This is the Safari online edition of the printed book.

This popular book shows readers how to take advantage of the iLife '08 applications that to many are the coolest parts of using a Mac. Through tutorials, tips, and techniques readers will learn how to use each of the powerful applications -- individually and as part of an integrated, interactive suite. Robin and John also cover the features of the immensely popular .Mac Web Gallery, which enables you to share your iPhoto library with family and friends with just a few clicks. Friendly, practical instructions will have new and veteran Mac owners using all that's new in the suite in no time. They'll find everything about getting on the Internet and using email; using the way-cool iChat AV, which adds audio and video to instant messaging; using iTunes, including access to the iTunes Music Store; the new video libary in iMovie; new organization and editing tools in iPhoto; new animated themes in iDVD; and much more!

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 7 Ratings

Greatest author in the world - 2008-11-02
Reviewer Rating:
This author is just excellent. I cannot say enough about her. She takes the technical out of technology and speaks to us like a friend. She is the Pulitizer-worthy author of computer books. What can I say to convince you. She is very cool as well as being totally informed about the software and hardware she writes about

Many missing pages. Poor quality printing and figures. - 2008-09-05
Reviewer Rating:
I got this from Amazon with 46 pages missing. The print looks like it was run off an old black and white 1960's era Zerox machine and stapled in a binder. I told Amazon about the missing pages and they sent a new one quickly. Apparently no one read my note and Amazon sent another copy that had exactly the same missing pages. I returned that one too and asked for a refund. Wasted time!
I liked Robin William's books, but quality control is lacking at both the publishers and Amazon.

Good book, but not Robin's best work - 2009-03-23
Reviewer Rating:
Robin Williams (the writer and graphic designer, not the actor) has rightly earned her crown as Queen of the Mac. Her writings on Macintosh software is simply outstanding. While "Cool Mac Apps" isn't her best work, it's still a great book and compliments other books on how to use Leopard. In fact, this book should be seen as a companion to her other books on Leopard, most notably her "Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Peachpit Learning Series." "Cool Mac Apps" expects a basic understanding of how to use the Mac and the Leopard operating system.

The book assumes you have iLife '08 and Leopard installed, and while focusing on iLife, it still covers such Leopard applications as iCal, Mail, Address Book, Safari, iChat and Time Machine. I would have suggested calling this an iLife book, but with the addition of some of the more practical applications that don't fit into the iLife series, that wouldn't make much sense either.

Overall the book is a competent overview of iLife and other Leopard applications. The book was lacking in some of Robin Williams' trademark design. In fact, this book read like most other books on computers. The writing was a bit dense and lacking in full color photos and white space that increases readability. Dare I saw the book was a bit boring? The writing in individual chapters consisted mostly of features, menu commands and preferences and was lacking in practical applications or exercises.

After reading this book, don't expect to become an expert in any of these subjects, but if you feel you want to "dabble" a bit more and don't want to buy a whole book on iPhoto or iDVD, this may be a good book for you. This might be a good "in-between" book to help a reader determine if they want to explore iLife further. I would recommend this book to a Mac beginner who understands the basics of their new Mac, but wonders what all those programs that came with the computer can do.

Pros: Broad coverage of programs that come with new Macs
Cons: Lacks readability and practical application

Cool Mac Apps - 2009-09-18
Reviewer Rating:
This is a very concise but well explained book. It is easy to read and follow.The illustrations are clear and accurate. An excellent book for anyone, especially those of us who are not well versed in computer usage.

Good Over-view of Applications - 2009-04-22
Reviewer Rating:
As a new Mac owner I needed something to help me navigate through the jungle of options, widgets events and albums which differ from folders for filing pictures, menus and much, much more.
I have had my new computer for 1 month and now I feel comfortable thanks to the information garnered from this book.

Browse Similar Topics

Top Level Categories:
Operating Systems

Sub-Categories:
Operating Systems > Macintosh OS