"IPod, the Missing Manual, Seventh Ed.," is an update and improvement of a book which has already distinguished itself for excellence in providing guidance for iPod users. It is one of Pogue Press's Missing Manual series which itself is a benchmark for computer books of its type. This edition of "iPod"covers the latest and greatest iPods, the iTunes software, and accessories for the iPod as well as further polishing the presentation formula of the "iPod Missing Manual" editions.
The book is lavishly produced in glossy paper and full-color graphics. There are graphics on nearly every page. The well-designed layout has nicely contrasting headings, body type, sidebars, and illustrations, which make it easy to read and understand the well-written material. The content is covered thoroughly and comprehensively. It covers nearly everything an iPod user needs to know to utilize the machine to its fullest, from using the iPod within minutes out of the box, to learning all of the applications, menus, synching options, and connection options to the Internet. The ending chapter discusses troubleshooting.
There are chapters devoted to each function of the iPod - music, photos, videos, productivity applications, games, and Web access and e-mail (for the Touch). Throughout there are useful and interesting Notes and Tips. The book covers all of the current iPod models - Mac and PC -and highlights recommended connection hardware for using the iPod with a TV, external speakers, radio, streaming over wireless devices, and in the car.
Much of the newer content deals with the iPod's flagship, the Touch, which supports Web surfing, e-mail, and numerous third-party applications available for downloading from the Apple Store. The chapters and segments are organized in such a way that you can selectively read only those parts which apply to your specific iPod model, but the whole book is an easy read.
There is plenty of information and suggestions on customizing the iPod to suit your needs and tastes, both software wise and with hardware accessories. The issues of digital rights management and legal workarounds are well explained.
The only way this book could be better would be if it included a coupon for a free iPod.
