Customer Reviews

iPod + iTunes Starter Kit (Includes 3 free song downloads from Apple iTunes plus a CD with free software products)

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The revolution in the production of music for the individual consumer began with the invention of the phonograph. Now an equally revolutionary advance has been made with the invention of the wildly popular iPod technology. iPod And iTunes Starter Kit by Brad Miser is an ideal 432-page instructional reference which provides all of the information that non-specialist general reader music fans need to get the most out these amazing digital music tools. Ranging from the basics of listening to audio CDs, to advanced customizing of music on an iPod, the iPod And iTunes Starter Kit will comprehensively equip both Windows and Mac users who have never explored digital audio to master digital music by using these tools. If you have an iPod, then you need to read Brad Miser's iPod And iTunes Starter Kit!

Do you own an iPod? According to the latest numbers a lot of you do. As for my self I don't, but I do use iTunes quite often. One of the things I like about my Apple computer is that it's very easy to use. Which is why I had to read this book. I thought to myself, why in world would anyone need a starter kit book for iTunes and the iPod. Every Apple computer I have every used has been extremely user friendly with no hidden secrets waiting to be discovered (unlike the PC I use everyday for work).

So, why do you need this book? Well, because you spent a lot of money on your iPod and want to make sure you use it to its fullest potential.

iPod and iTunes Starter Kit covers just about everything you need to know. The book obviously is split into two parts. The first section covers the iPod and the second ITunes.

The iPod section is very thorough. Detailed instructions take you step by step from installation to purchasing accessories. Learn how to store important events on your iPods calendar and connect your iPod to your cars stereo system are just few example of topics covered.

The iTunes section is great. You can learn how to download album artwork off the web. Read about how to manage your account iTunes music store.

The tag line for the book reads "Everything you need for digital music, start to finish!" I would have to agree. This easy to read iPod/Itunes reference would be a great addition to all iPod/Itunes users.

The iPod is deceptively simple. It is true that when fully configured with your music tests, it is quite easy to use. But a lot of this operational simplicity is due to complexity being pushed off onto a Mac or PC. A large part of the book addresses the installation and usage of that software, in its interaction with your iPod. Which also includes the iTunes. The book's CD has a copy of the code. But the author correctly suggests that you consider downloading the newest version from Apple directly.

The book has an amusing chapter on toys for the iPod. Basically, these are often fashion accessories. None are essential, but the iPod has tapped into a lifestyle zeitgeist echoed by the chapter. Like a MarWare SportSuit Safari case for the iPod. That looks like a mutant tribble.

The iPod and iTunes Starter Kit by Tim Robertson is quite disappointing. While it is very long, it is far from exhaustive because of the superficial level its coverage of many important topics. The Rough Guide to iPods & iTunes is about a third of the price ($8.09 versus $23.09), but its treatment of such matters as compression codecs (MP3, AAC,and the like) is lucid, informative, and quite easy for a non-expert to follow. By contrast, Robertson's book is trite and formulaic in the way that many of the less helpful Dummies and Idiots books are. Bottom line: Don't waste your money - buy the excellent Rough Guide.

i said this before and am saying it again: this book is a waste of paper - let alone the energy it took to be produced.

the content may serve the absolute beginner for maybe a few weeks - anyone searching for true information - for instance on such simple questions as how to authorize an ipod on several computers - is left in the dark. on top of that, 1/4th of the book is filled with additional purchase suggestions ('toys for your ipod'). not surprisingly, most of the index is also taken up by this backhanded advertising.

unless you are looking for only the most basic information, save your money and go for another - any other! - guide. this book will become a dustcollector in no time; instead, the internet turned out to be a much better source...

i am sorry to say that this turned out to be a completely useless purchase, containing very limited information.

the content may serve the absolute beginner for maybe a few weeks - anyone searching for true information - for instance on such simple questions as how to authorize an ipod on several computers - is left in the dark. on top of that, 1/4th of the book is filled with additional purchase suggestions ('toys for your ipod'). not surprisingly, most of the index is also taken up by these 'accessories'.

unless you are looking for only the most basic information, save your money and go for another - any other! - guide. this book will become a dustcollector in no time; instead, the internet is a much better source...

this book is a waste of paper - let alone the energy it took to be produced.