Meet my new favorite book! A few weeks ago I purchased my first Mac and made the brave "switch." I'm being sarcastic; I had used a Mac before, so it wasn't like I was diving into something completely new and foreign. Still, I was planning to replace my five-and-a-half-year-old PC laptop and I wanted to make sure everything was just right, which is why I didn't hesitate to buy one of those big ol' tech manuals to go along with it -- and I'm quite satisfied with my MISSING MANUAL.
Granted, I didn't do nearly as much research on a manual for my new computer as I did in picking the computer itself, but I knew that I wanted something thorough that wasn't condescending. I recognized the author's name from his New York Times columns, and I liked how encyclopedic it was -- the very thorough index, the bold section headings, the fact that there weren't eight chapters on how to turn it on but I could get to "All I see is the beachball and I can't force quit!" within 30 seconds. I own a few "Idiots' Guides" and "...For Dummies" books, but when it comes to my laptop I wanted to feel like I was at least partly in control. (Ha!)
I realize this is kind of a niche review, but I really liked this book for what it was. I'm thinking about picking up a copy for my dad when his office switches to Leopard. I've barely scratched the surface of what I can do with my new machine, but at least I know I'll have something to bail me out should I accidentally push the "Delete Everything, Then Taunt User" button.
As for the new computer? Holy mackerel, technology sure has improved since 2002.
3 comments:
I really want a Macbook. A lot. I am just waiting for my Dell to die. And then I am making the switch. And getting a book similar to this one. Maybe I'll get this exact one. Thanks for the review.
Dude, congrats on making the switch! I am dying to get a new Mac... but my also-5-1/2-year-old Powerbook just keeps on tickin', bless its old heart.. and I ain't making much money lately.
Jess - I definitely recommend making the switch. My old laptop is technically still alive and doing service as a DVD player (I don't have a TV), but my baby Mac is so much better.
Sarah - that's good to hear, though, that your laptop has had such a long life!
Post a Comment