I have experience using Drive Genius II which is different than most "cloning" software in that it makes and "exact" copy. Nothing is lost in the transition. I use a Cables Unlimited USB to SATA interface. The Cables Unlimited unit is about a thirty five dollar unit and Drive Genius II is about a 60 dollar software program. However, Drive Genius II does tons of other tasks like defragmenting your hard drive. (Yes, Macs DO need defragmenting) So it's good even after you clone your new hard disc. In fact, Apple Genius bars have been know to use Drive Genius. Of course, everyone has their own flavor of what they like, just throwing my 2 cents into the fray.