I have a powerbook G4 and want to transfer files (by linking?) to an iMac

Question

I currently have a powerbook G4 and am thinking of buying an iMac for the house. Can the two be linked for fast and easy transfer of files? If not what would be the easiest way to share the days work on the powerbook G4 with the imac?
Also can the two monitors be used simultaneously to drag windows from one to the other, like you can with the powerbook G4 and Cinema display?

Answer 1

Hello and welcome,
There are a few ways to transfer files. You can set up a local network using an Airport and turn file sharing on your machines so that you can log into your iMac from the PowerBook or vise-versa.
You can also set up the PowerBook to run in FireWire Target Disk Mode (reboot and hold T until the PowerBook shows the FireWire Symbol on the screen). This will mount your PowerBook's drive on you iMac's desktop. You can access the PB's HD like you would any other drive.
As for monitors, you can connect a second monitor to the iMac using a mini-DVI to DVI or mini-DVI to VGA adapter. You can not connect the PowerBook to your iMac and be able to use the iMac as a second monitor, thus you could not drag objects from the PB's screen to the iMac's screen.
Connecting using the above methods is simple and gives you straightforward access to your connected PowerBook. FireWire will be faster than sending data via Airport connection; however for most relatively small files will transfer via Airport fast enough for daily use.