iPhone: The Missing Manual

by David Pogue

As you'd expect of Apple, the iPhone is gorgeous. The Missing Manual is a book as breathtaking as its subject. Teeming with high-quality color graphics, each custom designed page helps you accomplish specific tasks -- everything from Web browsing to watching videos. Written by New York Times columnist and Missing Manual series creator David Pogue, this book shows you how to get the most out of your new Apple iPhone.The name iPhone may be doing Apple a disservice. This machine is so packed with possibilities that the cellphone may actually be the least interesting part. The iPhone is at least three products merged into a phone, a wide-screen iPod and a wireless, touch-screen Internet communicator. The iPhone's beauty alone may be enough for you to dig for your credit cards, but its Mac OS X-based software makes it not so much a smartphone as something out of the film "Minority Report."The real magic, however, awaits when you browse the Web. You get to see the entire Web page on the iPhone's screen. All of this is cooked up with Apple's traditional secret sauce of simplicity, intelligence and whimsy.Written by New York Times columnist and Missing Manual series creator David Pogue, The Missing Manual shows you everything they need to know to get the most out of your new Apple iPhone. Full of humor, tips, tricks, and surprises, this book teaches you how to extend iPhone's usefulness by exploiting its links to the Web as well as its connection to Macs or PCs; how to save money using Internet-based messages instead of phone calls; and how to fill the iPhone with TV shows and DVDs for free.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Technology, Computers

552 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

David Pogue, Yale '85, is the weekly personal-technology columnist for the New York Times and an Emmy award-winning tech correspondent for CBS News. His funny tech videos appear weekly on CNBC. And with 3 million books in print, he is also one of the world's bestselling how- to authors. He wrote or co-wrote seven books in the "For Dummies" series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music). In 1999, he launched his own series of amusing, practical, and user-friendly computer books called Missing Manuals, which now includes 100 titles.

David and his wife, Jennifer Pogue, MD, live in Connecticut with their three young children.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Pogue's Missing Manuals are always useful, generally even more than I hope. I know that for Apple products there is no info provided beyond how to turn it on and what a few buttons do. With the iPhone, it's so intuitive that many people may not think they need a book like this. With my first iPhone I saw a few books like this at the library and decided to check them out (no pun intended). I thought Pogue's was the best of the bunch and picked up at least 20 tips I'd never have figured out for myself, and I'm good at exploring and trying options. With the 3Gs version I still picked up a few more tips. I also grabbed a few other books and thought that Pogue's far exceeded them; the Dummies book was pretty good.

I highly recommend this book and the Missing Manual Series if you want to make the most of your equipment and software. I promise, you will discover things that you will use every day that will make your tasks easier. Now I need to start plowing through his Snow Leopard book - that thing weighs a ton! But it's because the software is so versitile and I'm sure I'm only using 10% of it's capacity. We'll see, I'll report back eventually.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

iPhone the Missing Manual is an in-depth instruction manual that will help many learn how to use their iPhone.

[Cathy]

Review of the 5th Edition: As usual, I learned a bunch of usrful tips from this book, even though I've been using iOS 5 for months. I really recommend that all iOS 5 and iPhone 4 and 4s users check this out, no matter how handy you are or how good at exploring the options of the phone on your own, you're sure to have missed a few of the most useful tricks. And it would be a great gift for a friend who isn't quite as good at trying everything on her or his own as well.

[Ray S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness, actual insight into my phone!

[Spiranthes100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have read this years ago when I had my first iPhone. It gives great insights, tips and explanations in a friendly and casual style. Thoroughly recommend.

[Al Maki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of useful information but if anybody associated with production of the book is listening, please pay attention to page numbers in indices. In the edition I read probably a quarter of them were wrong. This is a problem in a reference book.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Having just upgraded to an iphone 6, I was looking forward to learning the differences from my iphone 5 as well as picking up little tips along the way. The book is very comprehensive, covering nearly every aspect of iphone usage. As well, a great clickable index in the back and comprehensive troubleshooting section provide a one-stop reference for iphone ownership. The tone is friendly but my one complaint is that the graphic layout is cramped, overly busy, and could really use a more inspired professional hand. But copious amounts of photographs and diagrams go a long way to making the print easier to digest.

The book breaks down as follows: Part 1 covers phone calling: dialing, answering voice control, voice mail, conference calling, texts, Facetime, Siri, etc. Part 2 covers the built in software: music, podcasts, movies, tv shows, photos, videos, etc. Apps are also extensively covered. Part 3 covers the iphone and the internet: email, web browsing, tethering, etc. Part 4 describes Apple services beyond the phone: itunes, syncing calendars, etc. Part 5 contains an appendix that walks you through the set up process and then a second appendix that covers troubleshooting, maintenance, and battery information.

Because the book is so thorough, it makes the perfect companion purchase when buying an iphone 6 (which doesn't come with a manual). Even for those who have an iphone 5 or newer, this is a great reference to find all the new features and hidden treasures of the iphone 6 and iOS 9. And although 550+ pages sound a lot, most of the book is filled with photographs helping all the text make sense. This book can be covered in under two hours, much less with skimming. As such, it is suitable for those looking for better usage or those purchasing their first iphone. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first got my iPhone last July it was the iPhone For Dummies: Includes iPhone 3GS book that I got and read. I like the Dummies books; I also like Pogue’s Mac books. So, I decided to get this book too, and I’m glad I read it. Either book will be incredibly helpful, and both together cover probably everything you could ever want to know. Since by the time I read this book I had been using my iPhone for nearly a year, I already knew most of this book’s contents, but I did learn a few new tips. Either they weren’t in the Dummies book or I’d forgotten them. I do think each book has some content the other doesn’t have. I recommend both books; they’re terrific.

