Last updated 12/14/2004

PowerBook (iBook) Fan Book

PowerBook Fan Book
Love at First Boot
ISBN 0-596-00817-1

iBook Fan Book
Smart and Beauiful to Boot
ISBN 0-596-00861-9

Author: Derrick Story
Publisher:O'Reilly
125 pages ... $14.95

Isn't it difficult to imagine anyone writing a fan book for a computer other than a Macintosh? What PowerBook owner would argue with Derrick Story when he writes, your PowerBook represents the pinnacle of Apple engineering. It has evolved over the years to become the finest laptop available anywhere on any platform. And, what iBook owner would argue with him when he writes, Your iBook is truly the 'think different' computer. In today's market, there is no laptop like it. Well, maybe we could argue that they both represent a pinnacle of design, a think different machine, and the finest available for their markets.

Whether you want to own the iBook Fan Book or the PowerBook Fan Book depends upon which computer you own.

The range of topics is the same. Bonding with and personalizing your computer. Getting started with your computer and on the Internet, Organizing your life with Address Book, iCal, and Stickies notes. Your digital lifestyle with iPhoto, iTunes, and iMovie. And, iBook or PowerBook on the go.

These books would be nice to help the new owner to get started. There are references to Help and to Apple URLs for more information, and to some other O'Reilly Missing Manuals, when the new owner feels the need for more information.

These books would also be nice for the many users who do not want to Read The Full Manual.

They may serve as a Fan Book. in two ways. First, put them out where other people can see them, and ask your friends who do not understand why Macintosh to read the little book.

But, what I like best is the way these books lead you into considering your Macintosh laptop as the hub around which you can organize and enrich your life.

These books were obviously inspired by the very successful iPod Fan Book which O'Reilly translated and published from the Japanese version. Derrick Story and O'Reilly are to be congratulated on the way they took the concept and format and applied it the iBook and PowerBook.

If you are an iBook or PowerBook owner, and consider yourself a fan, I would recommend that you look at this Fan Book. In the unlikely event that you are an iBook or PowerBook owner and do not consider yourself a fan, maybe you need this Fan Book. And, if you do not own either an iBook or a PowerBook, I am sure that O'Reilly or your bookstore would be willing to sell you a book so you could see what you are missing.

For more information or to buy a copy of iBook Fan Book or PowerBook Fan Book go to
http://www.oreilly.com