Rating: 
Summary: useful... but possibly outdated soon?
Review: Panther is shipping soon. With this in mind, this manual, based on Jaguar, may be slightly outdated. Not Pogue's fault, he is fantastic. But you might want to buy a manual written after 10.3 Panther comes out.
Rating: 
Summary: This book made me glad I switched from XP to OS X (Jaguar).
Review: I bought my first Mac since the IISE this week, and I really didn't have any idea how much customization was built into OS X 10.2 (Jaguar). Furthermore, I couldn't figure out how to do some of the simple things I had done on my XP machine, and I was afraid they couldn't be done at all. This book really opened my eyes to the power and beauty of Jaguar. I'm certain I would have learned some of this experimentally, but the book sped up the process considerably. As I page through it, I try each new lesson on my new Powerbook, making it a very enjoyable read.The Missing Manual is well-written, at times funny (without overdoing it), and very reasonably priced. Pogue's genuine admiration of OS 10.2 is infectious; it makes one proud to own a Mac. It is a must-read if you are new to Macs. If there is an update/rewrite for 10.3 (Cougar), I will almost certainly buy that as well. Amin Sabet, M.D.
Rating:
Summary: David Pogue knows Macs!
Review: This book really helped me get up to speed on Macs and OSX. I was new to Macs and really in the dark about what to do with 'em! But, the book, written in a very breezy yet knowledgable format cured that problem. There's good background info, too. It's not simply about trouble shooting, but actually teaching you how to do it. I highly recommend this book and all of David Pogue's work!
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Summary: Easy to understand!!
Review: I just bought an iMac OS 10.2.3 after having a PowerMac OS 8.6. Obviously, I have some catching up to do and this book is really terrific in helping me when I need it. For every problem or question I've had, I was able to get an answer. I ran into an error message from my printer that came out of the blue, and using the index for "error messages," I followed directions and it cleared the problem up! Well worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Buy this if you use OS X
Review: David Pogue is probably the most lucid, entertaining and knowledgeable Mac-related writer on the planet today.
His genuine enthusiasm for, and wisdom about the subject are tempered perfectly by both humour and pragmatism.
This book is a superb combination of:
a 'dummy's' guide that doesn't treat the reader like a dummy;
an expert guide that doesn't bamboozle the non-expert;
a trouble-shooting guide for those who dive in 'head first'; and,
a superb reference volume for anyone who uses this operating system.
If Apple had no other advantage over Microsoft than David Pogue they would still be miles ahead.
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Summary: It's Just Right!
Review: David's book is easy to follow and thorough. Switching to OSX from Microsoft Windows, an older version of MacOS, UNIX, or LINUX involves learning some new things. First time computer owners need skills and information as well. This title fits the bill as the definitive operating system book authority. I am an experienced user and found many useful pieces of information. The writing style is such that even a person new to computers will be able to follow along and learn a lot in short order, yet experienced Information Technology specialists will also find the book helpful. This book a great title to keep as reference. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of errors
Review: I recently started using Mac OS X after winning a free Macintosh. I was not impressed at all, and the learning curve was really steep, so I bought David Pogue's book. However, as I followed the sections step by step, I found there were a number of errors. As a "missing manual," this is not acceptable. Back it goes.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work on OS X Jaguar
Review: Great book for reading through the chapters or to just pick it up to solve a certain issue. I was an old pro with Mac OS 8/9, but new to OS X -- this is essential to pick up on the differences in OS X in quick fashion.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the best
Review: David Pogue for god! I've been using his manuals since the first Mac for Dummies, upgrading every time I upgraded my computer. He's saved me thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of grief. A gifted writer, who knows his stuff and has a great sense of humor. This series is equally valuable for the novice and for the expert. I've recommended it to everyone I know who has a Mac. You really can't do better.
Rating:
Summary: Essential
Review: IMHO, this book is a must-have for all Mac users running OS 10.2 The new Mac's are wonderful machines but they aren't perfect. On several occasions this book has helped me out of confusing situations with my new Mac.
As I think another reviewer has noted, while you certainly can read this book cover to cover, you will likely find it more valuable as a reference, one to keep handy at your computer desk. You'll be a long time exhausting it's information. There's hardly a thing concerning 10.2 that's not covered here. In fact, the extensive detail (explaining every option available for just about every function) can get a bit confusing for newbies to the new Macs. For first-timers, like myself, I would also recomment Pogue's own "Switching to the Mac," or "Teach Yourself Visually: Mac OS X." The latter is particularly good as a bare-bones, get you up and running introduction to OS 10.2 and I highly recommend it as well.
"Mac OS X: the Missing Manual" more than pays for itself over time. No Mac user should be without it.
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