iPod and iTunes for Dummies (4th Edition)

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Authors: Tony Bove and Cheryl Rhodes Publisher: Wiley http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470048948.html Released: October 2006 (there is a 5th edition) Pages: 432 $ 22 USD, $ 15 CND, 15 GBP ISBN-10: 0470048948 ISBN-13: 978-047004894

Strengths: Good breadth and depth of information. Solid basics about the iPod and iTunes and covers different generational information about the iPod even video. Last section is most useful for intermediate to advanced users but possibly before chapter 16 as well.   Weaknesses: Black and white. Music Match, working with your iPod music library is for PC windows (only). Novice/Intermediate/Advanced

 

Introduction

 

The iPod has ushered a revolution into the music world with its computer music presence. Together the iPod and its popular software, iTunes are listened by many music lovers, that use PC and Macs. It is nice to know that this software and hardware are now available for both PC and Mac users but also has has expanded from just audio but now includes video. To assist with the learning for all users is the nicely updated book iPod and iTunes for Dummies (4th Edition).

 

The authors have written books related to computing, desktop publishing and multimedia. In addition, Tony is a composer and touring musician. So I decided to check out the book for an in-depth look at the mp3 player and the software. In addition, since I don’t play music, I wanted to find out what Tony could teach me about music that relates to the hardware and software and if there are any new “twists” I could learn.

 

The book includes 28 chapters which span a full range of ideas and information about iPod and iTunes. Part 1 deals with setting up and working with media content while Part 2 focus is on managing your media content. Part 3 keys on the iPod while Part 4 has information on using advanced techniques with audio encoding and working with your iTunes library. Part 5 outlines additional ways to work with your iPod while part 6, “The part of Tens” has information on problems, solutions and tips for the equalizer. The index includes Musicmatch Jukebox, managing the library while the bonus chapter 3, includes advanced Music match techniques. Chapter 4 rounds out this bonus section with internet resources.

 

Of course, the review would not be the same without pointing out the other helpful informational icons “peppered” throughout the book. These are part of many of the Dummies books that include additional helpful information to find and learn about. Five icons that are placed throughout the pages. These (Tip; Technical stuff; Warning!; Remember; on the Web) serve to include precise additional information that assists along the way regarding the instructions.

 

I don’t take the music with me all the time as a I travel, workout or use in my car. I myself don’t yet have an iPod but I enjoy my music on iTunes on my computer. I don’t have thousands of songs that I listen to and I prefer to listen to some radio stations or watching TV while I work out. But I do appreciate the iTunes features. Keeping up with the iPods is important computer wise but also keeps me abreast when I might be one for my wife and/or myself.

 

Conclusion

 

This book is well written, is easy to read and provides much that is useful to beginners and intermediate users. The basics are well covered with helpful hints along the way that you might not know about Chapter 6, planning and using content was particularly good as there was information on AirTunes and more about streaming radio. Additional information about updating, library information, using your iPod for a TV or as well as the iTunes organization of files and sharing was also solid. but the best part I found most useful, were the chapters beyond 16. Loads of good information about wireless information, sound and music ideas including nice section about utilizing the equalizer, encoding audio, enhancing your music library, mobile iPod on the move and more. Ten iPod problems and solutions is well done. There is also four chapters (on a Windows PC only), found on the internet dealing with Music Match, to work with your iPod music library. This is the first time I have seen information about this so if you have a PC, iPod and iTunes this may be most helpful.

 

Recommendation

 

All in all this book is a good resource library for those starting with iPod and iTunes on a Mac or PC. Even if you don’t have an iPod, the section on iTunes and learning how to use the radio section and more is beneficial. Solid in breadth and depth, easy to understand and has more to help you master iPod and iTunes. That’s not bad for a black and white book.