iPhone 3G S Portable Genius

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Paul McFedries, David Pabian
Publisher: Wiley
Released: August 2008
Pages: 267
Print: ISBN: 978-0-470-42348-6
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-470-45267-7
You don’t have to be a genius to use an iPhone 3G. But if you want to get the very most out of yours, put this savvy Portable Genius guide to work and start ramping up the pace. Want to e-mail attachments twice as fast? Talk and browse at the same time? Quickly locate the nearest coffee shop? Sync your iPhone 3G with multiple computers? You’ll find cool and useful Genius tips, full-color screenshots, and pages of easy-to-access shortcuts and tools that will save you loads of time and let you enjoy your new iPhone 3G to the max.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
Chapter 1: How Do I Configure My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 2: How Can I Get More Out of My iPhone 3G’s Phone Feature?
Chapter 3: How Can I Make the Most of Web Surfing with My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 4: How Do I Maximize E-mail on My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 5: How Can I Take Control of Syncing My iPhone 3G?
Chapter 6: How Can I Get More Out of My iPhone 3G’s Media Features?
Chapter 7: Can I use My iPhone 3G to Manage Contacts and Appointments?
Chapter 8: How Can I Use iPhone 3G to Help Organize My Life?
Chapter 9: How Do I Keep My Life In Sync with MobileMe?
Chapter 10: How Do I Enhance My iPhone 3G with App Store?
Chapter 11: How Do I Fix My iPhone 3G?
This is the book that brings vibrant colors and excitement to our reading . . . it almost has a 3D effect as you move from topic to topic. Some great pull-outs with Caution, Note, Genius and other notations of special interest. The text is open with ample line spacing and white space. The descriptions are simple and straight-forward, with easy-to-learn steps. This is a great way to learn for the beginners with interesting reminders for veteran iPhone users. Its well worth the economical price.
This book normally retails for $25.00, or as little as $16.50 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047042348X.html.
My New iPhone: 52 Projects to Get You Started

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Wallace Wang
Publisher: No Starch Press
Released: July 2009
Pages: 464
Print: ISBN: ISBN-10 1-59327-195-6
You finally did it—you bought the gizmo that everyone's talking about. Maybe you've already figured out how to play music or make phone calls, but then what? How does the voicemail work? And that keyboard? What about all of those cool apps—which ones do you need, and how do you get them? You need a book like My New iPhone to make everything easy. This simple, project-oriented book will have you using the best features of your iPhone or iPod Touch in no time. Rather than drag you through some boring manual, My New iPhone focuses on individual, fun projects, like configuring multiple email accounts, transferring your music, and syncing your computer with your iPhone.
Below is the sequence of training parts as shown in the Table of Contents.
PART I: Getting Started
PART II: Modifying Your iPhone
PART III: Making Phone Calls
PART IV: Enjoying Music, Pictures, and Movies
PART V: Browsing the Internet
PART VI: Using Email
PART VII: Business Stuff
PART VIII: Fun Stuff
PART IX: Safety and Privacy
PART X: Cool Things You Can Do with Apps
This is the book that educates through black-and-white project instructions. It is spaced well with lots of illustrations of how to do things. I would think of this as a new to intermediate user reference book, but the price seems high compared to other competitors on the market. It does use a nice step-by-step process.
This book normally retails for $29.95 ($23.95 ebook bundle, or $32.95 ebook and paperback), or as little as $19.77 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from O’Reilly Media, visit http://nostarch.com/newiphone_toc.htm.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual

