Review - The Macintosh iLife '04

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A Book Review
by Maria O. Arguello

iLife Book Title: The Macintosh iLife '04

Author: Jim Heid
Media: Soft cover, with a training DVD
Publishers: Peachpit Press and Avondale
ISBN: 0-321-24671-3
Price: $24.99 (UG Price 20% off)
For more info visit: www.peachpit.com/title/0321170113
For UG Pricing: www.mugcenter.com/vendornews/vendornews.html
Rating: 5 out of 5 Apples
Review date: August, 2004

The Macintosh iLife '04 is worth much more than its price, because of the valuable included two-hour instructional DVD. I own three versions of The Macintosh iLife and this latest version is definitely not excess baggage, because it presents the iLife with all the new features in '04 in a very comprehensive manner. Everything comes together before your eyes — the music, movies, and photos. The book covers iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and GarageBand all in one place.

Jim Heid not only captures the ease of use of Apple's iLife, which is the Apple trademark, but he also gives you so much more. You learn how to digitize old records, photos, and movies. Plus in this latest version learn all about GarageBand loops, iMovie plug-ins, essential audio utilities, AppleScripts, and many suggestions for accessories and essential add-ons.

The beautiful color illustrations jump out at you, making this book so enjoyable to read and so easy to follow at your computer. The book also includes a section on the iPod, covering up to the third generation iPod. The new fourth-generation iPods came out a month after the publication. It's so hard to keep up with the rapid changes in Apple's iLife suite.

This book deserves to be in everybody's library as one of the most valuable books for mastering iLife '04. I give it 5 out of 5 Apples.

One more thing: If you ever have a chance to participate in Jim's iDay, do not let the opportunity pass. I spent a day with Jim Heid learning about iLife, Photoshop, and third party add-ons to enhance my digital media experience. The day costs $99, and is a bargain. You may find more information about the session at MWX SF '04, at www.iday2004.com/.

Maria O. Arguello
Reviewer: Maria O. Arguello

Maria O. Arguello is a native-born Nicaraguan, naturalized American citizen, who is serving her first term as president and vendor liaison of the Main Line Macintosh Users Group (MLMUG). She also served for several years as Member-at-Large and as Special Events Coordinator. She is an active member of several MUGs, including the Macintosh User Group of Southern New Jersey (MUGSNJ); Princeton Macintosh User Group (PMUG), where she serves as a board member; South Jersey Apple User Group (SJAUG); the Macintosh Business Users Society (MacBUS), where she served as secretary for a year; and Macs@PACS. She is a member of the Apple Consultants Network and the Apple Regional Liaison. Maria enjoys learning about the diversity of the user group community and loves to attend conferences for the Mac to represent her home group, MLMUG.

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