Easy iPod and iTunes

Easy iPod and iTunes - Que Publishing By Zac Mac, AAUG Member Reviewed 10/01/06 Que Publishing's Easy iPod and iTunes book provides instructions on how to get the most out of your iPod and iTunes in easy to digest one to three page segments. The beginning user will learn a lot from this book without becoming overwhelmed. Easy iPod and iTunes also provides limited advanced instruction. Easy iPod and iTunes is divided into 17 chapters ranging from "Getting to Know the iPod" to "Advanced iPod and iTunes". All of the chapters are further divided into topical segments. The segments are organized with a brief description of the segment, a visual of a screen shot or iPod shot or other photo, numbered steps to follow to complete the segment, explanation of the numbered steps, and "Tips" or "Notes" or "Cautions". The author labels the beginning of each segment as "Start" and the completion of each segment as "End". The visual shots are extremely helpful and allow the user to work along on the computer while reading the book. A downside to the visual shots is that iTunes has already moved onto iTunes 7 and the book is using older versions of iTunes that do not always match up with iTunes 7. However, most of the time the visuals are accurate and guide the user through the learning process. The linear thinker will enjoy the numbered steps to follow and the explanation of those steps. Most steps entail an action that is highlighted in the explanation for quick reference. The segments require about 3 to 7 steps for completion. Most segments are one or two pages in length. The "Tips", "Notes", or "Cautions" add a little more insight to the segments. "Notes" tend to provide further explanation. "Tips" suggest alternatives to the steps in a segment or ways to get more use from the topic being taught. The "Start" and "End" designations mean that you should know if you have learn the finite information from the segment without wondering into the next segment confused or thinking that there is more that needs to be applied for the topic at hand. This really makes learning a topic more appealing as each topical segment can stand alone as well as each of the seventeen chapters. However the knowledge from one segment or chapter often is built upon in subsequent segments and chapters. Although the table of contents contains good detail on the segments provided in each chapter, the index is handy for that issue that pops up occasionally. Truly Easy iPod and iTunes' strength is its ability to act as a quick reference for trouble shooting or exploring a new use of the iPod or iTunes. A weakness that faces Easy iPod and iTunes is that for all that brevity and simplicity of information, you might need to look elsewhere for greater detail and/or more advanced instruction on iPod and iTunes useage. I chose chapter 12 "Using Your iPod As a PDA or Hard Disk" as my test chapter and focused on synching my iPod with my Address Book contacts and iCal c

Shelly Brisbin's "Easy iPod and iTunes" by Que publishing may be the best book available for using an iPod or iTunes. (After reading it, I have no need for an alternate book to learn from.) Shelly writes clearly and concisely, in a "playful" tone. Her "Easy" book is indeed easy to read and follow. Or you can skip to what you want since the Parts (chapters) are divided well. Every single page is filled with large, colorful pictures, making it appealing and quick to learn with the aid of pictures. "See it done. Do it yourself." A manual cannot be easier to use, plus this soft-cover book doesn't have the "dry" feel of a manual. The back cover says, "No need to feel intimated; we'll hold your hand every step of the way." Why struggle through a manual? Thanks Shelly Brisbin for writing this "reference" book!