Syncing ipad, ipod and iphone to a new itunes library

Question

Hi,
I need some guidance on how to achieve what is in my mind a relatively common problem... how do I sync my iPad, iPod (x2) and iPhone to a new computer without having to erase everything.
The scenario is as follows. I have one iTunes library on an old PC. In my family we have an iPad, 2 iPod Touch's and an iPhone, all synced with that machine and that one account. The old PC has seen better days, so I have bought a new machine. I thought it was as easy as just installing iTunes, copying the music over, downloading the apps with my apple id, and bob's your uncle.
Guess not, the first time I plug in the iPad it says that I need to erase the darn thing. You can imagine the drama in the house... one is about to lose their Smurf farm, the other is about to lose their levels in Angry birds, etc, etc. Don't worry about my contacts and emails, nobody cares about that. It's all the data that is stored with the various apps of the various members of my family that has everyone up in arms.
So my question is how can I basically make this whole lot work with my new computer? I am sure that I am not the first one buying a new computer, so I am (hopefully) sure that Apple has build this bit of logic somewhere in their software and devices. Just can't find it, and judging by the amount of blogs, articles and posts dedicated to this it appears that there are a couple of million other people that are equally unable to find this bit of functionality.
Please help... my kids and the wife are not allowing me to get rid of this old PC until this is resolved.
Thanks.

Answer 1

This is copied from another thread. I think it is pretty clear. Here is the link to the thread as well. You will need to do this for each device if they all have different content on them.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/11527071#11527071
1) Without connecting your iPad to your laptop, start iTunes. Click on Edit. Click on Preferences. Click on Devices. Check the box next to "Prevent your iPod etc. from automatically syncing." Click OK.
2) Now connect your iPad to your laptop and start iTunes.
3) When iTunes starts, right click on your iPad under Devices in the left column. Select Transfer purchases etc.
4) After it finishes transferring all your apps to your new laptop, right click on your iPad and select Backup your iPad.
5) After it finishes backing up your iPad, right click on your iPad and select Restore etc.
6) After it finishes restoring, left click on your iPad , then click on the Apps tab on top, and check the box next to Sync Apps, then click on Apply below.
If everything on your iPad looks good after the sync, go back and click on Edit / Preferences / Devices and UN-check the box next to Prevent your iPod etc. The only other thing you may want to check is if your contacts, bookmarks, etc. are syncing correctly now. If not, go to the Info tab after connecting and make sure you indicate which features you want to sync with what sources.
If you have more questions, post back.