iPhone: The Missing Manual

I found many things in the book that I would not have found on my own. Very useful.

I finally coughed up the $500 for the coveted iPhone, and swallowed the bitter pill of having to be indentured to a cell phone company for another 2 years. And I couldn't be more thrilled with the purchase! I LOVE my iPhone - some would say a little too much.

However, my newfound love affair wouldn't be nearly as sweet if I hadn't also shelled out the $14 for iPhone: The Missing Manual.

While I would never consider myself a technogeek, I am not un-savvy in the ways of Apple computers, software and iPods. I've been using Apple products for 15-20 years. So, I was a bit concerned that this book might be a bit too much along the lines of "How To Turn On Your iPhone" -- you know, basic stuff I'd already figured out.

I was delighted to find that this book is chock full of hidden (and not so hidden) tricks and workarounds. Some of this stuff I would have NEVER figured out on my own. It's made my iPhone so much more useful and fun.

Some examples:
* How to send photos to your friend's cell phones. For some reason unknown to me, Apple didn't enable this phone to send photos directly to other cell phones. (possibly because this is more of an awesome iPod with a great phone feature, not the other way around.) Pogue gives the easy workaround, as well as the email addresses to make it happen.
* Great tips on how to use Maps. This has become an app that I use much more than I thought I would, simply because it's sooo much more in-depth and useful than I ever imagined it would be. The app isn't very intuitive, however. If I hadn't read and re-read this section in the book, I would be totally missing out on this powerful application.
* IF you don't want to be locked in to a 2-year agreement with ATT, BUY THIS BOOK BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR iPHONE!! Yep, there's a workaround for that, too!

This book is easy to read, and it's easy to remember and immediately apply its tips and tricks.

I was skeptical about this book from the beginning. I mean, you take something as simple and intuitive as an iPhone and there really is no need for it. Tricks? What tricks? I discovered most of the 'tricks' in Pogue's manual in about a week of playing around with the thing on my own. I was so disgusted with the lack of substance in this book that I sent it back to Amazon the same day I got it. I like David Pogue's columns, but I am extremely disappointed in this book.

iPhone: The Missing ManualMost important the information on the product.This manual should be included when they sell the product.It is very clear,and supplies essential and non essential information on additional software available and main use.The manual is very clear,and gets you well informed as a starting manual and as a continuing manual,when you look for comparisons with other products or new application.

Given that the iPhone doesn't come with a manual, this book is a good shortcut to figure out ways to use your phone, so I highly recommend it.
In case you're interested in learning more, you may also take a look at free eBooks such as the Everything You Need to Know About Your iPhone. Using the phone is really exciting when you learn some of the tips that are available in the book and online.