The Macintosh isn't meant to be a computer, really, but rather an appliance that enables you to have more fun, and enjoy yourself in novel ways (hence iLife, Apple's name for a set of hardware and software technologies primarily for home users). The Macintosh iLife 2004 combines multimedia presentations on a DVD with printed illustrations and text. The combination should enable even the most timid technophobe to assemble a new Macintosh, connect it to the Internet, then hook up a digital camera and an iPod to the system--and use the collection of devices to gather music online, edit video, publish photos on the Web, and create multimedia DVDs. The book, in short, covers everything a young family would want to do with their Mac in order to keep the folks at home up to date on the growth of a grandchild.

The printed portion of this publication (the book) uses many screen shots. There are often three or four on a single page, cropped to call attention to the important parts of each. Callouts--arrows and captions--highlight key controls and other features on each screen shot; they serve as how-to instructions. The DVD can run on a computer or DVD-equipped television, and includes both video lectures and full-motion screen captures. The DVD helpfully makes reference to pages in the book. --David Wall

Topics covered: How to use the iLife series of applications and hardware devices. Coverage touches on iTunes (music, on the Internet and on an iPod), iPhoto (editing, sorting, and publishing photos from a digital camera), iMovie (editing video), iDVD (burning multimedia DVDs), and GarageBand (creating music).

Book Description

The first and best book about iLife is better than ever! The Macintosh iLife '04 is a revised and expanded version of Jim Heid's bestselling book/DVD on Apple's personal digital media studio.

The new book is updated to cover the latest iLife '04 applications,including complete coverage of GarageBand, the iTunes Music Store (including iTunes 4.5), and the latest iPod models. Its innovative, full-color design puts everything you need to know about iLife and digital media at your fingertips -- each two-page spread is a self-contained tutorial or set of tips on a specific subject, all written in the friendly, crystal-clear style that has made Jim Heidone of the most admired writers and instructors in the Mac community.

The companion DVD-Video disc is all new, and contains two hours of videoinstruction on all five iLife applications -- watch over Jim Heid's shoulder as he creates iLife projects ranging from slideshows to music videos to original GarageBand compositions. The DVD also includes software, GarageBand loops, and more. Inspiration guaranteed!

About the Author
Jim Heid, co-author of Sell it on eBay: TechTV's Guide to Successful Online Auctions, is one of the most respected computer authors and trainers in the United States. He began using eBay in 1998 to feed his wife's fondness for poodle paraphernalia. A columnist for Macworld magazine since 1985, he's the author of several best-selling books, including The Macintosh iLife.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The first and best book about iLife is better than ever! The Macintosh iLife 04 is a revised and expanded version of Jim Heid's bestselling book/DVD on Apple's personal digital media studio.

The new book is updated to cover the latest iLife 04 applications, including complete coverage of GarageBand, the iTunes Music Store, and the latest iPod models. Its innovative, full-color design puts everything you need to know about iLife and digital media at your fingertips -- each two-page spread is a self-contained tutorial or set of tips on a specific subject, all written in the friendly, crystal-clear style that has made Jim Heid one of the most admired writers and instructors in the Mac community.