Labs

This Rough Guide doesn't just cover Leopard - it also devotes several chapters to the Mac and highlights reasons to switch to the platform. They serve as a simple buyer's guide, even dipping into the second-hand market and upgrades.

Each subject covered provides pointers to related sites, alternative applications and where to get more information, living up to the Rough Guide name. Asides, such as tips and useful short cuts, are presented in the margin and highlighted in cyan throughout, making for clear presentation, although the colour choice isn't very pleasing.

There's little technical detail, which is helpful for beginners. But it's too simplistic in places. Boot Camp is supplemented by talk of Virtual PC rather than more relevant options for Intel Macs, and a simple lack of power is offered as a reason to avoid the Mac mini for tasks such as gaming. However, the pointers to other sources should help even intermediates to expand their knowledge of particular subjects.