Your Complete Mac & iPad Setup Guide

Everything you need to get started with your new devices

Welcome! Let's Get Started

This guide will help you set up your new MacBook Pro and iPad, and show you some amazing features and apps that have emerged since 2014.

1
Check Hardware
2
Setup Devices
3
Transfer Files
4
Explore Features
5
Install Apps

What You'll Need

💻

Old MacBook (2014)

Your 2014 MacBook Pro, charged and ready

✨

New MacBook Pro

Your brand new MacBook Pro

📱

New iPad

Your new iPad, charged

🔐

Passwords Ready

Apple ID, WiFi password, AirPort password

⏰

Time

About 3-4 hours (mostly waiting time)

📡

WiFi

Good internet connection

💡 Getting Started: Take your time with this guide. Each section has everything you need, and you can always come back to any part. The guide includes information about new features and apps that have emerged since 2014.

What You Need (Hardware & Cables)

🔌 The Cable Situation: Your 2014 MacBook Pro has the older rectangular USB-A ports. Your new MacBook Pro ONLY has USB-C ports (small oval ones). They're not directly compatible, so you may need an adapter.

For File Transfer: Choose ONE Option

✅ Option 1: Wireless Transfer (Recommended - Easiest!)

What you need:
  • Both Macs connected to same WiFi
  • Both Macs plugged into power
  • 2-4 hours of time

✅ Pros

  • No cables or adapters needed
  • Set it up and walk away
  • Most reliable method

❌ Cons

  • Takes 2-4 hours
  • Slower than cable
  • Needs good WiFi

💰 Cost: FREE

⚡ Option 2: Cable Transfer (Faster)

What you need to buy:

✅ Pros

  • Much faster (30 min - 1 hour)
  • More reliable connection
  • Adapter useful for other devices

❌ Cons

  • Costs $10-20
  • Have to buy it first

💰 Cost: $10-20

✅ Recommendation: Start with wireless transfer (Option 1). It's free and works great. If you want faster transfers in the future, you can always buy an adapter later for general use.

About Your AirPort & Storage Options

⚠️ Important: Apple discontinued AirPort products in 2018. While your AirPort may still work, it's no longer receiving security updates. You'll need to migrate your files and consider modern storage solutions.

Since AirPort is no longer supported, here are your storage options:

☁️ Option 1: iCloud Drive (Recommended)

Cloud storage that syncs automatically across all your devices. Access files anywhere with internet.

  • 200GB: $2.99/month
  • 2TB: $9.99/month
  • Automatic syncing to Mac, iPad, iPhone
  • Access from anywhere

Setup: System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Turn on iCloud Drive

💡 Best Choice: iCloud Drive is the modern replacement for AirPort. Your files sync automatically and you can access them from any device, anywhere.

💾 Option 2: External Hard Drive (For Local Backups)

Great for Time Machine backups and local file storage. Works without internet.

💡 Pro Tip: Get a drive with USB-C connector (not USB-A) so it works directly with your new Mac without adapters. Great for Time Machine backups.
✅ Recommendation: Use iCloud Drive for everyday file access and syncing. Use an external drive for Time Machine backups (optional but recommended for safety).

Shopping Checklist

Item Need It? Cost Where to Buy
USB-C to USB-A Adapter Optional (only for faster transfer) $10-20 Apple | Amazon
iCloud Storage (200GB) Recommended $3/month System Settings → iCloud (see AirPort Migration section for details)
External Hard Drive Optional (for backups) $60-120 Amazon | Best Buy

Setting Up Your New MacBook Pro

📖 Official Guide: Apple's Mac Setup Guide

This is straightforward – just follow the on-screen prompts. Here's what to expect:

1 Power On & Language
  • Open the lid (it turns on automatically)
  • Select English and United States
2 Connect to WiFi
  • Select your network and enter password
3 Transfer Files
  • Choose "From a Mac" if ready to transfer now
  • Or choose "Not Now" and transfer later (see Transfer Files section)
4 Sign in with Apple ID
  • Enter your Apple ID email and password
  • Enter verification code if prompted
5 Create Account
  • Create a password for this Mac (write it down or save in password manager)
  • Set up Touch ID (fingerprint unlock) if your Mac supports it
6 Choose Settings
  • Enable Siri (recommended)
  • Enable Location Services (needed for weather, maps)
  • Choose Light/Dark/Auto appearance
✅ Done! Your Mac is set up. Now you can set up your iPad or transfer files from your old Mac.

Setting Up Your iPad

📖 Official Guide: Set up iPad - Apple Support

iPad setup is very similar to Mac setup:

1 Power on and follow prompts - Language, WiFi, Face ID/Touch ID
2 Sign in with same Apple ID - Use the same one as your Mac
3 Quick Start (Optional): If you have an iPhone nearby, hold it close to iPad for automatic setup using Quick Start
4 Complete Setup
  • Follow remaining on-screen prompts
  • Set up Face ID or Touch ID
  • Choose appearance (Light/Dark/Auto)
✅ Important: Use the same Apple ID as your Mac so everything syncs automatically across devices!