Of course, a brand new iPhone model is coming out this summer and they’ll get their own new books. For me, as long as I have my current 3GS iPhone, this book and the Dummies book are both indispensable, and they’re both fun to read and it’s also fun (and very useful) to apply what is learned.

For this book I skimmed the Mobile Me section because I don’t have it and I skimmed the Buying Accessories section because I have all that I need. But, because of the other sections, I learned and/or remembered some new options and I reset a few things on my iPhone.

I highly recommend both this book and the Dummies book. Between the two of them, any iPhone 3G and 3GS user will have all they need to make the phone fun and practical to use, and also easy to troubleshoot any problems that arise.

[Ursula Johnson]

The Definite iPhone Guide Updated for 6, 6 Plus & iOS8

I love the Missing Manual series. I have several copies and always buy the new edition when a new iPhone comes out and the OS is updated. It doesn't matter if you already have an iPhone, are new to the OS or are wondering what the fuss is about or considering a switch. David Pogue writes with wit, these books are very funny, something you don't see in many computer manuals. They are also, full color, easy to read and understand and packed with tips, tricks and insider info and explanations. Mr. Rogue was the New York Times Tech columnist for years until Yahoo stole him away. He's also a Nova host, former CBS news correspondent and a natural comedian. He started the Missing Manual series to provide excellent guides with a dose of fun and humor. The tagline is "The book that should have been in the box." That is so true. If you want to know how to master the device, this book is it. Skip the sample, just buy the book you won't be disappointed. Even long time iOS veterans like me will always find things you didn't know and news you can use. The high standards are maintained in this edition. A must have guide.

[Janet Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I bought my iPhone, but quickly discovered that it wasn't as obvious to do certain things as I'd expected. Not wanting to wait until someone had time to sit down with me and walk me through everything, I decided to order this book.

I quickly learned important basics such as how to copy and paste text (you don't double tap as I'd guessed) and how to install new apps. I also learned about a lot of other features I wouldn't even have thought to look for.

Like the other books in the series, you can sit and read it from cover to cover, trying out different things as you go, and keep it on hand as a reference manual for times when a question pops up. The author doesn't talk down to you by calling you a Dummie or a Complete Idiot, nor does he expect you to be a technical wizard. Instead, he offers a great combination of humour and valuable information.

I am very happy I bought it, and I'm sure it won't be the last "Missing Manual" I add to my library.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Missing Manual books are always my first choice for learning about new programs and devices.

I have been an iPhone owner since the first model. I read blogs all the time about technology. Still, I picked up quite a few tips about my iPhone 5S and iOS 7 as I went through this manual. If you have an iPhone 5, 5C, or 5S but are barely utilizing its features, I can highly recommend this book to you.

[Rayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

You probably could learn everything about your iPhone on your own, but it would take a while. Progue's manual is pretty thorough and easy to skim through. I found most of what I wanted to know was highlighted in easy to find yellow text boxes ie create free ringtones, find applications, full keyboard, dowloading contacts, synching etc.

[Daynah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you're an iPhone newbie. There are also some great tips and tricks if you're an iPhone veteran! With the new iPhone OS 3.0+ and iPhone 3Gs phones, there are hidden treasures everywhere. There are 17 chapters full of great information and screenshots. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about the iPhone.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, I think this is an easy to read, very basic book on the iPhone. If you're totally clueless about how to use your new iPhone, it could be a lot of help.

I picked up one great tip (how to type punctuation with only one touch); other than that, I already had a good handle on the rest of the information.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice reference book. Granted, if you have played with your phone at all, some of this is pretty basic. What I like, however, is that not only is it informative, but it's written in a fun way to read with a bit of humor sprinkled in. Even for the techno-junkies out there you can probably find out how to do something in a way you haven't discovered yet.

[Jeanne Boyarsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an iPad so I'm not unfamiliar with the device. But getting my first iPhone, there was a lot I didn't know. I also got useful tips like how to get a scientific calculator to come up (flip phone 90 degrees). I also learned about pressing hard to get different options, about settings and more. Good read and fast way to get up to speed.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just learned an iPhone typing tip from the someone who has read this book. If you want to put a comma in, press and hold the 123 button and drag to the comma (or any character on that side) and when you release, it takes you back to the letters keyboard!

[Bozhidar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up a few tricks from the book, but its target group seems to be mostly people with no experience with smartphones. Therefore I found the book quite bloated at some places, with less substance that I would have liked to see.

[Gary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best tech-type manual I have ever read. Easy to understand. Presents useful information an easy to understand, but not simplified manner. The author should be hired by the IRS to write their instructions.

[Poem.gl]

Hello

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

More for newbies - I knew almost all of these "tricks" just from using the device.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly learned new things about my phone, and I've had my phone for over a year. This was a good informative manual.

[Tony Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starter book for any iPhone user

[Doug Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a tech manual...Pogue's a good writer and it covers everything from the very basic, to the detailed.

[Brenda Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eeeehh. Not wonderful, but okay. Nothing new. Nothing one couldn't figure out. It's a fine starter book. Explains the basic. If you had smartphones before, this will not curl your toes

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and written by someone with a sense of humor.

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of tips, especially for those of us who don't have time to figure out the quirks and possibilities serendipitously. ;-)

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been valuable to me in understanding how the iPhone actually works and in identifying really useful shortcuts. David Pogue is much better than other authors of how to books.

[Ricardo Schenkel]

its ok