Last updated 10/20/2004

iLife '04: The Missing Manual

iLife '04: The Missing Manual
Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O'Reilly
656 pages ... $29.95
ISBN 0-596-00694-2
GarageBand - iTunes - iPhoto - iMovie - iDVD
New Secrets of the Mac as Digital Hub
The book that should have been in the box.

When you buy iLife, or a new Macintosh computer, you get iTunes 4, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and GarageBand, but no manual. These programs are as intuitive to use as Apple can make them, but you really need a manual to get the most out of them. iLife '04: The Missing Manual was written to fill this need. It meets this need very well in a clear, easy to read and easy to understand manner.

David Pogue and his creative team have already written individual Missing Manual books on iTunes, iMovie & iDVD, GarageBand, and iPhoto. I asked to review iLife '04 because I wanted to know how it differs from these other manuals, and David Pogue was kind enough to include the answer in iLife '04.

All these other books would be over 1,400 pages long, and would be 'over the 20-pound weight limit that bookstores are so picky about." They would also cost more and take up more shelf space.

The other Missing Manuals include information that is not in iLife; information you might not expect in a regular manual. IPhoto and IMovie Missing Manuals contain information about the equipment you use outside of your computer, and how to use it to get better results. GarageBand The Missing Manual includes a crash course on music and chapters on plug-ins and add-ons. iPod and iTunes The Missing Manual includes more detail on the iPod, and information for Windows PC owners.

iLife '04: The Missing Manual gives you four books for less than the price of two. David Pogue says that if you buy it you probably do not need the others. Unless you already own the individual Missing Manuals, iLife '04 is a good buy. On the other hand, But, if you are going to specialize and want the additional information in one or two areas, you may be more happy with the more specialized books.

For more information or to buy iLife '04: The Missing Manual , go to
http://www.oreilly.com