Review: Apple iLife '09

Apple's recent marketing campaigns have mainly focussed on the alleged 'It just works' usability of its technology. This slogan proves particularly pertinent with Apple's iLife '09 software (£69 inc. VAT); a set of five powerful and incredibly easy to use multimedia tools,

The affordably priced suite comprises Apple's iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, GarageBand and iDVD applications. Together, they let you easily create, edit, organise, upload and archive your digital photos, videos, websites and music, regardless of your current experience level.

IPhoto is designed for editing and organising digital snapshots. Red-eye removal and photo retouching tools help you get the best from your photos. Face detection technology then lets you catalogue photos by the names and faces of whoever's in the picture.

Once you're happy with the results, you can then instantly upload your images directly to online services such as Facebook and Flickr. Name tags are added and synced automatically with your Facebook account, and the images are immediately optimised for best results.

IMovie is a similarly usable application for editing home movies. Its drag and drop interface makes it simple to arrange your videos as you like, and you can quickly add music, transitions, titles and effects, without the need for any expert knowledge.

GarageBand may be a familiar name to you, as it is a current favourite of bedroom musicians worldwide. Again, its easy to use interface lets you explore your musical aspirations, and now includes interactive piano and guitar lessons from artists including Sting and Norah Jones.

Next, iWeb provides a range of stylish templates, for you to customise and create your own personal websites, and then upload them to the internet. And finally, iDVD lets you create personalised photo and video DVDs, with full-animated menus among many other features.

While none of these tools match the leading professional software suites, the intuitive usability is ideal for use by family members of all ages. While all new Apple laptops ship with iLife '09 preinstalled, it is nevertheless a near essential purchase for all other Apple laptop owners.

Review via whatlaptop.co.uk