Transferring Your Files

📖 Official Guide: Move content to new Mac - Apple Support

The easiest method is wireless Migration Assistant. Here's how:

Wireless Migration (Recommended)

1 On OLD MacBook:
  • Connect to power and WiFi
  • Open: Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant
  • Select "To another Mac"
2 On NEW MacBook:
  • During setup: Choose "From a Mac"
  • Or later: System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset
3 Connect & Transfer:
  • Verify security codes match
  • Select everything to transfer
  • Wait 2-4 hours (can run overnight)
⏰ Time Required: 2-4 hours typically. Both Macs must stay on and connected to power.

Syncing Mac & iPad

Enable these in System Settings → iCloud on Mac and Settings → Your Name → iCloud on iPad:

💾

iCloud Drive

Files sync everywhere

📸

Photos

All photos on all devices

📝

Notes

Notes everywhere

🌐

Safari

Bookmarks & tabs sync

🔐

Passwords

Passwords on all devices

📧

Mail/Contacts/Calendar

Everything in sync

✅ Test It: Create a note on your Mac. Wait 10 seconds. Open Notes on iPad - the note should appear!

Migrating from AirPort

📝 Note: As mentioned in the Hardware section, Apple discontinued AirPort in 2018. This section will help you migrate your files from AirPort to modern storage solutions.

Step 1: Access Your AirPort Files

1 Connect to AirPort:
  • Open Finder → Go → Network
  • Look for your AirPort device
  • Double-click and enter password
2 Copy All Files to Your Mac:
  • Create a folder on your Mac called "AirPort Backup"
  • Copy all files from AirPort to this folder
  • This ensures you have everything before migrating

Step 2: Set Up Modern Storage

Now that you have your files backed up, set up iCloud Drive (recommended) or an external drive for ongoing storage. See the Hardware section for detailed options and recommendations.

Feature AirPort (Old) iCloud Drive (New)
Access Files Only at home Anywhere with internet
Syncing Manual Automatic across all devices
Security Updates None since 2018 Regular updates
Setup Complex 5 minutes
Cost Hardware purchase $3/month (200GB)
✅ Recommended: Switch to iCloud Drive (200GB = $2.99/month or 2TB = $9.99/month). Your files sync automatically to Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Access them anywhere with an internet connection.

Setup: System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Turn on iCloud Drive

Alternative: For local network storage, consider modern NAS solutions or external drives with Time Machine for backups.

What's New Since 2014

Your 2014 MacBook was great, but A LOT has changed. Here are the game-changing features you'll love:

macOS Features That Didn't Exist in 2014

🎙️

Hey Siri

Just say "Hey Siri" to set timers, get weather, send messages, or ask questions – hands-free!

Try: "Hey Siri, what's the weather?"
📱

Universal Clipboard

Copy on your Mac, paste on your iPad (or iPhone). Works automatically when devices are nearby.

Copy ⌘C on Mac → Paste ⌘V on iPad
✋

Touch ID

Unlock your Mac, approve purchases, and sign in to apps with your fingerprint. So much better than typing passwords!

🖼️

Stage Manager

New way to organize windows. Apps you're not using slide to the side, keeping your workspace clean.

Enable in: System Settings → Desktop & Dock
📸

Live Text

Click on text in ANY photo to copy it. Take a photo of a business card, click the phone number to call. Mind-blowing.

Works in Photos, Safari, Camera
🔍

Spotlight Search

Way more powerful. Press ⌘Space and search for files, do calculations, convert units, get weather, definitions – anything!

Press ⌘Space then try: "50 USD to EUR"
📋

Quick Note

Swipe from bottom-right corner to instantly jot down a note. Syncs everywhere.

Swipe up from bottom-right corner
🎬

Screen Recording

Built-in screen recording. Great for capturing something to show someone.

Press ⌘⇧5 for screenshot/recording tools
🌓

Dark Mode

Entire system in dark theme. Easier on the eyes, especially at night. Can auto-switch based on time of day.

System Settings → Appearance
🔐

Password Manager

Built-in password manager that syncs across all Apple devices. Never type a password again.

System Settings → Passwords
📧

Mail Privacy Protection

Hides your IP address and prevents email tracking. Privacy built in.

🎯

Focus Modes

Create custom notification settings for different activities (Work, Personal, Sleep). Syncs across devices.

System Settings → Focus

Hardware Improvements You'll Notice

⚡ Speed

Your new Mac is 5-10x faster than your 2014 model. Apps open instantly, files process in seconds, videos export in a fraction of the time.

