AUG 08, 2004
iPod & iTunes. The Missing Manual

Book review: iPod & iTunes. The Missing Manual
Author: J. D. Biersdorfer
ISBN: 0-596-00658-6
Price: $43.66 before GST
Available: Clementi Bookstore, Computer Book Centre, MPH Parkway, Kinokuniya and Times Centrepoint.

By Michelle Chong

iPod & iTunes (Second Edition) is the latest edition to O'Reilly's The Missing Manual series. Covering both Mac and Windows, the 350- page book is an ideal companion for both beginner and more experienced Poddies.

The initial chapters cover first, second and third generation iPods, MusicMatch Jukebox for Windows, iTunes for Mac and Windows and also the hip cool Mini iPod. Major points are exemplified with detailed graphics. These will empower the beginner to confidently download music, create Playlists, customise audio settings and back up data from a computer.

The later chapters will really get your iPod rocking and rolling. The additional peripherals and utilities discussed and illustrated are gems. For instance, there are step-by-step instructions on how to set up the iPod for use as an external start-up disk, increase the quality of music from the headphones, transfer music to more than the allowable three computers, record voice (useful at meetings and lectures), speak text and, most intriguing, how to set up your iPod on a Linux PC.

Having listened to music on my iPod for over 6 months I thought I was a cool Poddie. This book halves the time needed to experiment with both iTunes and the iPod. My iPod is now my fully fledged PDA armed with a deadly assortment of music. It stores my contacts, schedules and even my grocery lists! I have learnt how to turn my grocery list into a spoken word soundtrack which makes shopping a breeze! It can be programmed to sync news headlines from the Internet to keep me updated on the latest happenings around the world even while I am seated in the train or bus.

After reading The Missing Manual my iPod has become a voice recorder, a music centre, a car radio and my prime back-up storage.

The Missing Manual really should be attached to the iPod box. For Mac and Windows.

(Note that this article has not been published so is offered here as a service to all iPoddites)

Michelle Chong is from the Mac Users Group of Singapore. Its website is at www.macuser.org.sg