iPhone For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) by Edward C. Baig, Bob LeVitus
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Book Reviews of iPhone For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
Book Review: Good, but not complete!
Summary: 4 Stars
I consider this book a good introduction to the iPhone as an "intructions manual". However, I do not consider that this book covers issues "outside the box". Things to consider for future editions should include:
1) Pros and cons of purchasing the iPhone at an Apple Store, ATT Store, or super chain stores. Considering that the price is the same at all of these places, I do not see a reason to purchase it at any other place than the Apple Store, if there is one near by. You cannot beat the support from the knowledgable staff at the Apple Store.
2) Top accessories to consider purchasing. The book makes no mention of screen protectors, carrying cases, necessary connections with the car stereo, etc.
3) There is no mention on how to transfer data from other PDAs (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Black Berry) into the iPhone.
Hopefully these will be included in future editions.
Book Review: iPhone Info You Need to Know
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a tech geek and I do buy Dummies books because for some items, Wiley is the only publisher that will issues guides for items I am looking for. This book is an excellent example. iPhone for Dummies covers the original iPhone, NOT the 3G version. That said, it is still a great read. I bought this book because I was interested in an iPod Touch which is an iPhone without the phone. This is an easy to read, fun and informative book with lots of usage tips. There are wonderful, full color shots that show off the screen and features of the iPhone. Many of the gripes about missing features located at the end of the book, were added to the new 3G version. Grab the 3G version of this book when it comes out. This book will give you inside tips that aren't found in the manual. It is helpful for iPod Touch users as well. Quick start guides are one thing, but great tips make your device much easier to use. I have a co-worker who has an original iPhone and he was amazed that I knew more about his device than he did. Book Review: "Missing" Apple manual
Summary: 5 Stars
The iPhone is a great product. But it takes getting used to. I am an Apple/Macintosh devote? since 1994, but one place they fall down is on manuals. If they have one at all it is incomprehensible. I am also a fan of all the "dummie" books. And this is a good one. Book Review: Helpful
Summary: 5 Stars
The iPhone is very intuitive to use, but there are features and tips that let you get the most from it. These are covered well in this familiar "Dummies" format.Book Review: Good Overview of iPhone but Dated
Summary: 4 Stars
The iPhone for Dummies is a dated book and seems to be written for iPhone with firmware 1.0. The book does not cover the January 15, 2008 update that Apple rolled out at Mac World. Apple has also rolled out a 16 G iPhone in addition to the 8 G iPhone as of February 5, 2008 which is not covered in the book.
For someone that has been using the Mac OS X and uses Apples standard application such as Address Book, iPhoto, and iTunes the iPhone is probability not a hard to use and the iPhone for Dummies probability seems like an easy read. But if you are coming from a Microsoft Windows platform or have had little interest in learning or do not use a lot of the standard Apple programs that are on your Mac this book is for you. The authors easily walk you through the features of the iPhone. If the iPhone seems easy to you and you have questions about specific functions the book is easy to jump around without having to read the book from cover to cover. The book has a good table of contents and a good index to find what you want about the iPhone.
The book has good color photos and graphics so you can look at the pictures as you work along with the authors. The authors bolded the steps in the instructions so they can easily found and followed.
The authors cover all the basic functions of the iPhone in 13 chapters from making a phone call, playing music, and surfing the web. They have 4 additional chapters that would be of interest to iPhone users. The chapter titles are "When Good iPhones Go Bad," Ten Thing for the Wish List," "Ten Terrific Web Resources," and "Ten Helpful Hints, Tips, and Shortcuts."
One feature I wanted to learn more about was the use of the Google Maps Application for the before the January 15th update. I found the directions easy to follow, and I was able used the iPhone to navigate from Denver, CO to Glennwood Springs, CO and back on the instructions in the sections on Google Maps Application.
One item that I have had problems with on the iPhone is getting the iPhone to sync my Apple Bluetooth headset for the iPhone. I looked in the book regarding this subject and it is very weak on Bluetooth information. I am guessing the book was written prior to the headset being released.
The authors also point out some of the things that the iPhone does not do. I found myself frustrated when the iPhone was in cover flow (horizontal) playing music. They point out that you lose some to the controls such has volume control. You have to switch pack to vertical position in order to control the volume.
I would have like to see the publisher have a site for the book for updates to the iPhone features. Since it seems there has been 3 updates in iPhone features since the book has been published.
The book iPhone for Dummies is a good book for someone wanting to getting up and going with the iPhone. It is an easy to read and understand. The downside of the book is it is dated.