🔋 Battery Life

Modern MacBooks get 15-22 hours of battery life vs. ~7 hours in 2014. You can work all day without plugging in.

🖥️ Display

Retina display with higher resolution, brighter screen, better colors, and ProMotion (120Hz) for smoother scrolling.

🔇 Silent Operation

Many models have no fan – completely silent. When there is a fan, you'll barely hear it.

🎥 Camera & Mics

1080p camera (was 720p) and studio-quality mics. Video calls look and sound professional.

💡 What to Expect: The jump from 2014 to modern Macs is significant. This isn't just a faster computer – it's a completely different experience. Things that used to take time now happen instantly. The battery lasts all day. And new features like Live Text and Universal Clipboard genuinely change how you work.

Recommended Apps

Here are recommended apps and services organized by category:

AI Tools

🤖

Claude.ai

Free + Pro

What it is: AI assistant that can help with writing, research, coding, analysis, and more.

Best for: Research, writing emails, analyzing documents, getting quick answers, brainstorming

Example uses:

  • "Summarize this 50-page FAA regulation document"
  • "Compare these energy sector earnings reports"
  • "Help me write a professional email about..."
  • "What are the key points from this Bloomberg article?"

Cost: Free tier available, Pro is $20/month

Note: Requires macOS 12.0 or later for desktop app, or use via web browser

Link: claude.ai

💡 Why It's Useful: AI assistants like Claude can help with research, document analysis, writing, and getting quick answers. Great for analyzing news, research papers, and documents.
✨

ChatGPT

Free + Plus

Another excellent AI assistant. Similar to Claude but with different strengths.

Link: chat.openai.com

Aviation Apps

✈️

ForeFlight

The gold standard for iPad EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). Weather, charts, flight planning, all in one.

Why you'll love it: Replaces paper charts, real-time weather, NOTAMS, weight & balance calculations

Works on: iPad (main), iPhone (companion)

Link: foreflight.com

🛫

Flightradar24

Free + Premium

Live air traffic tracking worldwide. See any commercial flight in real-time.

Link: flightradar24.com

News & Market Intelligence

📈

Bloomberg

The best financial news and market data. Essential for staying current.

Features: Real-time market data, breaking news, in-depth analysis, podcasts

Works on: Mac (web), iPad, iPhone

Link: bloomberg.com

🛢️

Investing.com

Free

Great for tracking energy prices (oil, natural gas), commodities, and markets.

Features: Real-time quotes, economic calendar, portfolio tracking, price alerts

Link: investing.com

📊

TradingView

Free + Pro

Best charting and technical analysis platform. Great for energy markets.

Features: Advanced charts, screeners, real-time data, social trading ideas

Link: tradingview.com

📄

Feedly

Free + Pro

RSS reader that aggregates news from all your favorite sources in one place.

Setup example: Follow Wall Street Journal, Oil & Gas Journal, Aviation Week, Bloomberg Energy

Link: feedly.com

Hunting & Outdoors

🗺️

onX Hunt

THE hunting app. Property boundaries, land ownership, offline maps, GPS tracking.

Works offline! Download maps before heading out

Link: onxmaps.com/hunt

🎯

Ballistic Calculator Apps

Free + Paid Options

Several good options: Hornady 4DOF, Strelok Pro, Applied Ballistics

Features: Trajectory calculations, wind drift, atmospheric conditions

Productivity & Organization

📝

Notion

Free + Paid

All-in-one workspace. Notes, databases, project management, wikis. Replaces multiple apps.

Use cases: Track hunting logs, organize research, save articles, manage projects

Link: notion.so

🌐

Arc Browser

Free

Modern web browser with unique features. Vertical tabs, built-in ad blocker, split view.

Why it's better: Cleaner interface, better tab management, faster

Link: arc.net

📖

Readwise Reader

Save articles, PDFs, newsletters in one place. Read later, highlight, take notes.

Perfect for: Saving financial reports, energy news, research papers

Link: readwise.io/read

Built-In Apps You Should Use

📧

Mail

Apple's email app is actually great now. Smart inbox, scheduled send, undo send.

📅

Calendar

Syncs across devices. Natural language ("Meeting tomorrow at 2pm") works perfectly.

📝

Notes

Surprisingly powerful. Rich text, tables, checklists, scanning, drawing. All synced.

💬

Messages

Now works on Mac! Send/receive texts from your computer. Game changer.

🗺️

Maps

Way better than 2014. Detailed 3D cities, lane guidance, offline maps.

🎵

Music

Access 100+ million songs with Apple Music subscription. Download for offline.

