacBook alongside Mac mini?

I have a Mac mini 2020 and I just purchased a MacBook Pro 2020. My plan is to use both for the same types of work.

Ideally I would be able to use my MacBook like a mobile setup of my Mac mini, so the same user, same cloud integration (I use iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive), same apps - but with a different SSD.

Is this possible?

If so, would I use migration assistant to set up the new MacBook, and then keep the Mac mini running as it is?

Thanks for any help on this. I had a look around online, on reddit, and on here, and couldn't find anyone asking this particular question.

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on May 1, 2024 3:14 PM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

112,920 points

May 1, 2024 8:59 PM in response to DazeBubb

I didn't use Migration assistant, but I run my Mini and MacBook Pro using same user, same AppleID, and all that.

Everything on a server (cloud) somewhere is essentially the same, but everything else will not be in sync.

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Answer 2

steve626

Level 6

10,139 points

May 2, 2024 9:02 PM in response to DazeBubb

I have done this. It works if you are careful to keep everything synchronized.

I started with Migration Assistant, which means you are synchronized.

Use iCloud for your Documents, Desktop etc.; alternatively, you can simply keep your working files in the cloud, Dropbox, Google Drive will also work. And you can use iCloud for your Safari bookmarks and for KeyChain/Passwords. Firefox has options to keep all your bookmarks synchronized.

Use an IMAP email, which will be synchronized. And use iCloud Messages and iCloud Photos, if those will also be utilized. There are options with Apple Music to keep your Music Library synchronized but you can do this without subscribing.

One thing may require some manual tracking -- when you use various applications on one computer, you may change some preference settings for that application and then you will have to change them on the other Mac as well.

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