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The Mac OS X Leopard Book

Review - The Mac OS X Leopard Book

by , 2:00 PM EDT, June 27th, 2008

As a writer for beginners I love it when a Scott Kelby book arrives at my door. I know it is going to helpful. I know it is going to be easy to read, and most of all, I know I am going to have fun while I learn.

Your first clue with this 246 page Leopard book is on the cover where there is a notice that this book "works with all Macs running Mac OS X Leopard."


The Mac OS X Leopard Book

For a little book designed for beginners, there is a lot packed in here and yet, it doesn't overwhelm. The multitude of color illustrations help, but the primary tool is the writing style and method of explanation that Mr. Kelby employes. You just "get it" the first time through. Plus you get the benefit of a lot of chuckles along the way.

The chapters cover:

  • 20 Things Every New Mac User Needs to Know
  • Customizing Your Mac Your Way
  • Getting Your Life Organized
  • Unlocking Your Mac's Dashboard
  • Getting Email on Your Mac
  • Music and Your Mac
  • Playing and Making Videos on Your Mac
  • Managing Your Photos with iPhoto
  • Working With Photos on Your Mac
  • Getting on The Internet

The Bottom Line:
I recommend this book for first time users and also for anyone upgrading from Panther. I constantly come across folks are are just now making that transition and like them, I agree that there are enough differences between the two operating systems that there is a big learning curve for less experienced users. We need all the help we can get and this book is definitely on our side.

Scott Kelby has been the world's best selling author of computer books every year since 2004.


Product: The Mac OS X Leopard Book

Company: Peachpit Press

List Price: $24.99

Amazon.com Price: $16.49

5 out of 5 stars

Pros: Easy to read and humorous. Covers all the basics needed to get started using a Mac running Leopard and then moving on to more advanced skills. Plenty of helpful, color illustrations.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: Where's the review?

This isn't a review. It's a back cover blurb.

A review of a technical book requires someone to read every chapter, and comment specifically about each or generally about a few at a time. Examples also help; "chuckles along the way" doesn't tell us anything except that YOU were amused, while a quote can let the reader judge.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: The Review? What Review?

Someone asked, "Where's the review?" Good question. Unfortunately though this is what passes for a review these days. A "reviewer" copies stuff from the press release or the product's web site...or just writes a few paragraphs about "how great it is"...and that's it...a review.

In the old days an editor would fire this "reviewer"...but apparently there are no more editors.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: great review

great review but I was expecting a little more.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Kelby book

Was this a review or an advertisement? Where's the beef?

Close Name:Guest
Subject: That's it?

You could get just as much information reading the back cover of the book as reading this review. If your going to take the time to review something at least SAY something. Otherwise don't waste everyone's time.

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