iPod: The Missing Manual [Paperback]

Reading this book is a must for iPod users. Most uses are thought to be limited to music and/or audiobooks, but a review takes it beyond. This book closely ties in with iTunes. It also demonstrates its use for photos, videos, calendars, schedules, address book, clock and stop watch; plus games, portable hard drive and others. It clearly explains how to install, amend and delete an entire playlist, plus direct shopping the iTunes store. Its chapter on maintenance, battery charging and preservation alone is a must read for iPod owners.i

"IPod, the Missing Manual, Seventh Ed.," is an update and improvement of a book which has already distinguished itself for excellence in providing guidance for iPod users. It is one of Pogue Press's Missing Manual series which itself is a benchmark for computer books of its type. This edition of "iPod"covers the latest and greatest iPods, the iTunes software, and accessories for the iPod as well as further polishing the presentation formula of the "iPod Missing Manual" editions.

The book is lavishly produced in glossy paper and full-color graphics. There are graphics on nearly every page. The well-designed layout has nicely contrasting headings, body type, sidebars, and illustrations, which make it easy to read and understand the well-written material. The content is covered thoroughly and comprehensively. It covers nearly everything an iPod user needs to know to utilize the machine to its fullest, from using the iPod within minutes out of the box, to learning all of the applications, menus, synching options, and connection options to the Internet. The ending chapter discusses troubleshooting.

There are chapters devoted to each function of the iPod - music, photos, videos, productivity applications, games, and Web access and e-mail (for the Touch). Throughout there are useful and interesting Notes and Tips. The book covers all of the current iPod models - Mac and PC -and highlights recommended connection hardware for using the iPod with a TV, external speakers, radio, streaming over wireless devices, and in the car.

Much of the newer content deals with the iPod's flagship, the Touch, which supports Web surfing, e-mail, and numerous third-party applications available for downloading from the Apple Store. The chapters and segments are organized in such a way that you can selectively read only those parts which apply to your specific iPod model, but the whole book is an easy read.
There is plenty of information and suggestions on customizing the iPod to suit your needs and tastes, both software wise and with hardware accessories. The issues of digital rights management and legal workarounds are well explained.

The only way this book could be better would be if it included a coupon for a free iPod.

'iPod: The Missing Manual' by Jude Biersdorfer is the perfect reference for all iPod fans, users, and geeks alike. With nearly 300 pages of material spread out over 13 chapters, you will learn all the ins and outs of your iPod and iTunes better than ever before!! From the basics like general usage of your iPod to learning how to use iTunes to import music and add to your library to creating playlists and working with photos and videos, this truly is a gem. Now in its 9th!!! edition, this newest iPod book covers the newest iPods and iTunes 10, and it describes what makes these newest generation players so amazing!! Full color, glossy paper, wonderful content and a size that fits perfectly in your hand (yes this DOES make a difference), this is an absolute home run of a book by Pogue Press.

My only gripe with this book is that it seems to be updated a bit too often. I know every year there is a new iPod so that is what warrants the update, but I am not sure how much new stuff is really game-changing with the newest version.

However...

If you want to get the most out of you iPod and/or iTunes and want to have fun doing so, pick up this wonderful sidekick to your Apple world and enjoy!!

**** RECOMMENDED