The Macintosh iLife 06

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Suppose you are upgrading or buying the iLife 06 package suite. You either want to update or learn new information about the new features concerning iPhoto, iTunes, the iMovie HD, iDVD, Garageband and the new iWeb applications within the suite. You would like to find a more efficient way "jump starting" the learning process about one or more of these applications. Gaining some immediate new knowledge in the way of tips, hints and techniques would be good. Also learning from in-depth tutorials, using screenshots and visuals assisted by precise step-by-step, easily readable instructions would be good as well. Well if your aim is one or more of these ideas, The Macintosh iLife 06 by Jim Heid is the book you should buy.

Mr. Heid picks up where he left off with the previous version iLife 05. A contributing editor to MacWorld magazine, he not only shows you how to use the software but how to use the applications in so many ways. With brilliant clarity, using an intuitive explanations, Heid sifts through a myriad of techniques that can be used by all level of users. Novice users can start "fresh" and learn from a beginning point of view. Intermediate or advanced users will gain practical and perspectives and additional learning ideas to use with any of the applications. As novice users progress, they will be able to gain a better appreciation of using the applications in more advanced ways and utilize the tools in an ever expanding way.

The 408-page book uses a very authoritative style but a style that is very easy to learn and understand. Seven chapter encompass the use of the iLife applications, while integrating and demonstrating the new enhancements of version '06. The author does not “pull any punches” because he does mention that the iLife applications are always evolving. To catch up you can look at updates in his companion website http://www.macilife.com. This is a nice touch for being an informed user of the book and iLife 06.

While all the applications are relatively easy to use, the book helps any user learn more about the applications in the suite, in so many ways.The author explain with the clarity of words but visuals also helps to clarify the understand. Line pointers show where parts of the full color screenshots are positioned so there is no guesswork. Examples photos, color screenshots windows of the applications and other visuals make reading a very pleasurable instructional experience.

Mr. Heid outdoes himself by including remarkable little known tips and ideas concerning all the applications found in the chapters. These are very insightful and will help any users to become more efficient and productive. By reading the book, you will have more fun with all the applications. You can also learn more about blogs, using raw images, using HD videos and for your DVD,expanding your knowledge with Garageband, mastering your digital camera, using audio and visual filters and effects and much more.

This book is exceptional in many ways. I can’t say enough about the breadth and depth in which the book is written but also the intuitive feelings he brings to each chapter that makes the step-by-step instructions understandable. It is not only a joy to read but makes your mind think about other ways to use iLife. In that ways it will help you go beyond just learning about the applications advanced your thinking about integrating all the applications as well. By reading a book,like this, you can gain a better appreciation of using computer tools and being more creative yourself. I recommend this book for those just starting out on iLife, updating from earlier versions of iLife and going beyond iLife 06 itself. " The sky is the limit" when you read this book. Read it and see how high you can soar.