✅ Top Recommendations:
  1. Claude.ai or ChatGPT - For research, writing, and analysis
  2. Bloomberg or Feedly - Stay current on markets and news
  3. ForeFlight - Essential iPad tool for aviation
  4. onX Hunt - Comprehensive hunting and outdoor app
  5. Notion - Organize everything in one place

Pro Tips & Hidden Features

Things most people don't know about but make a huge difference:

Keyboard Shortcuts Worth Memorizing

Shortcut What It Does Why It's Useful
⌘ Space Spotlight Search Find anything, do calculations, convert units, get weather
⌘ Tab Switch Apps Quick navigation between open apps
⌘ ` Switch Windows Switch between windows of the same app
⌘ Q Quit App Actually close apps (don't just close window)
⌘ Shift 3 Screenshot Entire Screen Saves to Desktop automatically
⌘ Shift 4 Screenshot Selection Click and drag to capture part of screen
⌘ Shift 5 Screenshot Options Screen recording, timed screenshots, more options
⌘ W Close Window Close current window (not app)
⌘ T New Tab Works in Safari, Finder, most apps
⌘ , Preferences Open settings for current app

Mac Gestures (If You Have a Trackpad)

👆

Two Finger Scroll

Scroll up/down or left/right with two fingers

🤏

Pinch to Zoom

Zoom in/out on photos, maps, PDFs

👈👉

Swipe Between Pages

Two fingers left/right to go back/forward in browser

🖐️

Three Finger Drag

Move windows easily (enable in Settings)

✊

Pinch with Thumb + 3 Fingers

Show Desktop (hides all windows)

🤚

Swipe Up with 3 Fingers

Mission Control (see all open windows)

💡 Enable Three Finger Drag: System Settings → Accessibility → Pointer Control → Trackpad Options → Enable dragging (three finger drag). Makes moving windows SO much easier.

Battery Life Tips

Make Your Battery Last Longer

  • Lower screen brightness - Biggest battery drain
  • Use Safari instead of Chrome - Way more efficient
  • Close unused apps - ⌘Q to actually quit them
  • Turn off Bluetooth when not needed
  • Enable Low Power Mode - Battery icon in menu bar
  • Check battery usage - System Settings → Battery to see what's draining it

Storage Management

Keep Storage Under Control

  • Check storage: Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage
  • Optimize Storage: Let macOS automatically manage files in iCloud
  • Empty Trash regularly: Finder → Empty Trash
  • Delete old iOS backups: System Settings → General → Storage
  • Clear browser cache: Safari → Settings → Advanced → Remove All Website Data

Privacy & Security Tips

Stay Secure

  • Enable FileVault: System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault (encrypts your drive)
  • Require password after sleep: System Settings → Lock Screen
  • Use strong passwords: Let Mac generate them in System Settings → Passwords
  • Enable two-factor authentication: For Apple ID and important accounts
  • Review app permissions: System Settings → Privacy & Security
  • Keep software updated: System Settings → General → Software Update

iPad-Specific Tips

✏️

Scribble

Write with Apple Pencil in any text field - it converts to text automatically

📐

Split View

Use two apps side by side. Drag from bottom to activate.

🎮

Slide Over

Quick access to another app. Swipe from right edge.

🖼️

Picture in Picture

Watch videos while using other apps. Tap PiP button in video player.

🎨

Markup Anywhere

Screenshot, tap the preview, and annotate instantly

📄

Scan Documents

Notes app → Camera → Scan Documents. Auto-detects edges and colors.

Quick Actions

1 Force Quit Frozen Apps
  • Press ⌘ Option Esc
  • Select the frozen app
  • Click "Force Quit"
2 Look Up Words/Definitions
  • Three-finger tap on any word
  • Gets dictionary, Wikipedia, web results
3 Quick File Preview
  • Select file in Finder
  • Press Space
  • Preview without opening
4 AirDrop Files
  • Right-click any file → Share → AirDrop
  • Send to nearby Mac/iPad/iPhone instantly
  • No cables, no email
✅ Challenge: Try using just keyboard shortcuts for one day. You'll be amazed how much faster you work. Start with ⌘ Space for search and ⌘ Tab to switch apps.

Getting Help

Official Apple Support

Apple Support Home

Main support page with all resources

Mac Support

Mac-specific help and guides

iPad Support

iPad-specific help and guides

Get Support

Contact Apple support directly

Contact Apple

📞 Phone Support

1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753)

Available 24/7. Very helpful and patient.

💬 Online Chat

Visit getsupport.apple.com

Chat with support team

🏪 Apple Store

Make a Genius Bar appointment

In-person help at any Apple Store

Helpful Resources

Issue Link
Mac User Guide support.apple.com/guide/mac-help
iPad User Guide support.apple.com/guide/ipad
Migration Help support.apple.com/HT204350
iCloud Setup support.apple.com/HT204025
Password Reset iforgot.apple.com
💡 Before Calling Support:
  • Try restarting the device first
  • Have your Apple ID ready
  • Note any error messages
  • Have the device serial number (Settings → General → About)