Maybe I forgot how bad previous MBP migrations really were or maybe this was the worst MBP migration ever. Apple really could have made this better by doing the little things like installing Rosetta or at least telling you to install Rosetta when refusing to let an app run that needs Rosetta.
There were a dozen other things that were in bad states, possibly caused by a single incorrect settings that other settings rely on. Like the incorrect off setting for “wake for network access” in Energy Saver which prevented Find My Mac from being on which prevented other settings from turning on, etc.
Apple ID was in a bad state but I should be used to that now. Bad, incorrect error messages, not progress or status indications when work is being done (don’t you love tapping a button and staring at an unchanged form for 30 seconds, wondering if it is working?), etc. After several years of the same issues, I have to assume Apple likes it this way in spite of it being terrible for everyone involved that can’t simple ignore the problems.
So how is the new laptop? From the outside, it is great. It looks much different than in photos. The completely flat lid gives it a look and feel that isn’t “soft” like I’m used to. The open space for airflow in the body makes it feel hollow even though it is heavier than previous models. I love Magsafe, I love that I can see if it is charging and if it is finished charging. I use a lot of dongles, adapters, and hubs. I will now use 2 or 3 fewer than before. From the outside, it is the update to my 2015 MBP that I’ve wanted for the last 5 years. But the inside, in actual use? Who knows… I just finished the migration I started 14 hours ago. I won’t be able to use it until this evening, after work.
