18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unique, sometimes extreme, hacks for iPods, Nov 6 2004
By Jack D. Herrington "engineer and author" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: iPod and iTunes Hacks: Tips and Tools for Ripping, Mixing and Burning (Paperback)
The hacks books are all about unique recipes and solutions for technologies, in this case, primarily the iPod. This book almost takes it a little too far. In particular I found the authors fifteen page step-by-step instruction on building a car console mount for an iPod. The other hacks are a bit more practical; using an iPod with Linux, streaming audio to an iPod, reading text on an iPod, replacing an iPod battery or using the iPod as a voice recording.
It's not just about the iPod. The book also has 50 hacks for iTunes. Including fun ones like putting album covers on your desktop, using the visualizer as a screen saver, and scripting iTunes with Applescript.
Despite the fifteen pages on building an iPod console the book is well worth the money for experienced hackers who want cool ideas for iTunes and the iPod.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun book, Nov 29 2004
By G. Feldman "Geoff" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: iPod and iTunes Hacks: Tips and Tools for Ripping, Mixing and Burning (Paperback)
I am really enjoying this book. It's a breezy romp through a lot of different technology all in some way connected to novel uses of the iPod. Many of the articles are simply features or aspects of using the iPod or iTunes that simply may not have been apparent. My personal favorites are the ones where the iPod is used with something else. Though I don't own a BMW nor do I have the inclination to fabricate fiberglass, it was fun to see how you integrate your iPod to a BMW, including its onboard computer and electrical system. Booting linux on an iPod is almost a punk gesture, one that you might not consider especially useful, but seeing how it has been accomplished is half the fun.
Its also a book about reverse engineering using the iPod as the center of several case histories. What is interesting is not just what you can do with an iPod but how you find out for yourself.
By all means buy this book if you want to twist your iPod(s) (you may need a few to explore it all) but ... even if you want to do nothing and just live vicariously through others accomplishments, buy it anyway.
I did find it really hard to play my iPod (which I enjoy doing while I read) and also to play with my iPod, something the book constantly challenged me to do. So, that's another reason to get two ... so you can listen to music on one and hack the other. Lots and lots of fun.
13 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great "Hacks" book, Nov 3 2004
By Eric Wuehler - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: iPod and iTunes Hacks: Tips and Tools for Ripping, Mixing and Burning (Paperback)
From "Importing Lyrics into iTunes and iPod" (#53) to "Install Your iPod in Your Car, Permanently" (#11). Plenty of things to tweak and try. If you like to tinker, pull things apart, or generally prefer to live outside the mainstream - you'll love this book.
Besides, who wouldn't want a book that contains the phrase, "Before I get into the specifics ... this hack is illegal." (#6)