Labs

This is the only book here in colour and it's visually appealing. Tasks are presented as step-by-step guides down the side of the page, with crisp, annotated screenshots opposite. There's a brief discussion of each task, although it doesn't lend itself to the broader conversation found elsewhere.

The range of topics includes using TextEdit as a word processor and a description of what .Mac has to offer. But more specialist aspects, such as running Windows applications, aren't afforded much depth, with Boot Camp being the only proffered description. Uninstalling software is unfortunately simplified to just trashing the application - and some descriptions leave a great deal to be desired, being unhelpfully self-referential.

This isn't the book for those looking for in-depth discussion or hidden secrets, and keyboard shortcuts are a little thin on the ground. It's more suited to outright beginners who don't need these; those with intermediate skills should look elsewhere.