Gina Trapani

By far the most useful of several productivity books I've purchased recently. I don't buy these books to join the author on their 'journey' or to hear about how they set up a multi-million-dollar business at university. I need practical, straightforward, clever advice aimed at an educated layman with a standard set of tools, and that's exactly what this volume offers. Divided up into eleven chapters, it focuses on computer shortcuts, software, tricks and hacks that can help you keep your show more inbox clear, fight distraction, and make yourself more productive on a day-to-day basis.

Solutions are given for both Windows and Macs, and for several different internet browsers including IE, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. The authors Pash and Trapani are virtually self-effacing: this is a manual, not a life philosophy, and it's the kind of thing you can dip into for bright ideas. I've only received it today and already I've implemented a couple of hacks. Whether they'll help to make me more efficient, who knows? - but there's a lot of down-to-earth, sensible stuff here and it also brings together several strategies from other books as well. All in all, it's a productivity bible.

So why only four stars? Well, this is the third edition, published in 2011. Many of the hacks are still applicable (LastPass and Evernote, for example), but some have been superseded or are no longer current (e.g. using Picasia to organise your photos). I hope the authors might bring out a fourth edition at some point, but I'll be keeping my eye on the Lifehacker website for more up-to-date tips. Really pleased with this. show less

Well written book with lots of useful tips to improve productivity. Despite being 9 years old, many of the tips' general principles still apply, you just might need to find new tools to accomplish it.

One great example being the hack about RSS, not only is Google Reader dead (RIP) but RSS itself isn't really relevant nowadays since less sites use it and the ones that do often only show short snippets now cause they want people to actually visit the site for ads. A more modern example might be show more to follow topics inside of an app like Google or Apple News. show less

Lifehacker is about Tech tricks, tips and downloads for [b:getting things done|1633|Getting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free Productivity|David Allen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1158299716s/1633.jpg|5759]. If you use a computer, you're bound to find something helpful in this book. They use the hacker as a term for someone who finds easier ways to do things.

The book works for both the novice and the uber-geek. The book recommends a lot of open-source, shareware, or free downloads that show more will make your life easier. Or you could just read the hacks on shortcuts on existing applications that you already have. Let the computer do the mundane and repetitive things in your life. Let it be a tool in your life - not a time sink. Let it be a source of inspiration and not mainly frustration.

Though the book does focus mainly on computer/technology. I find the subset on choices on lifestyle much more helpful. How many times have been late because you couldn't find your keys? Maybe you just want to figure out a way to prepare a nutritious lunch for work each day. Or realize years later you still haven't started writing the next great American novel because you kept procrastinating?

This is the book for you!

Now, lifehacker (http://www.lifehacker.com) does have a website which can overwhelm you with tips on saving time/money and I hope you do check it out. The book just whets your appetite. I docked the book a star because I read about most of these hacks already. But you probably haven't. show less

Many valuable tips and tricks on making the most of your time & life using technology. I love the passion that Ms. Trapani brings into all her work. Could you get the same info off of the website? Yes, but it could take much time and effort to find it all. And that is what the book is all about ... saving you time! I purchased the Kiddle edition first for my iPod Touch, then bought the paperback edition (guess I'm old school and enjoy the tactile sense of holding a book and underlining in show more it!). show less