Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Leopard Edition (Missing Manual)

First Mac? SWITCHING ... is fundamental. It will help you to save a lot of time.
Highly recommended

I bought this book when I needed a laptop and was trying to decide between a pc and a macbook. The book explained the differences very well so I understood what I was getting and what I was giving up by purchasing a mac. I decided to buy a Macbook and since then, this book has been invaluable. I am not ignorant but I'm far from being a geek and this book is awesome for explaining how to do things in a straight forward manner, with explicit step by step directions. If you are buying a mac for the first time - this book is the best $20 you'll ever spend.

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Leopard Edition (Missing Manual)

This manual does a much better job of pointing out the differences between Microsoft and Leopard but does little to help someone making the switch from one platform to the other. It's a good thing I paid for Apple support and not depended on being able to get a manual to help me implement the changes and processes I need to work on Apple.

Purchased this manual to make the transition from PC to Mac easier since NO written instructions come with computers anymore and wanted some insight as to different keystroke commands and translation of what Apple calls programs, files etc. in one source. All-in-all, the book did just what I expected, and as a bonus, it is a pretty good introduction to what comes with an iMac and how to get the most from it. I also had a couple of programs that could only run under Windows and book provided pros and cons of various options. Again, all info that is out on the Web someplace, but nice to have in hand. I think the index could be a little more comprehensive. I also don't mind the 'you just saved 5 bucks' ploy by including a web site URL instead of a CD in the back of the book. 4 out of 5 because the index is wanting and some topics could be explained in more depth than simply restating the obvious.

As a switcher, I really appreciate this book. It focuses on the needs and typical concerns of the PC to Mac switcher, both by way of basic Mac education as well as comparison, and packs in a tremendous amount of content.

I have to fault the book on its publishing flaws, however. While the approach and content hit the mark, it really does appear somewhat thrown together - not so much in layout or flow, but very much so in editing. Were the errors few they would be a nit. Unfortunately, there are enough to present a level of irritation, hence 4 stars instead of 5.

Still, currency is of the essence in computer technology titles. This book will require a refresh when Snow Leopard is out, for example. As best I can tell, the content is up-to-date for Leopard, and the book very nicely addresses the needs of the here and now in spite of its flaws.