How do I transfer data from two computers onto my new mac?

Question

I recently bought a new macbook pro with retina display after owning an iBook G4 and a powermac for 7 years but I now want to transfer the data from both of my computers (which both only have one account) onto my new computer. I'm wondering if it is possible to transfer the data from both of the computers onto my new one and if so how. Another issue is that my ibook had recently broken but the only issue was the ram was not working so I had the data recovered and put on an external hard drive so now what was on my ibook is now on an external hard drive. I really want to know if I can still transfer both computers onto my new one or if I can only transfer one of the computers onto my new one and I have to transfer the other one manually. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Migrating is simple and complicated at the same time, in your case simple to transfer files (e.g. films, pictures, docs...), and difficult for settings and all hidden stuff. My piece of advice is to use iBackup (grapefruit.ch) for system settings, which does not take too much, and simple drag-and-drop from older macs unto the new one. I would use firewire, as Retina does not this port, try to purchase a FW-to-ThB adapter, it may be worth having it. Connect the new mac to the old ones one after another, and restart the old ones in target mode (press T after chime), they will turn intro external drives, and may easily transfer anything.
If you are not familiar with iBackup, perhaps it is better to Migration Assistant, I do hope it works with older Mac OS. Note that, used after settings a new mac, it will create new users for the transfered data. The advantage is, they will transfer files and settings, but perhaps more than you really need.
Ort, as BGreg says, manual transfer of all files, this may prove slower, but you may have full control of all operations.