In the Lap(top) of the Gods: The fascinating behavior of migratory Macs

One of the things that has always surprised me about the Mac web is that computer migration doesn’t get more press. The ease with which you can move files and identities on Mac OS X is astounding, simply astounding. There’s just no way around that. When I think of how hard it used to be in Mac OS Classic, I picture my dad mowing the yard with that motorless rotary push mower. It’s archaic. Nay! Barbaric!

And brothers and sisters, don’t even get me started on what has to be done on the PC. Is there software out there that helps? I imagine there must be, but I’ve worked with people who have passed up significant computer upgrades at the office simply because the don’t want to deal with the hassle of copying files, reinstalling software, transferring their web and e-mail accounts, and losing their Minesweeper scores.

Yes, it’s true you actually have to do that on the PC (or get your IT department to do it for you). On the Mac, it’s as simple as connecting your new computer to your old with a Firewire cable, and…

Uh, wait. What did I just say? What kind of cable? Oh. Okay, well, it’s at times like this that I like to quote my favorite philosopher, Charlie Brown:

“Aaarrrgh!”