Macs Portable Genius [Paperback]

"Macs Portable Genius" by Paul McFedries is a wonderful reference book for Mac owners. The "Genius" in the title refers to the helpful experts at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores.Yes, you pretty much can run your Mac right out of the box but if you want to be self sufficient and learn more about the less known features, get this book! I initially wanted this book to help give me ideas for the Mac Basics demos I do at my local User Group. I consider myself a somewhat advanced Mac user but even I learned new things from this book. There are answers to your questions without leaving home.

The chapters in the Contents are logical and provide enough information to find what you need without having to go to the Index. There is everything you need to know about various connections, syncing, the web, organization, communicating, routine maintenance, upgrading, troubleshooting software and hardware, running Windows and more. There are sections in the back of the book that contain Mac online resources (URLs and a brief description of each), time saving Mac keyboard shortcuts and a Glossary of terminology. You don't have to read this book in a linear fashion but can instead go to the section you need. The pages are easy on the eye and have large color screen shots or photos on most. No need to go for the magnifying glass! Throughout there are also helpful tips annotated with various symbols to aid you.

I especially liked the chapter titled "How Do I Use My Mac to Organize My Real Life". I have encountered Mac users who didn't know how to effectively use the Address Book, print an envelope or mailing label, or use all the great features of iCal to save you time and remember appointments and events. This book makes it easy and fun to learn. You will feel good about yourself as an empowered Mac user.

The knowledge in this book will help you learn about things you want to do with your Mac such as chatting and video conferencing or synchronizing with an iPod or iPhone. Want to access your Mac remotely or create a web site? It's all here.

In the trouble shooting chapters the author provides easy and logical answers to a problem. There is also plenty concerning how to keep your Mac in tip top shape with routine maintenance. You don't have to be a nerd as the author makes it easy to understand. You can go into areas of your computer if you wish without fear! Scary areas such as the Terminal, Activity Monitor or even opening the computer case to upgrade without feeling faint!

I think that this book is very useful and every Mac owner should have a copy in their library.

I find this book extremely helpful in providing information about Macs. As an "older" Mac user I needed advise about the capabilities of my computer and how to solve computer issues. This book is it! From the hip good-looking kid on the cover to the last page, I am thoroughly enjoying this book and find it very useful. A must for all Mac users!

If you own a Mac, 1st timer or pro, this book should be on your bookshelf. Easy to read, reference, and follow, "Macs Portable Genius" will not only walk you through basic training in using your Mac, how it works and setting it up, but also guide you as you try to trouble shoot and fix/repair it if ever needed. I found more useful information in this book then on the internet. I recently had to repair my HD Volume, (HAVING NO IDEAL WHAT THAT MENT OR HOW TO GO ABOUT IT) I searched for hours on the internet and still ended up not completely sure of what I was doing. The next day I came across this book and after flipping through it, found all the answers I had needed. "Macs Portable Genius" covers all Macs - Mackbooks, Macbook Pros and iMacs, even breaking down how to remove/replace/upgrade your computers hard drive or memory. (Which I was planning on doing fairly soon)

DIY or not, this makes a great book to have lying around for reading or incase of an emergency!