iPod & iTunes Garage

Rating:
Summary: Mac-like Approach to Learning
Review: Anytime someone can make learning how to make software and hardware interesting and fun its worth a read.

After purchasing an iPod and struggling to make it do what I knew it was supposed to do, I scoured the book stores for a book that would show me the way. I found Kirk's fun and intuitive approach (very Mac-like) to be perfect. As a long time Apple user, and often times under utilizer of software (because I hate to read manuals). It was refreshing to find someone that gets it, and writes a book for those of us that need a little humor with our how-to. Check out is webpage too.

Another added plus... I e-mailed Kirk for a little extra help, and to my amazement he responded, timely too. With the many iPod and iTune books out there, this is one to be by your side while the others stay in the store.

Rating:
Summary: Notes from the author...
Review: Hi, it's me, the author, checking in to add something to the info above.

First, I had to give the book a 5-star rating - but I'm sure you understand.

What I wanted to tell you, though, is that iPod & iTunes Garage is not only a great book, but it's always up to date. If you go to my web site (Kirkville: www.mcelhearn.com) you can download an update to the book. And as more new iPods are released, and more new features added to iTunes, I'll update the update. So even though Apple has released new stuff and added new features since the book went to the printer, you won't be left out.

So, if you go to my web site now (www.mcelhearn.com), you'll find an update that covers the latest iPod shuffle, as well as the iPod photo and the latest features in iTunes and in the iPod software.

In addition, I've got lots of articles on my site about using the iPod and iTunes, as well as articles on music and other subjects.

I hope you like the book!

Kirk

Rating:
Summary: The one to Buy!!
Review: I've bought 3 other iPod books. Two were to basic but had some goodies and one was a "waste" in my opinion.

The iPod & iTunes book by Kirk REALLY adds to my knowledge base and shows he KNOWS(!) the iPod and iTunes. He goes beyond a simple product manual and tells you HOW TO GET THINGS DONE.

I highly recommend the book and ask why it took so long to come out.

Thanks Kirk!

Rating:
Summary: Buy this Book! Not just another computer manual
Review: Let me say this straight out - computer books are pointless, they are either of the 'for dummies' variety, printed versions of a manual [presumably to encourage software piracy] or for techies by techies...THIS BOOK IS DIFFERENT! Why? Well because the author loves music and he talks about music throughout, he [and other guest] even review music and after all what is the iPod about but love of music and the freedom to have your music where and when you wish...sure it is a clever device, clever design, etc. but leave the technical stuff for people who love technology and the design for those for whom the packaging is the thing - for the rest of us we have music. Clearly the book isn't just a compilation of reviews that might have appeared in NME or Rolling Stone [or Relix] but the appreciation of music, the passion to try and get people to try different types of music runs all the way through the book. Yes it does all you might expect from a book on the iPod [and iTunes]|: it guides the user from basics to advanced tweaks [mercifully more advanced than the this is a button, this is a scroll wheel, type of 'for dummies' stuff], but never more than a few pages go by and there is another section on some record or artist.
Grateful Dead, Brian Eno, Joy Division, Durutti Column, Steve Reich, Bill Evans - all here.

Now if I have one suggestion to the author it is to apply his technological knowledge and love of music to the wider subject of online music sharing and downloading. That will be a second 'computer book' worth buying.