Documentation rant (slightly) -- no user manual in PDF?!?

Question

Documentation rant (slightly) -- no user manual in PDF?!?

I realize that in this day and age, manuals are bulky, extraneous and heavy. Oh, and not to mention they are also made out of paper. No big deal, honest.

I'm okay that there are no paper manuals, but why why WHY did they not include a standard PDF version of the user manual?

It's not even an option in the help menu anymore.

In looking at where the L8 manual is supposed to be, nested deep within the contents of the application package -- and voila -- instead of a simple, easy to use (and print) PDF file there are loads and loads of ... HTML files?!?

Does Apple really think that opening Safari (or Firefox) is going to be any faster than using Preview?

Who signed off on this? 😉

Sorry, it's a rant I know. If there is another solution, like buying bound copies of the manuals, I will do it. But why did they take away the pdf?!?

G5 dual 2.0, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jul 25, 2009 5:20 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 25, 2009 10:27 PM in response to extensivegroup

I'm also frustrated by the new documentation. Is there anyway to have it not always on top? With the manual open, I can't switch to any other apps, ***? The manual blocks everything, forcing me to close it or minimize, instead of just switching apps. I can't even see my browser or email if the manual is open. Is this a bug?

I definitely preferred the Logic 8 pdf in preview.

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Answer 2

Jul 25, 2009 10:39 PM in response to jamesgrote

The more time I spend using this update the more I'm convinced that this release was rushed out the door way too fast, and should have necessitated a point-release rather than an entire full-number release. The fact that there is no reasonably useful user manual in PDF only proves this.

How can Apple realistically expect Pro users to use this form of documentation?

I for one loved closing Preview and knowing that when I reopened it I'd be on the exact same page as when I closed it. It was fast, search was a breeze etc. etc. etc.

Didn't Apple have a forum thread "sticky" that dealt with this issue (ie. the printed documentation)? Didn't they listen to the feedback there, which seemed positive on PDF?

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Answer 3

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,416 points

Jul 26, 2009 1:10 AM in response to extensivegroup

I fully agree, and I think they should put out a PDF ASAP or even sooner! I mean, how hard can it be to also make a PDF version?

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Answer 4

Jul 26, 2009 1:39 AM in response to Eriksimon

+1

I agree! Apple made a survey over the last two years where people could tell which kind of manual they prefer. I hope the current manual is not the conclusion of this survey.
Doesn't the version 9 package include a printed manual?

And yes: Some sticky threads would be a great thing.

Cheers

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Answer 5

Jul 26, 2009 1:45 AM in response to Eddie Eagle

There is something like that in the STP Forum so why not here?

http://discussions.apple.com/ann.jspa?annID=162

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Answer 6

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,416 points

Jul 26, 2009 1:55 AM in response to Sampleconstruct

Is that posted by a user? Or a moderator?

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Answer 7

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,416 points

Jul 26, 2009 2:13 AM in response to Eriksimon

Hmmm... could have clicked on his profile earlier. So the host has to make that...
Eric or Jeff, could you chime in here?

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Answer 8

Bee Jay

Level 6

10,900 points

Jul 26, 2009 2:18 AM in response to Eriksimon

Yes, I really do not like the lack of a PDF manual.

The Apple Help Viewer is so awful it's unbelievable...

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Answer 9

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,416 points

Jul 26, 2009 2:26 AM in response to Bee Jay

Slow and ugly. Isn't it an OS 7 thing, originally?
I'm glad I am staying on 8 for at least two more months...

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Answer 10

nt005

Level 1

0 points

Jul 26, 2009 5:46 AM in response to extensivegroup

The manual format is not acceptable it needs to be pdf, browsers suck at displaying manuals. Its like Apple is reverting to Adobe help system.

APPLE if you are listening, I do not want to access the manual using a web browser!

I want to be able to read the manual using a scroll wheel not clicking a mouse button every time I'm ready for a new paragraph.

I want search limited to the manual I am reading, not all Pro applications. Even when selecting Logic Pro from the drop down it still searches all pro apps.

When I search I want to see the context of the word, not the paragraph heading.

When I am reading the manual I do not care about all of the on-line links. I am not interested in going to the Apple Training Center on the web. Get the idea. I want the manual optimized for my use at learning about Logic.

There must be someone new in charge of manual creation at Apple. If so, they should be fired.

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Answer 11

Jul 26, 2009 6:16 AM in response to extensivegroup

No PDF manual? Unbelievable!

I use the PDF manual constantly, whenever I'm learning
a new Logic function (and I feel I usually use only about 20%
of what Logic can do).
I keep in in the background, type my question - snap!
there's the relevant section...critical to using Logic.

Unacceptable.

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Answer 12

NoteFarm

Level 2

220 points

Jul 26, 2009 7:23 AM in response to Robert Raposo

I too am shocked and saddened to read the lack of the standard PDF manual.

I ask myself how things like that are allowed to happen.? How dose that possibly help the consumer?

As has already been said, Unacceptable and rather sad.

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Answer 13

Jul 26, 2009 8:34 AM in response to NoteFarm

To the person above who asked if there was a printed manual, the answer is NO. Not even for an extra cost + shipping.

No printed manual. Never will be. Nada.

The only way to access help specific to Logic is via the Help browser.

Seriously, what a complete laugh. Apple, you just listened (6+ months ago) to what we all had to say regarding documentation and take all of it and throw it out the window. Thanks a lot!

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Answer 14

Jul 26, 2009 8:40 AM in response to NoteFarm

I hate Adobe style help. Apple, please fix this!

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Answer 15

Jul 26, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Bob Lyons

Here's my question -- did Apple retard the help in their other Pro Apps, or only this one? Is there anyone who purchased a copy of Final Cut Studio as well, and can you please report as to whether or not you have access to PDF user manuals?

Seriously, this is an absolute shame!

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