Review of AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook) (Paperback)

This book is somewhat out of date, first of all; it covers only a fairly old version of OS X, doesn't mention AppleScript Studio at all, etc.This is somewhat understandable, and it is at least much more up-to-date than Danny Goodman's book.
But the writing -- my god!It has the feel of a book that was written in one draft and never edited.Every single page of the book (and I just finished reading it cover to cover) had errors, typos, bugs, and poorly worded or unclear passages.In many cases I re-read sections several times and was simply unable to decipher what they were trying to say at all.I am a very experienced programmer (worked at Apple for several years, in fact), and I couldn't make head or tail of some of the passages in the book.There are huge omissions (I can find no explicit description of what "get" does, for example, anywhere in the reference section of the book).Many subtle (but important) details are glossed over completely.
Just pathetic that this is the best book available on AppleScript.I wish I could get my money back, on this and on Danny Goodman's book.I give it two stars instead of one because at least it is reasonably up to date and occasionally helpful.



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Review of Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies (Paperback)

Review by Ronald Schoedel

Once again, the "for Dummies" series has come to the rescue of newbies and others who just want to learn more about their Macs.I am not a newbie.I've owned Macs for well over a decade. Even so, "Tiger for Dummies" had some great tidbits of knowledge that I was reading and learning for the first time.I always enjoy reading articles and books by "Dr. Mac" Bob Levitus, too.His style is easy-going and helpful, and he doesn't assume you know more than you likely do.

The true test of a "Dummies" book, however, is how much it helps someone unfamiliar with the Mac become a more efficient and better-informed user.The book is broken down into a number of tasks, and then walks the reader through a task step by step.Playful icons guide the reader through the task, warn of potential pitfalls, clarify matters, and direct the reader to additional software or resources that may be helpful.

"Mac OS X Tiger for Dummies" will help you configure a printer, get on the internet, use cool new internet services, get the most out of the included software on your Mac, and navigate the system preferences, explaining in detail (but not too much detail to bore you) many of the customization options your Mac has available.You will learn about Spotlight and how to find anything on your Mac exceptionally quickly.You will learn about downloading and installing Widgets to complement the ones Apple provides in the default Dashboard. Dr. Mac will also explain to you the Finder and the metaphors common to the Macintosh experience (concepts such as documents, the desktop, folders, windows, icons and menus).You will get a good education on removable media, disk images, downloading things from the internet, backing up your files, and even a couple chapters on networking.

In reviewing this book, I loaned it to a couple brand new Mac users; they now own their own copies, which they purchased after enjoying my copy for a brief time.They said that "Tiger for Dummies" is a great book and helps them acclimate to the Mac, especially helping them overcome some common hang-ups or sources of confusion encountered by switchers from Windows.

My only gripe: too many bad jokes.Not enough to dock it any moose in the 5 out of 5 moose rating that I am giving it, but suffice it to say that after 400 pages, the jokes wear thin.Less jokes, more content, would be my desire for the next version.I enjoy Dr. Mac's humor, generally, but like anything else, it's best taken in moderation.

I recommend "Tiger for Dummies" to any Mac user, but especially to new users or as a gift for new Mac users in your life.Pick up a couple copies for the Mac users on your gift list!

Pros: Easy to read, well-illustrated, another fine Dummies book
Cons: Too many bad jokes.

Product Description
Mac OS X just keeps getting better! The newest cat in the pack, 10.4 Tiger, has new bells and whistles and terrific updates that make it even easier and more fun to use, which is why you won't want to miss out on the helpful guidance this book has to offer.

