In these days before Palm’s Pre smartphone finally arrives, fans of that brand-new device are airing gripes about the iPhone. The iPhone isn’t perfect by a long shot. Especially to those who don’t own one and can’t become an ATT customer here in the US. But even if you do use Apple’s mobile device to help run your business, you might wish for iPhone features like multiple programs running all at once.

These self-professed “power users” of smartphones will enjoy iPhone Hacks, the latest O’Reilly Press book that shows every iPhone user how to add features like multitasking to the phone. Smartphones such as the iPhone are the ultimate portable computer, at their hearts. iPhone Hacks shows you how to take command of your mobile computer, to become king of all that rests in your palm.

The advice in this book runs from understanding what Apple permits its everyday users all the way to modifying hardware inside the iPhone. Along the way this book, with its copious photos, screen shots and step-by-step guidance, tells users about “jailbreaking,” another word for “opening the iPhone or iPod Touch to customization.” Read the rest of this entry »