by
Tina VelgosThe iBook for Dummies
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Own an iBook? You're no dummy! David Pogue 0-7645-0647-1 |
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I think it's safe to say that there are smart people who read Dummies books. It's even safer to say that if you own an Apple iBook, you're one smart cookie! You probably look really cool using that sexy tangerine or blueberry iBook, too.
This book is full of the quick wit of David Pogue. That's a good thing. It's easy to read Pogueisms. He's written a bunch of computer books, so I trust him. He seems to care about the iBook. It's also a good thing, because so should you!
Whether you're thinking about buying an iBook, you're a total computer newbie, or you're a proud owner of a spankin' new iBook, this book is for you.
Here, you'll find a manual that never came with your iBook. Pogue holds hands with you as he helps you turn on the iBook, make various adjustments to the screen and keyboard and tells you everything you'll ever want to know about memory and disks and computer glitches.
Not missing a beat, Pogue goes on and talks about windows, folders and icons and some nifty keyboard shortcuts you'll need to know to become a real power user.
He actually accomplishes something in Chapter 3, where he compares the iBook to a VCR. You can learn a tad about buying software and the nifty desktop accessories your iBook is equipped with, too. A nice discussion of Control Panels assures us that Pogue knows what he's talking about. He may even own an iBook or two.
Chapter 4 is where Pogue lays it on the line. He tells you that most of the time you'll probably be doing word processing on your computer (besides e-mail and Web stuff). If you haven't discovered AppleWorks, you will after reading this chapter. He'll also teach you important stuff about copying and pasting and how to save your files. My personal experience is that Microsoft Word works just fine on my iBook, too, and it's more universally accepted in the publishing world. Whatever floats your boat!
Printers are boring. Pogue does his best in Chapter 4 as he discusses Printers, Printing and Fonts. Pay real attention to page 108 as this tip #10 is a keeper. I won't give it away, so go buy the book!
Most of the other half of the book deals with the Internet. If you're reading this review on the World Wide Web, you can probably skip this part. It's like who wants to read about America Online and why? Basic junk like how to get, read and write e-mail (by this time, as natural for you as breathing, eating, and sleeping).
Chapter 9 discusses AppleWorks, up close and personal. Again, read this if you intend to use this program (it used to be called ClarisWorks) and skip it if you're a Word user like me.
Chapter 10 is pretty funny. A whole chapter talking about the Palm Desktop feature, and the little software package Apple slipped in with the iBook. Since none of these programs came with printed manuals, if you need a guide to use them (WHY?), here's your chapter.
I found religion Living on DC in Chapter 11. It's actually quite good since it explains how to maximize your iBook battery life and what to do when the battery dies and how to replace the battery.
Chapter 12's title is pretty good, too: System Folder: Trash Barge of the iBook! Here, you'll learn what the system folder is (and isn't) and about your Apple menu.
Lucky you! Chapter 13 unearths savvy shortcuts, "slick tricks", and cool ways to customize your iBook.
Pay good attention to the next chapter on USB and Ethernet connectivities. Although you won't admit it, you'll need to be "USB Nimble, USB Quick". That means, yes, you will be installing nifty USB gadgets and gizmos and this is the chapter to help you with that.
If you're into AirPort or you've got a fleet of iBooks and you're clueless what to do next, then Chapter 15 will fit the bill. You can even learn how to set up your iBook as a base station.
Gulp. Is it really possible that bad things happen to good iBooks? Isn't it enough to make you cry? Pogue tackles this issue in Chapter 16, so bookmark it, in case it ever happens to your pride and joy. And pass the box of Kleenex.
Another spine-tingling chapter, The Problem-Solving Cookbook, talks about repairing your iBook, solving extension conflicts and clean installs.
Upgrading an operating system is always fun, and Chapter 18 will help you with what's involved in upgrading to OS 9 and beyond.
I wish Chapter 19 included more than Ten More Gadgets to Buy and Plug In. I mean, come on, there are so many possibilities, so little time. Why just ten?
I'll go ahead and add my .02 and mention that no peripheral is more fun to play (err, work) with than a digital camera. I bought a Toshiba PDR M-4 and it's perfect with the iBook!
I also would recommend adding a digitizing pad and pen to your set of "must have" peripherals, like Wacom's inexpensive Graphire, which comes in a dandy shade of tangerine.
Another must have add-on are speakers and plenty of 'em. I wouldn't last a day without my trusty Imation SuperDisk drive. You don't need no stinkin' Zip disks or a rewritable CD-ROM drive! Those things are trouble!
The final chapter talks about Ten Cool Things You Didn't Know Your iBook Could Do. Stupid pet tricks? No, I don't think so! Simple stuff like hey, did ya know your iBook can play music CDs? Homer Simpson would say "doh" right now!
Pogue has a couple of Appendixes in the book, including one called The Ultimate iBook Buyer's Guide. I'm not sure if the world Ultimate should be in there. I can't say a good word about Epson printers these days, since mine's died about a year ago! Despite the popularity of the 740, just hearing that model number gives me the creeps!
Also, just a tiny mention on the all-important topic of USB Hubs. After doing some extensive research on this, guys, it's really not true that there are "34 trillion different USB hubs for sale". You've gotta go searching for these things!
A place I'll recommend is Outpost.com since I bought my Belkin USB hub there (with a pretty tangerine sleeve) and I'm happy with it. What's cool about Outpost.com besides the fact that they're an affiliate of The REVIEW ZONE (just click on our Afflilates button and shop till you drop!) and you pay no postage for next day shipping! Expect to pay $60-70 for a decent 4-port hub if you want it to match your iBook.
Bottom line: Don't be a dummy. Get this book if you've got an iBook.