a review by Tom Piper
Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O’Reilly Media / Pogue Press
Released: October 2009
Pages: 912
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-15328-1
Ebook: ISBN: 978-1-4493-7727-4
For a company that promised to "put a pause on new features," Apple sure has been busy-there's barely a feature left untouched in Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard." There's more speed, more polish, more refinement-but still no manual. Fortunately, David Pogue is back, with the humor and expertise that have made this the #1 bestselling Mac book for eight years straight. This one witty, expert guide makes it all crystal clear.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
The Mac OS X Desktop
Chapter 1: Folders & Windows
Chapter 2: Organizing Your Stuff
Chapter 3: Spotlight
Chapter 4: Dock, Desktop, & Toolbars
Programs in Mac OS X
Chapter 5: Documents, Programs, & Spaces
Chapter 6: Entering Data, Moving Data, & Time Machine
Chapter 7: Services, Automator, & AppleScript
Chapter 8: Windows on Macintosh
The Components of Mac OS X
Chapter 9: System Preferences
Chapter 10: The Free Programs
Chapter 11: CDs, DVDs, & iTunes
The Technologies of Mac OS X
Chapter 12: Accounts, Parental Controls, & Security
Chapter 13: Networking, File Sharing, & Screen Sharing
Chapter 14: Printing, Faxing, Fonts, & Graphics
Chapter 15: Sound, Movies, & Speech
Chapter 16: The Unix Crash Course
Chapter 17: Hacking Mac OS X
Mac OS Online
Chapter 18: Internet Setup & MobileMe
Chapter 19: Mail & Address Book
Chapter 20: Safari
Chapter 21: iChat
Chapter 22: SSH, FTP, VPN, & Web Sharing
Appendixes
Appendix Installing Mac OS X 10.6
Troubleshooting
Windows-to-Mac Dictionary
Where to Go from Here
The Master Mac OS X Secret Keystroke List
Colophon
This is probably the most comprehensive publication on the new Snow Leopard that has yet been produced (although I wish it were in color). David Pogue again packs more information into this book than I can absorb (a good thing). He hits all of the big stuff, but does not overlook the little stuff. If you really want to learn the full gambit of information about this important new operating system upgrade, then you will want this book to review, and keep as a continual reference guide. His notes and tips keep you on-track and provide excellent advice. Like all of the books in “The Missing Manual” series, if you really want to understand Snow Leopard, then run (don’t walk) to the nearest bookstore, or order online, or get an ebook for your iPhone (or iPod touch) to get a total education.
This book normally retails for $34.99 (ebook $27.99, or print and ebook $38.49), or as little as $23.09 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from O’Reilly Media, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596153298.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard Pocket Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Mac OS X

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Chris Seibold
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Released: September 2009
Pages: 234
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-80272-1
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-596-80921-8
Whether you're new to the Mac or a longtime user, this handy book is the quickest way to get up to speed on Snow Leopard. Packed with concise information in an easy-to-read format, Mac OS X Snow Leopard Pocket Guide goes right to the heart of Apple's latest OS, with details on system preferences, built-in applications, and utilities. You'll also find configuration tips, keyboard shortcuts, guides for troubleshooting, lots of step-by-step instructions, and more.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
Chapter 1: What’s New in Snow Leopard?
Chapter 2: Installing Snow Leopard and Migrating Data
Chapter 3: The Quick Guide to Snow Leopard
Chapter 4: Quick Guide to Troubleshooting Mac OS X
Chapter 5: System Preferences
Chapter 6: Built-in Applications and Utilities
Chapter 7: MobileMe
Chapter 8: Security
Chapter 9: Keyboard Commands and Special Characters
This is a black-and-white book that looks like a quick reference guide, but is not really “entertaining” as in fun to read. If you are looking for a small book where simple explanations and directions can be found, this would probably travel well in your bag. If you want detail and color, this will not be your first choice.
This book normally retails for $14.99 ($11.99 for ebook or $16.49 for print and ebook), or as little as $9.59 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596802738.
iPod touch for Dummies

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Tony Bove
Publisher: Wiley
Released: August 2009
Pages: 240
Print: ISBN: 978-0-470-50530-4
The perfect full-color guide to the iPod touch for both Mac and Windows users
With this full-color guide, you can get hip to all your iPod touch has to offer and take full advantage of the iTunes store and the App Store, as well. You'll start by learning how to manage the multi-touch interface and setting up iTunes. Then you'll discover how to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, receive and send e-mail, get directions and use maps, play games, download and watch movies, shop for cool new apps at the App Store, and much more. Starts with the basics of setting up and using the iPod touch, richly illustrated in full color, covers listening to music, synchronizing your data, working with the calendar, setting up iTunes, and getting online via Wi-Fi, shows how to send and receive e-mail, shop for movies and music at the iTunes Store, browse the Web, share photos, download and watch movies and TV shows, and download apps from the App Store, explains how to use your iPod touch as a portable game console and how to manage your contacts and to-do lists, and also covers protecting your information and troubleshooting. iPod touch For Dummies helps you make the most of this amazing device that combines a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a portable game console, and a breakthrough Internet device.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
Part I: Touching All the Basics
Part II: Filling Up Your Empty Cup
Part III: Playing It Back with Interest
Part IV: Touching the Online World
Part V: Staying in Touch and Up-to-Date
Part VI: The Part of Tens
Part VI: The Part of Tens
What a terrific little paperback with good use of color, a delightful format, and easy to follow. The chapter headings are well thought-out, and the frequent bull-eye tips, “on the web” notes, and instructive warnings add much to the dialogue. I find the dense packing of text a bit distracting, but overall am impressed with its value.
This book normally retails for $21.99, or as little as $14.95 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470505303.html.
iPhone: The Missing Manual, Third Edition

