by Michael Briney

Apple Training Series: Desktop and Portable Systems

Publisher Peachpit Press; Book and CD-Rom edition
ISBN: 0321256115; Published: Jun 18, 2004; Copyright 2004;
Dimensions 7-3/8 X 9-1/8 ; Pages: 864; Edition: 1st. US $49.99 (list) Amazon US 33.99.

Whether your intent is to become Apple Certified as a ACDT (Desktop) or ACPT (Portable) or you simply want all troubleshooting schemes (graphics, step-by-step how to and more) that Apple uses to determine what may or may not be wrong with a system (when they do go "bad") then this is the definitive hardware guide for you.

This is a self-paced, step-by-step training course on Apple's desktop and portable computers, designed for both people who support Apple computers as a part of their jobs and well as Mac enthusiasts who want to get their fingers into their favourite machines. Prime to the learning objectives of the Apple Desktop Service and Apple Portable Service certification exams, this guide is a perfect supplement to anyone thinking of taking AppleCare Technician Training as well as a first-rate primer for computer support personnel who need to upgrade and service Macs. The book covers troubleshooting common hardware components such as CRT and LCD displays, plus detail and diagrams for taking apart, upgrading, and repairing four sample computer models.

The included CD-ROM includes:
• Four complete service manuals plus utilities and diagnostic tools
• Illustrations and diagrams
• Lesson goals and time estimates for planning time
• Chapter review tests very similar to those used in Apple Certification testing to summarize what you've learned
• Excellent coverage of basic computer theory, common hardware components, and underlying technologies
• Detailed take-apart and upgrade procedures for iMac, eMac, PowerMac, iBook and PowerBook

Suffice to say, if you work on Apple computers at all - then you'll need this book to save you time and money (time is money after all) when dealing with hardware and hardware upgrades. As a certified member of the Apple Consultants Network, I've found the information in this book to be highly informative and invaluable to anyone working with/ on Macintosh systems. I highly recommend this guide.

This series serves as both a self-paced learning tool and a companion resource for the AppleCare Technician and Apple Customer Training Programs. Upon completion of the course material in this book, you can become an Apple Certified Technician by passing the Apple Portable Service and Desktop Service exams. To learn more, visit http://www.apple.com/training.
Other books in the Apple Training Series include: Mac OS X Help Desk, iLife '04 GarageBand, Final Cut Pro HD, DVD Studio Pro 2, Logic 6, Shake 3
(c) copyright 2004 Michael Briney, Apple Corps of Dallas (ACD), Dallas, TX
Reprinted by permission.

MACinations November 04