Macs Portable Genius

 

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

 

Author: Paul MacFedries Publisher: Wiley 10475 Crosspoint Blvd Indianapolis, IN 46256   Released: Oct. 2008   $25 USD, $28 CND Pages: 368 ISBN: 978-0-470-29052-1   Strengths:  The information is extensive and is integrated with the screenshots, tables, visuals and more.Provides good information on upgrading various Mac computers. Colorful, easy to read and covers a broad range of topics concerning the Leopard Operating system.    Additional helpful information is provided in the way ot short tutorial sections entitled notes, genius, Caution. The tutorials and information are well done and provide much assistance for those Mac users who want to become familiar and gain and understanding of their system. Good for those who are starting with Macs or want to become more efficient with the use of their Mac computer.

Weaknesses: Remarkably this titled book does not say anything about the different types of Mac computers to start off with.

 

Introductiion 

These new series of Apple guidebooks are entitled “ Portable Genius”. Each of these useful books is colorful, informative and provides helpful tips and easy to read shortcuts that will help you learn more efficiently. This one focuses on the use of hardware Macintosh systems. 

 

The author has written four dozen technical and computer related books and is a Macintosh expert. Possibly that is why the emphasis is more on the “parts “ versus the Mac Computer themselves. Possibly that was the intent but I still find it strange that a book named Macs does not began with a full run down on different types of Macintosh computers. 

 

The book includes  12 chapters within its 345 pages. The information is well laid out. Light blue bars at the top of the pages have the titles of the chapters which makes access of the chapters a little easier. This colorful, easily readable screenshots also have informational/ titles that are targeted with lines the and zone in exactly where the specific information is so that you don’t have to “fish around to find them”. This makes for easy reading with less words that focuses upon the visuals  on your screen/desktops.

 

Additional tables, desktop screenshots highlight more information that are straightforward and crisp in terms of understanding, knowing and searching for helpful information that is targeted by the text (which is kept to the minimum). The different coloration of the text and boldface fonts serve to offer better reading though out the book.  This book starts off with connecting and configuring devices.

 

This book focuses more on desktops then laptop type Macintosh which is emphasized with the fact that in the index has Mac laptop information that primarily emphasizes upgrading these units. There is a wide variety of information in this chapter concerning working with fax machines, printers, external displays and more.

 

The photos of the cables, adapters and devices are well done. Anyone seeing these photos will know what needs to be used as promoted by the tutorials and information. Further chapters focus on specifics such as using Bluetooth devices, synchronizing the Mac and other devices, becoming a more efficient  internet user,  organizing life online, communicating while using your Mac. Running and keeping your Macintosh health and running smoothly, upgrading your Mac are well done sections. Upgrading your Macintosh is a very good section with much good advice, helpful information and many good ideas and suggestions that can take advantage of depending on your type of system and configuration.

 

Troubleshooting is also covered with a good chapter that keys on solving Mac software, hardware , solving hardware problems, and running Windows on your system. I think it is kind of ironic that this chapter comes after troubleshooting your Mac ( in other words is this a mixed message about using Windows on your computer?).  The Appendix includes Mac online resources, Mac shortcut keys, a glossary. The index is extensive and highlights parts, hardware and many specific tools and additional information. This index helps you find more of what you need to know that is in or around your Mac.  

 

Conclusions 

 

You first need to discover more about your particular desktop Mac by reading the manuals and other books that have specific information about desktop Macs. The best thing are the visuals, the integration with the tutorials and detailed information. Colorful, bright and authoritative, this book as well as the series has a lot of good information for beginners but also those who want to find out more about using their operating system and computer a more efficient one. This book will save you time if you are using a desktop Mac.

 

You can probably use this book if you have a laptop as well. This book can help save you time and make you a more efficient learner of your desktop computer.  If you need to upgrade your system in the future or now then this book will be most helpful.