Written by "Dr. Mac" himself, veteran Macintosh expert Bob LeVitus, Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies is perfect whether you're brand-new to the Mac or you're a longtime Mac-thusiast. You'll find sections on

• Basic Mac usage, including keyboard and mouse, menus, windows, the Dock, saving and backing up files, and getting around OS X
• Internet ins and outs, how to print from your Mac, and the how and why of System Preferences
• How to set up a network, share files, and troubleshoot problems
• Step-by-step installation instructions for OS X, and a lot more

Bob LeVitus reaches over a million readers weekly with his "Dr. Mac" column in the Houston Chronicle, and his books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. In this one, he helps you

• Find your way around the new Finder, go Web surfing with the cool new Safari browser, and search smarter with Spotlight
• Use Preferences to personalize your system for the way you work
• Handle removable media, including CDs, DVDs, and even classic devices like zip drives
• Manage files, use file sharing, and protect your precious data -painlessly
• Take advantage of Dashboard widgets, navigate nested folders, and make the most of Tiger

With the friendly and expert advice in this book, you'll tame the Tiger in no time. Then, when you're ready to delve deeper into some of the specific applications like digital media, check out other For Dummies guides, including iLife '04 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (ISBN 0-7645-7347-0).

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Review of Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy (Paperback)

I have been using a Mac since 1989 and was floored when I got my new iMac and couldn't figure out where to even find files!! I bought this book out of deperation and it has been invaluable in helping me figure out everything from how to set up printers in Classic mode to making MP3s to burning CDs. And it is EASY to follow (follow by picture). Buy it.

Product Description
Relax. Learning how to use Mac OS X 10.2 is now a breeze. Using this book as your guide, you'll master its many features in no time. From the basics of folders and files to managing multiple users, this book covers everything you need to get up and running quickly with the latest version of this popular operating system.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of Keynote Fast & Easy (Paperback)

Not enough in depth information. I ordered this book as soon as I purchased Keynote, but by the time it came (one week later) I already knew everything the book covered!The section on charts is a joke!It tells you nothing!Very disappointing.

Product Description
Relax. Now you can easily create and deliver impressive presentations using Keynote. Targeting just the skills you need, Keynote Fast & Easy offers step-by-step instructions and plenty of screen shots for creating new presentations, importing data, adding special touches like animation and transition effects, and delivering your final slideshow. With Keynote Fast & Easy you simply look and learn!

From the Publisher
Enables readers to quickly and easily develop their ownKeynote presentations that look like they required hours to create,but really only took a few minutes! Educates Keynote users on how tocreate sophisticated presentations that include an amazing variety ofvideo and audio effects including Keynote's professional themes,advanced 3D transitions, and more. Explains the basics, but alsoincludes many tips and tricks to help readers get the most out ofKeynote. Extensive coverage of Keynote's powerful charts and tablestool enables readers to deliver information in meaningful andinteresting ways.

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Review of Mac OS X Leopard For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

I am a first time Mac owner, and I thought this would be just what I needed.IF the authorspent less time on being cute,and more on being informative,it might work.There were so many things that were barely touched on including"Mail"that if you are a first time Mac user this book does little to make you feel comfortable with it. Spend a few more dollars and get the"The Missing Manual Leopard Edition. David Pogue takes up almost 900 pages toexplain what you need to know as opposed to"Dummies" 450 pages.

Product Description
Mac OS X Leopard is the new cat in town, and wait until you see all the tricks it can do! Whether you're new to the Mac or a longtime Mac-thusiast, Mac OS X Leopard For Dummies is the fun and friendly way to have your Leopard purring in no time.

While the Mac has built its reputation in part on being user-friendly, OS X Leopard has lots of features that do lots of things-and that's where Mac OS X Leopard For Dummies puts you a step ahead. If you're meeting your first Mac, start at the beginning and you'll feel like a pro in no time. If you're familiar with earlier incarnations of OS X, you can jump right to the chapters on organizing your files and getting a sneak peek with Quick Look, backing up with the cool new Time Machine, using Spaces to manage Finder and application windows, and getting down with all the cool Mac multimedia features.

Mac OS X Leopard For Dummies shows you how to:

• Customize your Dock and desktop
• Search smarter with Spotlight
• Sync your contacts and calendars
• Watch movies, play music, and download digital photos or video
• Start video chats on the fly
• Surf the Web with Safari-safely
• Get organized with Spaces
• Run Microsoft Windows on an Intel-based Mac
• Protect your kids with Parental Controls
• Set up a network and share files

Written by Bob LeVitus, a.k.a. "Dr. Mac", Mac OS X Leopard For Dummies is quite likely the fastest and easiest way to tame a Leopard!

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