a review by Tom Piper
Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O'Reilly Media / Pogue Press
Released: July 2009
Pages: 416
Print: ISBN: 978-0-596-80429-9
Ebook: ISBN: 978-0-596-55963-2
The new iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3.0 software have arrived, and New York Times tech columnist David Pogue is on top of it with a thoroughly updated edition of iPhone: The Missing Manual. Each custom-designed page helps you use your iPhone for everything from web browsing to watching videos. The iPhone is packed with possibilities, and with this handy book, you can explore them all. If you have a new iPhone 3GS, or just updated your 3G with iPhone 3.0, iPhone: The Missing Manual, will bring you up to speed quickly. New York Times tech columnist David Pogue gives you a guided tour of every feature, with lots of tips, tricks, and surprises. You'll learn how to make calls and play songs by voice control, take great photos, keep track of your schedule, and more.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
The Phone as Phone
Chapter 1: The Guided Tour
Chapter 2: Typing, Editing, & Searching
Chapter 3: Phone Calls
Chapter 4: Voicemail, Texting, & Other Phone Tricks
Pix, Flix, & Apps
Chapter 5: Music and Video
Chapter 6: Camera, Photos, & Video
Chapter 7: Maps and Apps
Chapter 8: Ringtones, Nike, & Talking Buttons
The iPhone Online
Chapter 9: Getting Online
Chapter 10: The Web
Chapter 11: Email
Chapter 12: The App Store
Connections
Chapter 13: iTunes for iPhoners
Chapter 14: Syncing the iPhone
Chapter 15: MobileMe
Chapter 16: The Corporate iPhone
Chapter 17: Settings
Appendixes
Setup and Signup
Accessories
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
This is the book that I would recommend if you want a comprehensive and enjoyable read, whether new or experienced to the iPhone. David Pogue does such a wonderful and colorful job of presenting information that almost dances off the page. He has the well-deserved title of being one of the world’s best explainers. This book deserves a place in your library (and perhaps the ebook version on your iPhone as it is on mine). Its hard to go wrong with any book in “The Missing Manual” series.
This book normally retails for $24.99 ($19.99 for ebook, or $27.49 for print and ebook), or as little as $16.49 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Wiley, visit http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596804305.
Photographing Nature: A Photo Workshop

a review by Tom Piper
Author: Ralph A. Clevenger
Publisher: New Riders
Released: August 2008
Pages: 267
Print: ISBN: 0-321-63754-2
Ebook: ISBN: I0-321-63835-2
In this stunning, four-color course-in-a-book, each chapter opens with a spectacular photo spread from the natural world that Clevenger uses to illustrate themes and techniques essential to mastering nature photography. Just as he does in his classroom at Brooks, Clevenger explains how each photo was captured, the tools and techniques used, and typical problems related to capturing such a photo, along with solutions. Chapters also include sample Q&A sessions as well as assignments you can try yourself. By the time you’ve worked through all of the techniques in this beautiful, yet informative book, you’ll not only photograph the world differently, you’ll see it differently as well. With a foreword by George Lepp, one of North America’s best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers, it is a spell-binding publication.
Below is the sequence of educational steps as shown in the Table of Contents.
Chapter 1: Play Nice
Chapter 2: You need more stuff?
Chapter 3: It’s all about the light
Chapter 4: Not everything’s black-and-white
Chapter 5: Flash! And you’re in control
Chapter 6: Wet-belly photographer
Chapter 7: Garden variety shots
Chapter 8: The wonder of wildlife
Chapter 9: An ounce of prevention
Chapter 10: Land, sea, and sky
Chapter 11: Looking through the frame
Chapter 12: What are you looking at?
Chapter 13: On the road
Chapter 14: Back in the lab
WOW, this is an incredible book with vivid, gorgeous, colorful pictures that virtually leap off the page in splashes of animal, plant, reptile, landscape, bird and all manner of beautiful illustrations of natures wonders. It is a delightful page-turner that takes your breath away with variety, creativity and respect for the environment. AND, best of all, the author tells you (and shows you) how to take your own dramatic shots. This is actually a “how-to” photographer’s handbook neatly disguised as a study of nature’s glory!
The information is deceptively simple in its presentation, but reflects a rich understanding of everything from lighting to composition to ethics to equipment selection (and that’s just a sampling). Observations like “leaves are translucent”, so light the front AND the back; or, to improve “flower shots”, just get closer and open your aperture to put the background out of focus. Viewing this book and its excellent observations and instructions reinvigorated my passion for fine photography that causes the viewer to stand in awe of the picture, and yearn to be there . . . that, to me, is the real essence of image capturing. I don’t have enough quality words fully describe this book . . . if you are pursuing nature photography, be sure to add this book to your active collection.
This book normally retails for $44.99 ($35.99 for ebook, or $53.09 for book and ebook), or as little as $29.69 from competing sources such as Amazon. To learn more about this book from Peachpit Publishers, visit http://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321637542.