New MPB, OS X Intall, Transferring Files, and SSD Upgrade Procedure

[axelfox]

I got a new MBP (not opened yet) and a new SSD. Here are a couple of things I want to accomplish, but not sure about the procedure:

1. Swap out stock HDD for SSD
2. Clean install of OS X
3. Transfer documents from old MB to new MBP

I have heard that Apple does not ship Lion on disc with the Mac anymore, so I will have to figure out a way to get that on disc/USB drive. I could either 1) open the new MBP with the stock HDD and get Lion on disc/USB or 2) find someone with Lion on disc/USB.

I will also have to format the new SSD. Will the disk utility do that for me, or will I have to hook up the SSD to a current Mac and format the SSD before installing it?

I also need to transfer docs from the old MB to the new MBP. Given the current situation, I'm inclined to get the docs from my Time Machine backup and pick and choose the docs I need on the new machine. Apple won't come out with the TB to FW adapter until next money and I don't want drop another $30 for a TB to Ethernet adapter to transfer files.

I will probably install the apps from scratch to minimize the corruption.

Thoughts, better ideas, appreciated!

 

[TheStu]

So, you got a new Retina MacBook Pro(hereafter referred to as the rMBP)?

If that is the case, then it already has an SSD and it isn't compatible with the one that you bought.

If it isn't the rMBP, then it has firewire and ethernet ports, and you don't need the adapters.

1: I don't know if Apple switched to pentalobe screws on the regular Pro, if so you will need to get a screwdriver that works for that, ifixit is a good place to go.

2: I know that the rMBP and the Airs have the ability to reinstall from the internet, even if you are dropping in a whole new drive. I don't know if that is a Lion feature or not.
2a: Let's assume that it isn't, in that case you will want to do this: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1433

3: Again, assuming that you have the regular Pro, then just string an ethernet or firewire cable between the two macs, and use Migration Assistant (it is an option during the install) to transfer your files and settings

 

[boomhower]

To replace the SSD all you need is a very small phillips screw driver and a T6 Torx driver. The Torx driver can be found at just about any hardware or home improvement store.

Once the new SSD is installed you can do an internet recovery from the blank drive. Takes an hour or so.

That's what I did with my refurb 2011 last weekend. Worked out pretty well. I didn't migrate much, just connected to my old Windows notebook over wifi and transferred my music and pictures.

 

[axelfox]

To replace the SSD all you need is a very small phillips screw driver and a T6 Torx driver. The Torx driver can be found at just about any hardware or home improvement store.

Once the new SSD is installed you can do an internet recovery from the blank drive. Takes an hour or so.

That's what I did with my refurb 2011 last weekend. Worked out pretty well. I didn't migrate much, just connected to my old Windows notebook over wifi and transferred my music and pictures.

Did you have to format the drive first? Or can I just take it from the box and install and do an internet recovery?

 

[boomhower]

Did you have to format the drive first? Or can I just take it from the box and install and do an internet recovery?

You can format during the internet recovery.