Migrating vs manually transfer vs network transfer of files, apps and itunes library

Question

So I've tried searching and going through the forums first before I actually commit to a certain "Method Of Transfer" but could not really find what I'm trying to accomplish. So I hope some of you fellow memebrs could shed some light and advise on a few things..  Let me start by giving a summary of equipment I'm working with and what I'm trying to accomplish.
Recently purchased a new macbook pro 15" 2.4Ghz Intel Core i7 (Most recent macbook on apple's website 3/26/2012)
Prior to purchasing my new macbook I was using a 2004/2005 white 13" macbook Intel core Duo 2Ghz
What I would like to accomplish is transfer most of my applications I've paid for on the older mac to my new one. I would also like to transfer multimedia files from pics, videos and music. The part that confuses me is which ever method I decid to choose will things in my iTunes library remain in tact? Such as, playlist that have been created, syncing my iPhone and maintaning the same playlist. Basically, I would like to keep the same music library and the same playlist I have on my old mac and mirror it on the new mac. Please advise..
The 3 mtehods of tranferrring I have in question are:
1. Migration Assistant
2. Manual Transfer via external Hard Drive
3. Network transfer
4. other?
Is one method better than the other?
Which method will retain the existing settings from my old mac to the new?
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Chris CA wrote:
In case others have a similar issue and see this question, what did you do?
Sure thing..
The Method of transfer I decided to do from Old macbook to New macbook pro was "Local Network" transfer via Ethernet and did the following.
iTunes Library transfer:
Prerequisite:Ensure iTunes on the the "source" macbook (older laptop for me) is up to date has been backed up. Export playlist and export library. I also have iTunes set to keep my library orgainzed so I dont have audio, video files in different locations. Everything for me is located in: /user/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media
Connect both laptops to each other via Ethernet cable
I also disable airport on both devices. (Im not sure you really have to do this but I did it anyway to avoid potential conflicts on my LAN)
On the "source" macbook (older one for me), I enabled sharing the music folder that contains my entire iTunes library (Go to System Preferences > Sharing > File Sharing > and select the folder that contains the desired media files you want to transfer)
On the "destination" macbook (Newer one for me), you will see the name of the "source" macbook displayed in your finder window.
Once you've reached the above steps, simply open up iTunes on your new macbook go to Files > Add to Libraryand navigate to the shared "source" macbook (located on the left pane) and select the folder that contains the media files. *The transfer process will vary depending on how many files you are trying to transfer.
After the transfer completes go ahead and import the playlist and library so the media info will be up to date in iTunes as well.
You can do the same method of transfer for other files as well. hope this helps!