In November 2006 I bought my first Apple iPod. While I resisted doing so to the very end it finally came down to "It has everything that I wanted." So off I went to Best Buy and $250 plus tax later I was on my way home. My excitement with my new purchase ended quickly however. Considering that Apple people are always cramming down the throats of PC (Windows) users how superior Apple products are in ease of use, design, stability and what not I was to say the least shocked that a company known for these things and given the price paid couldn't include a printed user's guide. But, it got more shocking, they couldn't even include a CD with iTunes on it, the thing nearly worthless without iTunes. Both of these things had to downloaded from the Apple web site and they are not really all that easy to find, well iTunes is, but the user's guide took a little more time to find.

The problem with the user's guide is that it is rather large and I just didn't feel like killing off another tree to print it. So I never really bothered to look at it unless I had a question about a specific feature. But, the lack of a printed user's guide or at the very least a getting started with your iPod and iTunes pamphlet was a real disappointment and a turn off for Apple products (I won't be going to a Mac anytime soon).

Fortunately there are a good selection of third party books on the market that more than make up for the lack of a user's guide (this in no ways changes the fact that for the price of the iPod Apple really should include something with it.) However, now on top of $250 plus tax you have to buy a book too (if you want to learn important things like how to turn your iPod off, Apple doesn't include an on/off button with it. Not my idea of user friendly.) Ultimately the book I chose was The iPod and iTunes Pocket Guide, 2nd Edition Cover Shot by Christopher Breen and published by Peachpit Press.

I choose this book for several reasons.

1. It is a nice size at about 5x7-inches give or take a couple of fractions of an inch.
2. It covers both the iPod hardware and the iTunes software. To me that is like getting two books in one. Not a bad deal.
3. It is only $9.99 cover price, available online for less than that.
4. I liked the layout. It is easy on the eyes and has a nice clean design.

There aren't a lot of screen or product shots, but I don't think that is a bad thing. Most of what you are doing or wanting to do is made easier by the book thanks to the step-by-step instructions that it has. I find with this kind of hand holding that a lot of screen shots aren't really needed and it does help keep the book small, portable and affordable.

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Meet the iPod

Chapter 2: Controls and Interface

Chapter 3: iTunes and You

Chapter 4: The iTunes Store

Chapter 5: The Informational iPod

Chapter 6: Accessories

Chapter 7: Tips and Tricks

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Your iPod

As you can see from the chapter list above the book covers everything you need from getting to know your new iPod, to using the controls and yes, how to turn it off. It also covers iTunes and how to use the software as well as the iTunes store. I also liked the accessories chapter as it covers some of the cool third party gadgets you can get for your iPod. Things like docks, fm transmitters, boom boxes and more. The tip and tricks section and the troubleshooting sections are also a must read.

Overall I found this book to be a good and affordable replacement for the user's guide you don't get with your new iPod. The iPod and iTunes Pocket Guide, 2nd Edition covers all iPod models including the nano and the latest accessories. There is even a nice little section that explains the differences between all of the different iPods and the various generations. Well worth the $9.99 cover price.