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Question

iPad backup and sync in a different computer?

Apr 8, 2012 9:00PM PDT

I have the first-generation iPad, and I plan to buy the new one in a few weeks. Now, I want to restore the new iPad from a backup and migrate all my data, however, my PC where I synced it no longer functions. I just need to know if there is a way to transfer my data from my old iPad to my son's iMac. Please reply. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
This is how I would do it
Apr 9, 2012 1:10AM PDT

First choice for me would be to turn on iCloud if you haven't already, and backup what you can using this method. Depending on how much content you need to back up, you might have to purchase additional iCloud capacity. YMMV. Look under Settings > General > About to see how much space is being used up currently on your iPad.

Second choice (or even something in addition to using the iCloud method) would be to use a third party software that lets you freely copy content from your iPad back to your son's iMac. Simply connecting and re-authorizing to the new PC/Mac will most likely trash your content you want to retain. There are a whole slew of choices for accomplishing this. Sites like iLounge.com give some decent reviews of the various software for this purpose.

I believe methods like the following are in practice more complicated IME. Others here will likely chime in on what their experiences are. See the following as one example:
http://www.howtogeek.com/104298/sync-your-ios-device-with-a-new-computer-without-losing-data/

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(NT) Thank you! That was really helpful. I'll go try that.
Apr 9, 2012 11:24AM PDT