iPhone for Dummies

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Authors: Edward C. Baig and Bob LeVitus Publisher: Wiley http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470174692.html Released: September 2007 Pages: 240 $22 USD, $26 CND, £15 GBP ISBN: 978-0-470-17469-2 Novice/Intermediate/Advanced   Strengths: Good price. Intuitively written with color screenshots, illustrations and more. Covers the breadth and depth of the iPhone. Helpful hint, resources and much more. Very well done.   Weaknesses: None found.

 

Introduction

 

Many could not wait for the iPhone to arrive. Now that the iPhone is available, many are learning how to use the device. This is evident in the commercials on TV that display and communicate different ways the iPhone is being utilized using innovative ways. But if you are one who has the iPhone and wans to get “up to speed” quickly, look at iPhone for Dummies. There are several reasons why an extra few buck might help now.

 

This book is written by two computer authors. Baig is the Personal Tech columnist for USA today and Bob Levitus is Dr. Mac for the Houston Chronicle. Both have combined their knowledge to craft a book that not only looks great but covers a wide array of information about the iPhone. You know instantly as you open the first page that this book can help you.

 

This inside page starts you off with five keys to mastering multimedia with the iPhone. A model of the iPhone points where to find multimedia based areas on the device. Information concerning the iPhone’s keypad buttons and additional parts is displayed in words and visuals. “Five ways to make a Phone call, “ “working with contacts” and “five things to try when your iPhone acts up,” pave the way for learning and more that will come throughout the chapters.

 

This 240-page color guide is bright and attractive looking, as easy to look at as the iPhone itself. The authors have written an intuitively written guide. The information is easy to read with wide white area/ spaces which are complemented by many helpful photos and large screenshots. One does not have to guess where information is. Pointer arrow help while the always venerable and informative Dummies icons (Tip, Warning! , Technical Stuff , Remember!) convey more gems of wisdom.

 

The content, good for novice to advanced, cover the MP3, computer and PDA/ telephone action for the iPhone. Users who need help in all of one of these areas will enjoy reading seventeen chapters that highlight the breadth and depth of the Ipod hardware, software and more.

 

Chapters 1, 2 , 3 highlight the iPhone in particular connecting, synching and more. The next three chapters have information that many may take for granted but there are insightful hints that are good and sound. Chapter 4, “Phonedementals”, (making, receiving calls and more), Texting messages (Chapter 5). In chapter 6 , “Calendars and Calculators and Clocks, Oh my”, include solid and clear hints with clear tutorials.

 

Lots of audio pleasure to learn about with Music in Chapter 7. This chapter assists with “Get in Tune(s): Audio on your iPhone”. Going with the video visuals and more are in Chapter 8, “iPhone Video: seeing is believing”, Chapter 9, “You oughta be in pictures”, includes photos and the like.

 

Chapter 10, “ Going on Mobile safari” is about webpaging, browsing, and more while, while Chapter 11, “ The email must get through”, talks about the emails needs and uses of the iPhone. A multiple pronged tour of maps, stocks and weather is in Chapter 12 while Chapter 13, “Setting you straight on settings”, helps the understanding about preferences, general needs, and iPhone settings. Chapter 14, “ when good iPhones go bad”, helps with trouble shooting and possibly assists without having to travel to your local Apple Store.

 

Chapter 15, “Ten things for the wish list”, includes what I need before I buy one, a freedom of telephone company use which needs a hole in the AT&T contract or something) , include wishing for a GPS in the device and more. Chapter 16 has ten terrific web resources ( a real good wi-fi hint, a great iPhone website to use and learn from, shopping hints and more ). Finally Chapter 17 has ten great helpful hints, tips and shortcuts. The index is also straight forward.

 

Conclusion

 

I will be looking through this book in the near future. Like many others, I will be interested when different carriers may be possible or if somehow I sign up with the AT&T high speed I am now using. An iPhone may be in my future but if the future is now for you and you have an iPhone, look at this book and notice that it can help you make the most of using iPhone now.

 

Recommendation

 

You’ve plucked down hundreds of dollars for an iPhone and telephone monthly connection fees. Now get the most out of using all parts of it. The price is right. Easy to learn, smartly designed, this concise book will help you “connect” with your iPhone in many ways so that you can do more with it now for home, business and pleasure.