Apple Training Series: Desktop and Portable Systems (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Moira Gagen (Author)
Key Phrases: symptom charts, resetting the power manager, network troubleshooting, Knowledge Base, Mac Pro, Extreme Card (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This authoritative, Apple-Certified training course is designed both for professionals who support Apple computers as well as Macintosh enthusiasts who want to upgrade, service, or troubleshoot their favorite systems. Fully revised, this third edition includes Apple's new models with Intel processors, the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. Keyed to the learning objectives of the Apple Desktop Service and Apple Portable Service certification exams, this is the companion curriculum used in AppleCare Technician Training courses worldwide. The book starts out with basic computer theory and underlying technologies, then moves on to cover everything from networking to the nitty-gritty steps and diagrams for upgrading and troubleshooting six sample computer models.

About the Author

The Apple Training Series serves as both a self-paced learning tool and a companion resource for the AppleCare Technician and Apple Customer Training Programs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 3 edition (May 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321455010
• ISBN-13: 978-0321455017
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,661 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Apple > Desktop Publishing
  #7 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Hardware > Maintenance, Repair & Upgrading
  #32 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Hardware > PCs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learn to Repair Macintosh Computers, July 23, 2007

By	Hartley J. Jackson (Lyndonville, VT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is intended for use in, "An Apple Certified hardware training course designed for professionals who support Apple computes and Mac enthusiasts who want to upgrade, service, or troubleshoot their favorite machines."

This book is surprisingly readable considering that it is the official book for Certification preparation for: Apple Certified Desktop Technician, and Apple Certified Portable Technician ACPT.

The book begins with a chapter on reference materials and how to get them. Many of these materials are publicly available. Others are only available to those certified in an Apple-authorized service training program. However, Peachpit has provided a web site containing the necessary resources for registered purchasers of this book.

I would recommend this book for you if you are seriously interested in learning more about how your Macintosh laptop or desktop system works and what it is like inside, or you are generally interested in how and what an AppleCare Technician is trained to do. However, you are warned that if you are going to take your computer apart, no matter how carefully you follow the instructions, you will probably void your warranty.

AppleCare Technician Training costs $299 for one year of on-line training and resources. One review complained that the training was all on-line. No books were provided which made it more difficult to learn. <...> So, you might want to buy this book even if you are going to spend $299 to start their training.

If you are, or want to become, a Macintosh guru or if you seriously want to learn how to repair your own computer regardless of the risk, I think you would learn a lot from this book

If you simply want to learn more about maintaining and troubleshooting your Macintosh there are other sources that may more will directly meet your interests.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Apple Systems Certification Within Reach Thanks to Desktop and Portable Systems, 3rd. 3d., February 9, 2008

A Kid's Review

This book is one of many in the Apple Training Series covering fundamental aspects of Apple Hardware, OS X, and Pro Aps. A search of Amazon.com for Apple Training Series should uncover the other titles.

Recently Apple Computer made some changes that readers may want to know about. These changes affect Certification of Apple Technicians who service, troubleshoot, upgrade, maintain and support Apple systems. As of February 7, 2008, the distinction between Apple Desktop and Portable Systems is removed in favor of a single certification, Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT).

This book addresses the needs of those pursuing this Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT) and includes instruction about Resources and how to find more information about servicing and supporting Apple's premier hardware equipment.

But you may be interested in purchasing this book if you need or want to delve deeper into the workings of your Apple hardware, are on the path to becoming a technician, or work for an AASP or are an Apple Self-Servicing Customer.

Apple Desktop and Portable Systems, 3rd Ed. covers the five main computers in Apple's front line, including the iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro. Topics include troubleshooting and take-apart of these systems, including the Apple Troubleshooting Workflow Chart for diagnosing hardware woes and includes a complete step-by-step description of the Apple Troubleshooting method.

The section covering the troubleshooting methodology is very useful for technicians because it teaches us how to solve problems and become a more insightful technician. Even if you're not a technician, you can still benefit if you've ever had a computer glitch, this section will give you the tools needed to solve more effectively any problems you might encounter.

If you are a technician, or would like more information on becoming one yourself, Apple Desktop and Portable Systems, 3rd Ed. contains essential knowledge needed to pass the Apple hardware certification exam. The sections on take-apart on each of the computers in the book contains reprints from the Service Manuals, which Apple generally shares with its customers.

This book is highly readable and has a smooth flow to it that makes it a worthwhile read and contains essential information for servicing and supporting Apple's front-line computer offering. Highly recommended.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for Apple laptop and desktop cert., March 26, 2009

By	Samuel J. Sharper "S. Sharper" (Silver Spring, MD US) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After obtaining my ACHDS, the way the materials were presented in this book helped me to easily transitioned between chapters.