changing domain name, keeping traffic/pr

So, I need to change a domain name of a site that I've been working hard on for about two months now. Traffic is coming from google and yahoo and the domain is listed on many directories that are topic specific.

Can I easily change the domain (redirecting all traffic to the new) while still maintaining traffic and PR and other listings? or am I just totally screwed here?

Is there a sound process for changing a domain? The content and everything else would transition, the only thing I need to change is the domain.

(domain change request is from Apple, so I'm thinking I need to comply!).

 

Well you really should research it a lot before you start but basically you use a 301 redirect.

 

Sorry, and thanks...

I found this thread which answers most of my questions, except that I read elsewhere that Google doesn't follow 301's so just making sure with that before I pull the trigger.

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1260620

 

The best way is to park the new domain on top of the existing domain. This way people can access your site using both the domains.

 

This approach is definitely feasible, but what about a duplicate content penalty then?

 

This article will answer your question http://searchengineland.com/the-duplicate-content-penalty-myth-10741

 

i think duplicate content penalty its okay, as far as you dont copy it 100% from old site, how about the "terms" page? Is'nt it on many site at web..