Become a righteous Mac road warrior with help from Macworld's experts!
Hey, What's This?
If you're familiar with our ebooks, you've probably noticed that this one is different. It was written by our friends at Macworld (some of whom also write for Take Control and TidBITS).
Apple now sells more laptops than desktops, and leaving the desktop behind is more possible than ever before. But if you're ditching the desk chair for a coffeehouse-based office for the first time, taking your first laptop to college, or switching to a job that requires tons of travel, turn to Macworld's team of experts for the advice you need. Whether you're wondering which Mac laptop to buy, which utilities will simplify an on-the-go lifestyle, or just how you'll find Internet connectivity no matter where you are, this ebook has the answers. Also covered are the best ways to access your files at home or the office while you're traveling, suggestions on how to keep your data backed up, security tips tailored for the mobile audience, and the best mobile accessories. Plus, since you may be working where you can't get help from a help desk or consultant, a Troubleshooting chapter provides the essential steps you need to work through the most common problems.
More Info
Contents & Intro
FAQ
Blog
Questions answered in this book include:
How can I find Wi-Fi hotspots while traveling?
What do I need to connect to the Internet via a cellular data service?
What options are there for accessing my home Mac beyond Back to My Mac?
If I don't want to use FileVault, is there a way to encrypt only certain folders?
Can my MacBook change settings automatically when it sees a new network?
What Web tools can I use to collaborate with colleagues while I'm away?
What login settings will protect my data in case my laptop is stolen?
What's the best way to back up files over the Internet?
Are there external batteries to extend the life of my MacBook and iPhone?
Book Info
90 pages
Version 1.0
Published 01-Dec-08
5.9 MB download
ISBN: 0982262108
Free sample with Table of Contents, Introduction, Quick Start, and section starts.
About the Authors
The Macworld Mobile Mac Superguide was written by Glenn Fleishman, Dan Frakes, Rob Griffiths, Joe Kissell, Scott McNulty, Kirk McElhearn, Rich Mogull, Chris Pepper, Gina Trapani, and Bill Wiecking.
Apple's first laptop, the Mac Portable, weighed nearly 16 pounds and cost $6,500. It was a curious thing and people wondered, who would want one? Who could afford one? What would they do with it?
But over the years, portable technology improved. The original PowerBook line created an entire subculture of road warriors—digital nomads who worked when and where they wanted. These days, thanks to the light and fast MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air, using a portable computer isn't reserved for a handful of gearheads. In 2005, 40 percent of the Macs Apple sold were laptops. Now that number is 60 percent. We've crossed some sort of dividing line: portable computers are as mainstream as it gets.
Of course, even the MacBook Air isn't the lightest portable computer Apple makes. That distinction goes to the iPhone and iPod touch, which may pose as cellular phones and music and video players but are in fact complete touch-screen computers running a version of OS X.
Along with the developments to computer hardware has come an- other development vital to the growth of portable computing: the massive expansion of Internet connectivity and wireless networks. The iPhone is attached to a broadband Internet connection almost all the time. Cafes and hotels from Maine to Montana offer speedy Internet connections via Wi-Fi. Small computers and easy-to-acquire Internet connections mean that you don't have to be tethered to your desk to take full advantage of modern technology.
In this book, you'll find everything Macworld knows about using your Mac when you're out and about. If you're in the market for something new, our experts tell you what to look for when you're shopping. Then we'll make sure you get connected, no matter where you are. We have a collection of essential utilities and accessories for mobile users, and a troubleshooting guide for the most common Mac problems. And of course, when your entire world is on a small, light device, security is important—we share the best ways to ensure your laptop and data stay safe, even when you're not paying attention.
There are a lot of great things about being a mobile Mac user. But be- ing mobile also means there are unique challenges. Let this book be your companion when you're on the go.
—Jason Snell, Editorial Director, Macworld
San Francisco, December 2008
Table of Contents
Choose Your Hardware
MacBook Pro
Meet Apple's top-of-the-line laptop and see if it's the right choice for your power-user lifestyle.
MacBook
This classic consumer laptop is faster than you might think. But can you live without FireWire?
MacBook Air
Apple's take on the subnotebook, the superthin Air, is aimed at a specific group of road warriors.
iPhone
You know it's much more than a phone, but do you know it can be an effective mobile office as well?
iPod Touch
It may not have 3G, but the iPod touch is still a remarkably powerful tool for travelers.
Make the Connection
Getting Online
Finding Internet access is half the battle. Here are the best ways to get online and get to work fast.
Phoning Home
Learn how to sync up with your home or office computer and ac- cess your data from far away.
Essential Mobile Utilities
The Basics
Savvy travelers shouldn't leave home without these key troubleshooting and productivity-boosting utilities.
Connections
These nifty applications are must-haves for mobile workers who need to get online or sync their data.
Web Tools
Work and communicate smarter using the best collaborative Web-based programs.
iPhone Tools
Unlock your iPhone or iPod touch's hidden work potential with these innovative apps.
Security to Go
Prevent Theft
These tricks and gadgets will keep your computer from ending up in the wrong hands.
Protect Your Data
Anyone who uses your computer can open your files. Make sure your data's properly protected.
Secure Your Connections
Mobile Mac users are frequently on strange and unprotected networks. Ensure that snoops can't see your private communications and files.
Malware and Other Threats
Take a stand against viruses, phishers, and malware with commonsense tips and the right tools.
Troubleshooting
Backing Up
Having all your data on one device can be risky. Here are the best ways to back up, including online.
Problem Solving
Be your own Genius. Learn how to solve simple problems while miles away from your IT department and the nearest Apple store.
What Else to Pack
Laptop Necessities
Trick out your laptop with the best accessories, like sturdy bags, portable storage, and power solutions.
Security Tools
Ward off potential thieves and track down stolen devices with this collection of safety gear.
iPhone Accessories
Your iPhone or iPod touch is a blank slate just waiting for the right accessories. These cases, skins, and screen protectors will guard it from wear and tear.
Ask a Question
Feel free to ask us if you have a question about this book!
Send Us Your Comments!
How could we not publish such kind words? If you'd like to send us your comments (good or bad, though we hope they're all good), just click the Feedback link on the cover of your copy of the ebook. Be sure to let us know if we can publish your comment. Thanks!
Keeping up with our own Take Control authors is hard enough, but with our friends at Macworld putting together Superguides too, well, we fell behind in the end-of-year crunch in 2008. We now have Macworld's two most recent Superguides in our catalog. The Macworld Mac Security Superguide is particularly interesting, thanks to its real-world advice to help you maintain your privacy online, protect your sensitive data, and keep your Mac safe from both malicious software and intruders. The ebook also helps you lock down your home wireless network, set up a firewall, and secure your data when computing in public. $9.99
And for those who are ditching the desk chair for a coffeehouse-based office for the first time, taking that first laptop to college, or switching to a job that requires tons of travel, the Macworld Mobile Mac Superguide helps you pick the best laptop for your needs, find Internet connectivity wherever you go, share files with your Macs at home, keep your data backed up while on the road, and work through common problems when you can't easily call anyone for help. $9.99
The author lists for these ebooks again include numerous TidBITS and Take Control contributors - yes, it's a small industry, and we work with the best.
