I just bought a new imac and would like to transfer the files from my old ibook. What's the best way?

Question

I think buying a Firewire is the best way from what I've heard. What's the difference between the 6 and 9 pin cords? I think my ibook has a 6 pin and my new imac has a 9 pin. Do I need a 6 pin to 9 pin cord? Or is the 9 pin compatible with the 6 pin? I'm really confused. HELP!!

Answer 1

You're right, FW is the easiest way and quite fast. The newest iMac has both FW400 (6-pin) and FW800 (9-pin). Older iMacs have FW400 only. Use a "standard" FW cable, 6-pin each end. The 9-pin connector is a different shape. If you use a cable with 9-pin on one end for the newer iMac and 6-pin other end for the iBook, the transfer rate will default to the speed of FW400 so you gain nothing.

As you probably know, after connecting the two Macs, restart one, holding the T key until you see the amazingly larger FW icon floating about on screen. The other Mac will show a new drive in a Finder window, and possibly also on the desktop, depending on Finder preferences.