iPod and iTunes Hacks (Hacks)

Rating:
Summary: Another great "Hacks" book
Review: 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)

Rating:
Summary: Fun book
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Cool Book
Review: I must say I love this book. If you have a iPod, GET THIS

Rating:
Summary: Love your iPod, get this book!
Review: So far I have really enjoyed the "Hacks" series from O'Reilly, and without a doubt this book is no exception. For those who increasingly find that the Apple iPod has in someway changed their lives for the better, this book is a great companion to the iPod. 100 tips, tricks, and interesting projects to give the user, developer, or hacker in all of us the edge on how to tweak the most out of our favorite portable device. If you love your iPod (or if have recently purchased your very own) like I do, you should check this book out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Unique, sometimes extreme, hacks for iPods
Review: 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.