Review: What a surprise! I don't need a phone to play with Instagrams!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 14, 2012
Every time I've heard about Instagram, I've tuned it out.  I have a very basic cell phone that I rarely use. As an author and artist, I'm either at home (out in the boonies, where my landline and Skype are more reliable) or I'm working in the field. (This means a "no, you can't use your phone" library, or literally in some middle-of-nowhere field in the countryside.)In either case, I rarely use my cell phone and only keep one for infrequent exceptions and emergencies.However, I hate feeling like I'm missing something important.  It gets worse: Every day, Instagram sounds more like Something Important.So, I'm pretty happy with this little book.  In screenshots, with clear directions and links to resources I'll need, it's talking me through the process of using Instagram from my PC.  Everything is free and easy, so far, and... well, I'll admit, that first download looks like a major time sink. (Others would call it fun, but they clearly have more self-control than I do.  For me, any shiny thing is a risk.  Every distraction is yet another excuse not to work!)Each step has been simple and includes both an explanation (in words I understand) and screenshots (with arrows) so I'm pretty sure it's impossible to go wrong with this.I'm very excited about this book.  We need lots more books like this -- things "for the rest of us," explained simply and in just a few pages -- that empower us without adding more to the stack of electronics on the desk (or in my purse or backpack).I love alternatives to tech toys.  This offers all the benefits (well, all the ones I care about) and none of the liabilities. Also, it includes plenty of how-to extras for people like me who -- especially when it comes to graphics -- want lots of control and options.  Yes, this is a very good book!