MacBook for Dummies review

MacBook for Dummies


reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Mark L. Chamber
website:
Publisher: Wiley
Released: 2006
Pages: 366
$ USA 22
Canada 26
UK 15
ISBN: 0-470-04859-X
Strengths: The book includes a very introduction. Good screenshots and illustrations including the pointers to specific areas within the illustrations. Five icons help pinpoint helpful information along the way. Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ is quite good as well as Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (which is insightful and well written). Good price, well written and readable.
Weaknesses: Chapters like the ones with iDVD and Imovie have minimal amounts of information. Really these and some of the sections just have the basics. To know and learn more, books that detail more information regarding specific applications should be found besides these basics. the iLife applications, you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information in this book not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized

Novice/Intermediate

Rating: 4.5/5

There are several books on the market dealing with MacBook. Several include not only information about MacBook but MacBook Pro. This is one includes both. I wanted to see what the author had to offer in this MacDummies series related to these laptops. I found the author of this book has previously published the Mac OSX All-In-One desk Reference for Dummies and completed thirty computer books. My wife related bought a MacBook so I decided to research this book to see what it could tell me.
The book covers 366 pages and spans 23 chapters with seven part/ sections. The first part of the book includes a very nice introduction that gives the reader a nice prelude to learning about the laptops but more . As the author says, “ he started with no assumption “ regarding knowledge of the laptop. The book starts “from the ground up” and launches into some interesting ideas that relate to more then the “hardware.” It is nice that in this beginning section, the author pinpoints information about “switchers,” those computer users who are moving into the Macintosh realm from the PC/windows usage (particularly targeting Windows XP users). He also nicely mentions that if you are new to Macintosh and the Apple world, most of the software is in the computer and does not have to be purchased. This is a great tip that probably many PC people still don’t know about even though many Apple users already are mindful about.
While many of the Dummies books vary in their versatility , breadth and depth of the instructional content, this one is solid. While the illustrations are only black and white, the screen shots are readable. Several include pointers to various sections within the illustrations that zone in on the information talked about. This takes away the annoying quess work that I have found in some books that I have read in which “hunting” within the illustrations was a regular and recurring point. There are also five icons that are placed throughout the pages. These (Tip; mark’s Maxim; Technical stuff; Warning!; Remember) serve to include precise additional information that assists along the way regarding the instructions.
The Part 1 includes information pertaining to Mac laptops, turning on and starting with the system and computer. Part focus in on the OSX and operating system while Part 3 launches into the world of connecting and communicating. Part 4 focuses on the iLife applications ( introductory instruction and while the text takes you through each application starting up and using, if you want more in-depth information other books will be needed). Part 5 is sharing access and information while Part 6 deals with important troubleshooting, upgrading information and maintaining your laptop.
Part 7 is called the Parts of Tens. This includes Chapter 22 “ Top Ten Laptop Rules to Follow (insightful and well written) and Chapter 23 “ Top Ten Things to Avoid like the Plague “ (useful for many reasons in your encounter with the internet, applications, hardware and more).
All in all I liked the book and what it had “to say.” Novice and intermediate laptop users might like it not only for its good price but also the information it provides. Readable and you gain insights throughout the book. But especially if you already have a Macbook or Pro and have worked with it and want more information (concerning the iLife applications), you might want to turn elsewhere. Users who read about “movies,” “projects.” “video clips,” may find the information not well defined, especially concerning when and how the media can be imported, exported and utilized.