There’s a lot of hyperbole I could use to tell you about the book iPod: The Missing Manual, but I’m just going to be honest and straightforward. This book is fantastic.
Almost as soon as it arrived, my husband and I – two fairly tech-savvy people – began a major game of “dibs” over it. That’s because the book is crammed with more short-cuts, editing tools, and features about the iPod than we ever imagined. About the only thing it can’t do is retrieve your emails and cook your dinner.
It’s clear that author J.D. Biersdorfer, a writer for the New York Times, knows her stuff and how to explain technology nuances to the general public. Even the technically challenged should be able to follow her simple advice on which iPod best suits their needs and how to set up and effectively use the iPod. As Biersdorfer writes, “Out of the box and into your ears in 15 minutes.” No exaggeration, especially with her guidance.
In my case, I was able to figure out much of how to use the iPod without help. I mean, Apple is the manufacturer so it's user-friendly. But looking back, I realize I could have saved a lot of time and effort if I’d had this book.
Biersdorfer gives some great tips for downloading music from the iTunes store and ripping it from CDs. But what makes this book a "must have" is that she not only clearly and succinctly explains the basic processes, but gives hundreds of “insider tips” such as how to manually manage your music, edit tunes (you don't have to listen to that five-minute drum solo each time you play a song), and improve sound with the graphic equalizer.
And for anyone who owns an iPod but longs for an electronic desk organizer, put your wallet away. iPod can not only synch with your electronic calendar and contacts but can even be used as an alarm clock and portable hard drive.
Navigating the sometimes confusing iPod online store, publishing playlists, storing your photos, recording audio – well, again, there’s very little that iPods can’t do and Biersdorfer explains it all.
You will likely read some online gripes from people who nitpick about the space the author devotes to Nanos and iTunes. Ignore those naysayers. This book is a “must have” -- no two ways about it.
Article comments